PROMOTION OF PROF. MUTEMBEI

On behalf of Action for Protection of Animals Africa, we extend our warmest congratulations on Professor Henry Mutembei’s recent promotion to Vice-Chancellor at Chuka University. 

Action for Protection of Animals Africa was established in 2021 as a collaboration between World Animal Protection and our organization. Following World Animal Protection's change in their ten-year strategy, focusing on farming systems and wildlife rather than entertainment or captive wildlife, the Animals in Disasters program and the Animals in Community program were discontinued. This led to the creation of Action for Protection of Animals Africa, which took forward these two crucial programs as an autonomous and independent organization, with the support of World Animal Protection during the transitional period from July 2021 to December 2023.

Our organization focuses on three main program areas: Animals in Disasters, Animals in the Wild, and Companion animals. We conduct extensive research, policy development, and implementation of pilot projects at local, regional, and national levels. Additionally, we provide mentorship, training, and education on conservation, rabies, and wildlife-related topics to professionals and students at various levels, including high school, primary school, universities, and technical colleges.

Our collaboration with Professor Henry Mutembei has been instrumental in the field of disaster management. Notably, we have worked closely with him on the establishment of a Center for Disaster Management at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi. Through his leadership, dedication, and advocacy, we have trained lecturers as trainers of trainers, delivering an 84-hour course on veterinary emergency response protocols. This course has become an examinable curriculum under Clinical Studies, benefitting over 300 students and equipping them with essential skills for veterinary emergency response.

Together, we have responded to veterinary emergencies in Kenya and extended our efforts to other African countries, including Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. One such collaboration in veterinary emergencies is the vaccination and deworming drive for CCPP and Coenurosis diseases in 2021, in Enkaroni, Purko ward, Kajiado County in partnership with the Kajiado County Government under the Kenya Smart Agriculture Program.

As Professor Henry Mutembei assumes the prestigious role of Vice-Chancellor at Chuka University, we look forward to further collaboration and the opportunity to expand our joint efforts in building disaster resilience for animals. We are particularly excited about the aqua aquaculture program at Chuka University, which presents promising avenues for innovation and advancement.

Once again, we congratulate Professor Henry Mutembei, on his well-deserved promotion. His commitment to academia and the welfare of animals is commendable, and we are honored to have collaborated with him. Together, we will continue to make significant strides in the field of disaster management and animal welfare.

Warm regards,

Dr. Judy Kimaru 

Dr. Kavosa Mudoga 

Action for Protection of Animals Africa (APAA)