A New Chapter in the Invertebrates Section at NMK: Handover from Mr. Laban Njoroge to Dr. James Odanga

Figure 1. Mr. Laban Njoroge(left) handing over the keys to Dr. James Odanga (right)

Yesterday marked an important milestone for the Invertebrates section at the National Museums of Kenya (NMK), as we bid farewell to a remarkable leader and welcome new stewardship. After 15 years of dedicated service, Mr. Laban Njoroge officially hands over the mantle of Head of Section (HoS) to Dr. James Odanga.

Mr. Njoroge’s leadership has been transformative, laying a strong foundation for the future of invertebrate research and conservation at NMK. His notable achievements include:

1. Capacity Building:
   Mr. Njoroge has played a pivotal role in nurturing talent within the department and beyond, mentoring the next generation of entomologists and researchers in Kenya and the region. His vision has been integral to building a skilled workforce equipped to advance invertebrate studies.
2. Elevating the NMK Collection:
   Under his leadership, the NMK invertebrates collection reached international standards in terms of specimen acquisition and care. This improvement has enhanced both research quality and the institution’s reputation globally.
3. Digitization of Specimen Records:
   Recognizing the value of technology, Mr. Njoroge spearheaded the digitization of specimen records, making the collection more accessible to researchers worldwide. This initiative has improved the efficiency of data sharing and collaboration, positioning NMK as a leader in specimen digitization in Africa.
4. Expanding Storage Capacity:
   As the collection grew, so did the need for proper storage. Mr. Njoroge oversaw a significant increase in storage capacity, ensuring that specimens were housed in optimal conditions for preservation, research, and educational purposes.
5. Recognition as a COMESA Satellite Lab:
   One of the most significant achievements of Mr. Njoroge’s tenure was positioning the NMK lab as one of COMESA’s satellite labs. This status affirms NMK’s role in providing high-quality research and analysis, especially in biodiversity and ecosystem studies.

As we express our gratitude for Mr. Njoroge’s exemplary leadership, we also extend a warm welcome to Dr. James Odanga, who now steps into the role of HoS. With a rich background in research and a passion for invertebrate conservation, Dr. Odanga is poised to build on this legacy and usher the section into a new era of growth and innovation.

We are excited about the future of the Invertebrates section under Dr. Odanga’s guidance and look forward to continued success and scientific discovery.