National Task Force Laboratory Containment of Poliovirus Visits MMUST for Poliovirus Containment Verification
On 3rd December, 2025, the National Task Force for Laboratory Containment of Poliovirus (NTFLCP) visited Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) to assess its containment of infectious and potentially infectious materials. The delegation, led by Prof. Peter Kenya, was received by the Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor for Planning, Research and Innovation, Prof. Peter Bukhala, who was representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo. The visiting team included representatives from the Ministry of Health, the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI), World Health Organization, Kakamega County Public Health Emergency Operation Centre and MMUST’s Department of Public Health and Environment.
Participants during the courtesy call.
Identifying MMUST as a high-volume health and research institution with potential archives of infectious materials, the team reviewed the University’s laboratories, assessing containment, storage, handling, and disposal protocols for biological samples such as stool specimens, reference swabs, and cerebrospinal fluid. They also evaluated whether MMUST receives such materials from external research institutions, and if so, how they handle them.
Guided by the MMUST’s Public Health Officer, Mr. Ian Murunga, the delegation visited the School of Public Health, Biomedical Sciences & Technology, and engaged with faculty from the Department of Medical Laboratory Science, including the Dean, Dr. Evans Raballah. They also inspected the School of Medicine, and the University’s Health Facility.
Prof. Peter Bukhala speaks with representatives from the World Health Organization.
The Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI), supported by World Health Organization (WHO), continues to lead national efforts to ensure safe containment of poliovirus and potentially infectious materials through the National Task Force Laboratory Containment of Poliovirus (NTF). The NTF is mandated to coordinate laboratory surveys, develop a comprehensive national inventory of laboratories handling polio or polio-related materials, and conduct verification visits, followed by recommendations to ensure compliance with biosafety standards.
Other notable personalities present during the visit were, Prof. Peter Borus of World Health Organization; NTF Coordinator, Dr. Peter Lokamar; Mr. Babrack Wahuga, a representative from Kakamega Public Health Emergency Operation Centre; and Mr. John Matoke.
Certainly, the NTF’s verification visit to MMUST was key not just for compliance and institutional safety, but for safeguarding public health, preserving decades of investment in polio eradication, and preventing the resurgence of a devastating disease.
By Caren Nekesa
