Mount Kenya University proudly congratulates Lucy Mwai, a Ph.D. Research Fellow at the MKU Centre for Malaria Elimination, for earning a place in the prestigious Top 40 Women Under 40 in Kenya list published by Business Daily.
Lucy is the Founder of xLAB Diagnostics Africa, a company committed to bridging medical diagnostic gaps across the region. Through her work, she has combined cutting-edge science with community-centered solutions to improve access to quality healthcare. Her recognition is a testament to her leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare in Africa.
Prof. Jessee Gitaka, Director of the MKU Centre for Malaria Elimination, lauded her achievement, saying: “Lucy is doing remarkable work that not only advances scientific research but also transforms lives in communities across Africa. Her recognition in the Top 40 Women Under 40 is well-deserved, and we are proud to have her as part of our research team at MKU.”
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi also commended Lucy’s achievement, noting the University’s commitment to nurturing talent through research opportunities: “At MKU, we believe in providing platforms for young researchers to excel. Our postdoctoral fellowship opportunities at the Institute of Tropical Medicine, where Lucy works, are designed to support scientists in driving innovations that address Africa’s most pressing health challenges. Lucy’s success is a shining example of what such opportunities can yield.”
Speaking after the announcement, Lucy expressed her gratitude and reflected on her journey:
“From a little girl with big dreams to standing here today, the journey has been anything but easy. I’ve faced challenges, made pivots, worked late nights, and relied on unshakable faith. Yet, every step has been worth it. This recognition is not just mine — it’s for every girl daring to dream, every young scientist pushing boundaries, and every African innovator believing we can change the world.”
Lucy acknowledged the strong support of her family and friends, which she said has been instrumental in her success.
At the MKU Centre for Malaria Elimination, Lucy is part of a team conducting groundbreaking research aimed at developing innovative healthcare solutions and ultimately eliminating malaria. Her achievements reinforce the University’s mission of fostering research that addresses real-world challenges and impacts communities positively.
We celebrate Lucy’s accomplishments and look forward to witnessing her continued contributions to science, innovation, and community health.
