Profile details
BSc., MSc. & PhD Food Science and Technology
Prof. George Abong is a distinguished academic, researcher, and leader in food science and nutrition at the University of Nairobi, where he also serves as the Acting Director of Advancement. With over 20 years of experience in teaching, research, and academic leadership, he has made significant contributions to advancing food safety, food composition, and sustainable food systems in Africa.
His research focuses on critical public health and food security challenges, including aflatoxin contamination, postharvest management, and value addition within agricultural value chains. Prof. Abong has played a key role in the development and strengthening of food standards and regulatory frameworks, collaborating with national, regional, and international bodies to enhance food safety systems and compliance with quality standards.
A prolific scholar, he has authored and co-authored over 140 peer-reviewed journal articles, as well as contributed to more than 10 books and book chapters in the fields of food science, nutrition, and food safety. His work is widely cited and has informed both policy and practice across the region.
Beyond research, Prof. Abong is committed to translating science into impact by working closely with farmers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers to implement evidence-based solutions that improve food quality, safety, and livelihoods. In his leadership role as Acting Director of Advancement, he champions strategic partnerships, resource mobilization, and innovation to support institutional growth and societal impact.
He is also a dedicated mentor, having supervised over 80 postgraduate students and nurtured the next generation of scientists and professionals. Prof. Abong’s career is marked by excellence, integrity, and a strong commitment to transforming food systems for improved health and economic development.
- Association of Analytical Chemists (AOAC) International, 2019 to date. Member number 180557.
- Association of Analytical Chemists (AOAC) Sub-Saharan Africa Section, Inaugural member, November 2017
- to date.
- Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), USA, member, August 2016 to date.
- Food Science and Technology Platform of Kenya (FSTPK), Founder member (Gold) and Chairman,
- December 2015 to date. Member Number 5.
- International Union of Food Science and Technologists (IUFoST), Early Career Scientist (Inaugural
- member), 2016-2022; Mid-Career Scientist, 2022 to date.
- Kenya National Young Academy of Sciences, Founder Member, January 2014 to date.
- University of Nairobi Alumni Association, Life (Sililver) member, 2008 to date.
Research Interests
Food safety and risk analysis, Quality assurance and quality management systems; The chemistry and composition of foods; Post-harvest physiology and technology; root & tuber crops technology; Fruits and vegetables; Human nutritional requirements; Natural foods suitability to processing and human consumption; microbiology of fermented foods and beverages; functional foods and nutraceuticals; fat and oils technology; Peanuts and peanut products processing; cereals and legumes technology; environmental impact of food processing; Food Industry; Product development; Microbiology of food; Food toxicology; Role of standards in promoting food safety and trade; Sensory and consumer science; Analytical experimentation; Tea and coffee processing technology, food security and climate change.
Scholary Link
CV, Email
Contacts
Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Technology