Charles N Agoti

I am a Senior Research Scientist working with the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI). My research area of interest is virus molecular epidemiology. I am currently based at the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP) in Kilifi, Kenya. My background is in Biochemistry, and I have an MSc in the Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases and a PhD in Life Sciences. For over 15 years I have primarily focused on elucidating the epidemiology common respiratory and intestinal infections in Kenya using modern molecular approaches e.g. real-time RT-PCR and next generation sequencing. I helped establish the initial whole genome sequencing protocols for a range of medically important viruses in Kenya including RSV, rotavirus, hMPV etc. During COVID-19, I co-led the KWTRP laboratory response overseeing set up of diagnostics and its whole genome sequencing. I have co-supervised to completion 2 PhD students and > 10 MSc students. Currently I am supported by a Wellcome Career Development Award.