# Ratemo Michieka

Ratemo Michieka is currently the Chancellor of Tharaka University and former director-general of the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) in Kenya; he is also the founding Vice-Chancellor of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
For a long time, Michieka worked in education and agricultural policy in Eastern Africa. He earned a doctorate in weed science from Rutgers University. He returned to his native Kenya, where he taught and later became chairman of the Department of Crop Science at the University of Nairobi. In 1994, he was named vice chancellor of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology in Nairobi, Kenya, a post equivalent to a U.S. university president. He held the post until he was appointed Director General of the National Environmental Management Authority.

## Background & Family Life

Prof. Ratemo W. Michieka was born in 1950 in Nyamagesa village, Masimba Ward, Kisii County. He demonstrated a keen interest in agriculture and the natural sciences from a young age. After completing his primary education at Ibacho Primary and secondary education at Kisii School, he was awarded a scholarship to pursue his studies at Rutgers University in New Jersey, United States, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree, a Master of Science degree and a Doctor of Philosophy.
Following the completion of his doctoral studies, Prof. Michieka got a postdoctoral research position at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Ibadan, Nigeria. He collaborated with an international team of scientists on projects aimed at improving crop yields in smallholder farming systems in the humid and sub-humid tropics.
Prof. Michieka believes in strong family values. He is married to Esther Nyabonyi Michieka and blessed with four children Nyakundi, Amenya, Kemunto and Michieka and grandfather to several grandchildren. Despite his busy schedule, Prof. Michieka enjoys writing, reading and occasionally playing golf in his club – Kabete VET Lab.

## Career, recognition & works

Prof. Ratemo W. Michieka is a distinguished academic and researcher in Weed Science and Environmental Studies. He is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the National Research Fund (NRF) and the President of Kenya National Academy of Sciences (KNAS). He has held numerous prominent positions both nationally and internationally, contributing significantly to research, science, education and environmental management.
Throughout his distinguished career, Prof. Michieka has consistently demonstrated a profound commitment to education, research and the empowerment of the next generation of leaders. His visionary leadership, scholarly achievements and unwavering dedication have cemented his legacy as a transformative figure in the realm of Kenyan and East African STI.
His contributions to the advancement and promotion of knowledge has been widely recognized. In recognition of his exceptional achievements, he was awarded the prestigious Shining Star (SS), Elder of Burning Spear (EBS), Fellow of the Kenya National Academy of Sciences and later a Distinguished Alumni of Rutgers University. Finally, the University of Nairobi recognized him as a Professor Emeritus.
Prof. Michieka has held various high-level positions in academia; research and development organizations in Kenya, Africa and globally. They include the following:
* Founding Vice Chancellor of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) • Chairman of the Kenyatta University Council • Director General of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) • Member of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) • Chairman of the Inter-University Council of East Africa (IUCEA) • Member of University Science, Humanities and Engineering Partnerships in Africa (USHEPIA) • Member of The International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) • Chairman, Kenya Education Network (KENET) • Founding Chairman of the African Scientific Research and Innovation Council (ASRIC-AU) • Chairman of the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI, now KALRO) • Founder and Chairman of the African Institute for Capacity Development (AICAD) • Chair of the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) • Council Member of the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM) • Board Member of the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KEMFRI) • Commissioner of the Commission for Higher Education (CHE) current Commission for University Education (CUE) • Member, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Weed Specialist Committee • Member, Compliance Committee of the Kyoto Protocol of the UNFCCC • Council member of National Council for Science and Technology (NCST) current National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) • Patron of JICA Ex-Participants Alumni of Kenya (JEPAK) • Patron of Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Students, Upper Kabete Campus, University of Nairobi.
Prof. Michieka made major contributions in the growth and advancement of the various institutions that he served. Some of the key contributions include; serving as the Deputy Principal, Principal, and later appointed as the Founding Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
Other notable achievements include producing the first State of the Environment (SOE) publication for NEMA and addressing environmental pollution and degradation in Kenya. He has conducted extensive research in weed science, focusing on chemical weed control and trained numerous master’s and PhD students who are now contributing to local and international organizations. He has also served on various committees, including the Commission for University Education and the Environmental Institute of Kenya (EIK).
At the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Prof. Michieka served as an advisor and consultant, contributing to various environmental programs and initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development globally specifically in drafting the Montreal Protocol on Access to Benefit Sharing of Resources (ABS). As the former Director-General, Ratemo oversaw the implementation of environmental policies and regulations, contributing to national environmental governance. Prof. Michieka served as the Director-General of NEMA, where he played a crucial role in shaping environmental policies and regulations in Kenya. He worked under the Nobel Laureate late Prof. Wangari Maathai, the then Assistant Minister of Environment.

## Projects and partnerships

Prof. Michieka has been involved in various projects under the ASRIC-EU framework, enhancing research and innovation in agriculture and environmental sciences and promoting the STI Africa Agenda 2063.
Former Chair, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) currently, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO): He is credited for instituting changes in the management of Agricultural research in Kenya. He was also involved in research projects aimed at improving agricultural sustainability and addressing environmental challenges and staff welfare.
He spent 13 years at JKUAT heading the University without an incidence of any riots, an issue that plagued other universities then. Almost 90 per cent of JKUAT graduates at the time got absorbed in industries, government, international organizations and self-employment. Ratemo adheres to strict time management and deadlines.
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC):
Climate Change Advocacy: Prof. Michieka has actively participated in UNFCCC meetings and initiatives, advocating for policies and actions to mitigate climate change impacts globally. He attended and contributed during ‘Meetings of Parties’ (MoPS) and ‘Conference of Parties ‘(CoPS).

## Politics

In 2008 Ratemo Michieka ran for the parliamentary seat of Nyaribari Masaba. He came in third behind Prof. Sam Ongeri and Dr. Hezron Manduku.