Profile details
PhD- Reproductive Endocrinology, 2014 from Justus -Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
MSc - Biochemistry, 2007 from The University of Nairobi
Bsc - Biochemistry/ Chemistry, 2000 from the University of Nairobi
Dr. Mecha is a senior lecturer at the Department of Biochemistry, University of Nairobi. He holds a PhD in Reproductive Endocrinology from Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany. Dr Mecha has more than 15 years experience in research, training and advocacy of reproductive health conditions including endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids and other uterine disorders. Dr. Mecha has published more than 30 articles in internationally peer reviewed journal in the areas of Endometriosis and other reproductive Health conditions . Dr Mecha areas of research involves investigation of earlier diagnostic markers for endometriosis using proteomics, transcriptomics and metabolomic approaches. Dr Mecha also is working on a number of researches on investigating the role of herbs in the management of endometriosis using computational methods.
Dr Mecha serves as an executive board member of World Endometriosis Society being the first and only African to serve in this board, he is a member of World Endometriosis Society mentoring programme and above all, he served as World Endometriosis Society Ambassador between 2021-2023. Dr. Mecha is currently spearheading a multi-sectoral and multi-professional approach in management of endometriosis and adenomyosis through involvement of all stakeholders in endometriosis management with an ultimate goal of establishing endometriosis government policy document in Kenya. He does this through organization of endometriosis conferences and also taking part in live TV interviews and writing articles on local and international newspapers on endometriosis awareness and research.
Dr. Mecha is also a founding member of Pan Africa Society of Endometriosis (PASE) where he also serves as a board member. Dr Mecha is an associate member of the Kenya Obstetrics and Gynecological Society and also a member of Society of Reproduction and Fertility, UK. Dr. Mecha Served as an associate editor of the Journal of Reproduction and Fertility, Scotland.
Dr. Mecha is the chairman of Kenya Germany Academic Exchange Services (DAAD) Scholars Association, University of Nairobi, Chapter and a member of Kenya DAAD Scholars Association National Executive Council. Dr Mecha is a DIES (Dialogue of Innovation for Higher Education Systems) Alumni having participated in a number of trainings in management of internationalization in higher academic institutions in Hannover and Bonny cities in Germany.
Dr. Mecha has organized a number of training workshops on management of internationalization of higher academic staff and researchers from Kenya in conjunction with University of Potsdam and Hannover both from Germany. In addition Dr Mecha has been involved in training higher education managers on COIL across the African continent. Dr. Mecha is an expert in Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) and he serves as the coordinator of COIL at the UoN. He is also international liaison coordinator at the Faculty of Science and Technology, UoN and also a member of UoN Internationalization committee. Dr Mecha has designed and coordinated a number of COIL programs at the University of Nairobi.
Lastly, Dr Mecha has been involved in a number of Mentorship programs including International Federation for Biosafety Association (IFBA) as a global mentor, Kenya AIDS Vaccine Initiative and University of Nairobi Mentor
- January 2024- Present: A board member of the Pan African Society for Endometriosis (PASE)
- May 2023- Present: A board member of the World Endometriosis Society
- March 2023-Present: A member of the Society of Reproduction and Fertility (SRF)
- November 2021- Present: A World Endometriosis Society Ambassador.
- October 2021- Present: A member of the World Endometriosis Society.
- October 2021-Present: A member of the World Endometriosis Society.
- June 2021-Present: Kenya German Academic Exchange Scholars Association (KDSA) NEC member.
- May 2021-Present: An Associate member of Kenya Obstetrics and Gynecological Society (KOGS), Kenya.
- July 2020-Present: An alumni member of Dialogue of Innovation for Higher Education systems (DIES) on the management of Internationalization of Higher Education systems, Hannover, Germany.
- October 2019-Present: Chairperson of the Germany Academic Exchange (DAAD), University of Nairobi Chapter.
- March 2018-Present: An internationally Certified member of Biosecurity (IFBA).
- 2016-Present: An internationally certified member of Biorisk Management (IFBA).
- 2014-Present: Member of Biorisk Management Association of Kenya (BMAK).
- 2010-Present: An alumni member of Giessen International Graduate School for Life Science.
- 2006-Present: Member of Biochemical Society of Kenya (BSK)
Research Interests
1. Molecular Pathogenesis of Endometriosis
Dr. Mecha’s core research investigates the development and progression of endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.
- Biomarker Identification: He utilizes omics technologies—specifically metabolomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics—to identify diagnostic biomarkers that could lead to non-invasive testing.
- Growth Factors: A key focus of his work is exploring the role of the Transforming Growth Factor betas (TGF-superfamily of molecules and their receptors in the development of the disease.
- Co-existing Disorders: He also studies how endometriosis relates to other uterine conditions, such as adenomyosis and uterine fibroids.
2. Global Leadership and Advocacy
Dr. Mecha holds significant roles in global and regional medical communities:
- World Endometriosis Society (WES): In May 2023, he became the first African to be appointed to the WES Board, where he serves on the Global Liaison Committee (2023–2027).
- Pan African Society for Endometriosis: He is the founding member of Pan African Society for Endometriosis (PASE) where is also serves as a member of the board
- Endometriosis East Africa: As the Director of this organization, he leads efforts to increase public awareness and improve clinical management of the disease across the region.
3. Interdisciplinary Research
Beyond reproductive health, Dr. Mecha is involved in diverse biochemical and public health studies, including:
- Metabolic Health: Recent research has explored the association between metabolic syndrome and substance dependence (particularly alcohol use) in the Kenyan population and also he is currently working on the role of traditional herbs in management of endometriosis and other life style diseases like diabetes
- Environmental Impact: He has investigated how endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and environmental toxins impact hormonal balance and overall health.
- Biosafety: He is a certified consultant in biorisk management and biosecurity through the International Federation of Biosafety Association (IFBA).
- Dr. Mecha maintains strong international research partnerships, particularly with Justus Liebig University Giessen in Germany, where he completed his PhD and he has established many international collaborations between the University of Nairobi and a number of universities across the world
Scholary Link
CV, Email
Contacts
Chiromo Campus, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Biochemistry. University of Nairobi