Distinguished Dr. Ruth Khasaya Oniang'o- IUFoST Lifetime Achievement Award Winner

This accolade, bestowed by the International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST), celebrates individuals who exemplify proactive action in enhancing the well-being of all and who have demonstrated outstanding work and scientific accomplishments throughout their lifetime of service.

Dr. Ruth Khasaya Oniang'o stands as a shining example of exemplary action dedicated to creating positive change and improving the lives of many, underscored by her outstanding work and significant scientific achievements. Her remarkable journey began in 1983 when she was awarded a PhD in Food Science and Nutrition by the University of Nairobi, Kenya.

Ruth’s illustrious career led her to become a Professor of Food Science and Nutrition at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), where her research delved into critical areas such as pregnancy, childhood nutrition, and food systems with a focus on women smallholder farmers. Her passion for effecting change at the grassroots level culminated in the founding of the organization ‘Rural Outreach Program’ Africa in 1992, a pivotal initiative that provided invaluable resources to small-holder farmers. The NGO’s mandate includes indigenous soil testing and empowering farmers to become more productive and self-reliant.

Further cementing her commitment to the advancement of her field, Dr. Oniang'o founded the African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition, and Development (AJFAND) in 2001, where she currently serves as the esteemed Editor-in-Chief. This scholarly endeavor has played a vital role in highlighting relevant academic research and fostering knowledge dissemination within the food and nutrition domain. Her influence extended to the political arena as well, where she served in the Kenyan Parliament from 2003 to 2007. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in the passage of crucial bills related to biosafety and nutrition.

Dr. Oniang'o's remarkable impact extended even further as she established the Diana Elukhambi Health Centre in Kakamega in 2005, bringing accessible healthcare to underserved communities.

Her legacy as a mentor is immeasurable, with a trail of young scientists whose careers and scientific growth she has nurtured and inspired.

Her influence transcended borders, with Dr. Oniang'o serving as the President of the International Academy of Food Science and Technology (IAFoST) from 2016 to 2018. Her contributions to agriculture and food policy and community service were celebrated through numerous awards, including the presidential awards ‘Distinguished Service Medal (DSM)’ and the ‘Silver Star (SS)’. In 2006, she was honored as a Fellow of three prestigious institutions: The International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST), International Union of Nutritional Sciences (IUNS), and the World Academy of Science and Art.

While congratulating his mentor through his Facebook page, Dr. George Abong’, Chair of the Department, Food Science and Nutrition, University of Nairobi, exclaimed, “Hon. Prof. Ruth Oniang'o at the world Stage-International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST) in Singapore. We scale the height locally and Internationally. Proud of our patron for the Food Science and Technology platform of Kenya that I currently chair. Congratulations our mentor!”

At the 21st World Congress of Food Science and Technology in Singapore on Wednesday 1st November 2022, Dr. Ruth Oniang’o from Kenya and Dr. Delia Rodriguez-Amaya from Brazil received the IUFoST Lifetime Achievement Award.

BRAVO!