When Science Leaves the Lab and Enters the Airwaves.

BY AGALOMBA LEAKEY

ADM: SCJ/023/2023

At Rongo University, climate science is not confined to lecture halls or research papers; it travels through radio waves into villages across Migori County. Scientists and journalism students have learned that for research to make a difference, it must be understood by the people it is meant to serve. As climate change intensifies floods, droughts, and food insecurity, the university has embraced community radio as a powerful tool for translating science into everyday knowledge.

Innovating Against Climate Change.

BY AGALOMBA LEAKEY

ADM: SCJ/023/2023

At Rongo University, climate change is more than a subject in textbooks—it is a call to action for students who are turning knowledge into entrepreneurship. Young innovators are designing solutions that address environmental challenges while creating opportunities for income and community growth. From solar-powered irrigation systems to drought-resistant crops, the university’s youth are at the forefront of transforming climate science into practical business ventures.

Catalyzing Science and Innovation in Rural Kenya.

BY AGALOMBA LEAKEY

ADM: SCJ/023/2023

Rongo University, located in Migori County in southwestern Kenya, is swiftly emerging as a hub for scientific inquiry and innovation beyond its traditional academic offerings. Originally established to serve local students with degree programs in education and social sciences, it has in recent years embraced science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines to respond to pressing community challenges. For many residents, this transition symbolizes a transformation where local knowledge meets modern scientific approaches to create real-world impact.

At the heart of Rongo University’s science push is the School of Pure and Applied Sciences, where students and faculty are applying research to issues that affect their community directly.

When Science Saved My Village.

BY USHER OWUOR

ADM: SCJ/208/2023

When the rains failed for the third season in a row, residents of Kanyadhiang’ village feared the worst. Crops dried up, livestock weakened, and families struggled. Hope came unexpectedly through

Agricultural Impacts.

BY DAVID BARASA

ADM: SCJ/080/2023

Agriculture is one of the oldest and most essential human activities, forming the backbone of civilization and economic development. It provides food, raw materials, and employment for a large portion of the global population. From small-scale subsistence farming to large commercial operations, agriculture plays a central role in ensuring food security, supporting livelihoods, and sustaining communities. Without agriculture, modern societies would not be able to survive.

Educational Impacts.

BY DAVID BARASA

ADM: SCJ080/2023

Education is one of the most powerful tools for personal development and societal progress. It enables individuals to acquire knowledge, develop skills, and form values that guide their behavior throughout life. Education is not limited to formal schooling but is a lifelong process that shapes attitudes, beliefs, and the ability to adapt to change. A well-educated society is better equipped to solve problems, promote innovation, and ensure sustainable development.

Health Influence.

BY DAVID BARASA

ADM: SCJ/080/2023

Health is a fundamental aspect of human life and plays a vital role in determining the quality of living of individuals and societies. It is no longer understood simply as the absence of illness but as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.

The Silent Virus: How HPV Became One of the World’s Most Preventable Cancers

Angle: Global health inequality & policy

BY AUMA VIVIAN ASENATH

ADM: SCJ/237/2023 

In many parts of the world, cervical cancer is detected too late. Women arrive at hospitals when the disease is already advanced often because screening was never available, affordable, or prioritized.“Cervical cancer is not just a medical issue; it is a social justice issue,” says Dr.Otieno a global health policy advisorOver 90% of cervical cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. The same virus exists everywhere, but survival depends on where you live.

The Silent Virus: How HPV Became One of the World’s Most Preventable Cancers

Angle: Molecular biology & Cancer

BY AUMA VIVIAN ASENATH

AD: SCJ/237/2023

 

Cancer often feels sudden, but at the cellular level, it is slow and methodical. HPV does not cause chaos,it rewrites instructions. Once inside the body, certain HPV types launch a quiet molecular takeover that can take decades to reveal its consequences.“HPV is one of the clearest examples we have of virus-driven cancer,” explains Dr. Samuel Karanja, a molecular cancer biologists.

 The Silent Virus: How HPV Became One of the World’s Most Preventable Cancers

Angle: Public health & prevention

BY AUMA VIVIAN ASENATH

ADM: SCJ/237/2023

HPV rarely announces itself. There is no fever, no dramatic symptoms, no emergency room rush. For most people, it passes quietly, unnoticed. Yet this silent virus is responsible for nearly all cases of cervical cancer and contributes to cancers of the throat, anus, penis, vulva, and vagina. Each year, hundreds of thousands of women most of them in low and middleincome countries are diagnosed with a disease that modern science already knows how to prevent.

Konza Digital Laboratory Empowers Students and Local Youth

BY MOURINE M'MASI

ADM: SCJ/017/2023

Rongo's Konza Digital Laboratory, launched in June 2023, is equipping students and local youth with digital skills, opening up new opportunities for economic empowerment. The laboratory, equipped with 100 modern computers, aims to support e-commerce, research, and entrepreneurship initiatives in the region. ICT Minister Eliud Owalo emphasized that the government plans to establish similar digital laboratories in all wards, providing young people with access to digital skills and opportunities.

Research Initiatives Tackle Food Security and Climate Change

BY MOURINE M'MASI

ADM: SCJ/017/2023

Rongo is making significant strides in addressing food security and climate change through its various research initiatives. Dr. Evans Ouma, a lecturer in Genetics and Plant Breeding, is leading projects focused on improving crop yields, mitigating aflatoxin contamination, and promoting sustainable agriculture practices.

Soil Analysis Laboratory Revolutionizes Farming in Western Kenya

BY MOURINE M'MASI

ADM: SCJ/017/2023

Rongo's recent launch of a state-of-the-art soil analysis laboratory is set to transform farming practices in western Kenya. The facility, constructed at a cost of Sh23 million, is the first of its kind in Nyanza and Western regions. According to Professor Samuel Gudu, the Vice-Chancellor, the laboratory will provide farmers with crucial information on soil health, enabling them to make informed decisions about crop selection and fertilizer use. This is expected to lead to improved crop yields, increased food security, and reduced poverty among farmers in the region.

Powering Rural Potential

BY ELIZABETH KANINI MUTUKU 

ADM: SCJ/011/2023

Energy poverty once limited education and small business growth in Rongo. Today, Rongo University is leading a charge to turn the region into a beacon for renewable energy.

Solar Microgrids and Smart Tech

The university has pioneered solar microgrids that now power over 500 rural homes, with plans to reach 2,000 by the end of 2026.

The Kuja River Crisis 

BY ELIZABETH KANINI MUTUKU

ADM: SCJ/011/2022

The Kuja River is the lifeblood of Rongo, providing fish and water to thousands. However, a silent predator has emerged: microplastics. These tiny particles absorb toxins and enter the food chain, threatening both aquatic life and human health.

 The Cassava Revolution

BY ELIZABETH KANINI MUTUKU

ADM:SCJ/011/2023

For years, Rongo’s farmers struggled with unpredictable rains that left traditional crops withered in the fields. Today, the landscape is changing. Farmers are embracing drought-resistant cassava varieties—a biological "insurance policy" against climate change.

“It’s like a blessing,” says Jane, a local farmer. “We can now harvest twice a year.”

Rise of Cosmetic Procedures in Africa Raises Safety and Ethical Questions

By Diana Brenda Akinyi 

ADM: SCJ/012/2022

Cosmetic procedures such as liposuction and body contouring are becoming increasingly popular across Africa, reflecting changing beauty standards, growing social media influence, and improved access to private healthcare.

Unqualified Medics Blamed as Routine Procedures Turn Deadly in Kenya

BY DIANA BRENDA AKINYI

ADM ; SCJ/012/2022

There is growing concern over unqualified or poorly trained medical staff working in Kenyan hospitals. Many patients are now dying from routine procedures that should be safe. Families and health workers are warning that negligence, weak supervision, and staff shortages are costing lives.

The Future of Fat Removal

By Diana Brenda Akinyi

ADM SCJ/012/2022

INTRODUCTION
As technology advances in the world of modern medicine,new techniques and tools are being developed to make fat removal even more effective and safer.One of the most common procedures is liposuction, a type of plastic surgery that removes excess fat from the body. Liposuction is a powerful tool in the world of plastic surgery. It allows people to remove excess fat and achieve a more balanced and confident appearance. While it’s not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, it can be a valuable part of a person’s journey toward self-improvement and self-confidence.

 

Gold, Soil & Science: Mercury-Reduction Tech Protects Rongo’s Fertile Lands.

By RICH LOVE,

ADM: SCJ/006/2023.

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Introduction

Gold mining in Migori County, near Rongo, has long supported local livelihoods, providing families with income and opportunities to sustain their communities. Yet traditional methods of extraction, particularly the use of mercury, have historically threatened both soil fertility and water quality. Heavy metals seeped into farmland and streams, reducing crop productivity and raising concerns among farmers about long-term land health. Today, innovative mercury-reduction technologies, training programs, and collaborative initiatives between miners, government agencies, and NGOs are showing that gold can be mined responsibly while safeguarding the land that supports farming.

 

Irrigation Revolution: Profiling Kuja Scheme’s Impact on Rongo Farmers

By RICH LOVE

ADM: SCJ/006/2023

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Introduction

In the Rongo region, where unpredictable rainfall and water scarcity have long constrained farm productivity, the Kuja irrigation scheme is reshaping how local farmers manage water for crops. By integrating modern irrigation methods such as drip systems with traditional practices, farmers are beginning to conserve water, improve soil moisture, and boost yields, creating a potential model for sustainable agriculture in Kenya’s changing climate.

 

Seeds of Growth: How Seed Programs and Extension Services Are Uplifting Rongo Farmers

By RICH LOVE

ADM: SCJ/006/2023

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Introduction

In the fields surrounding Rongo, farmers are embracing more than just traditional farming, they are tapping into scientific seed programs and extension services designed to enhance productivity and resiliency. From access to improved seeds to hands‑on training by agricultural experts, these interventions are helping smallholder farmers adapt to challenges like changing weather and low yields.