Dr. Peter Mwethera Gichuhi, PhD, MBS

An accomplished Researcher with a successful career history spanning over 30 years. Currently the  Director General at the Kenya Institute of Primate Research, a WHO collaborating Biomedical Research Centre (Ministry of Health) with a mandate to improve Human Health through development of drugs, Vaccines and Medical Interventions using Monkeys as Models for Human Health.

He has published more than 50 manuscripts in peer reviewed journals.

1) Wafula, I., Arthur, Akinyi, MY., Mwaura, DK., Mugweru, JN., Njire, MM and Mwethera, PG. A Pilot Study: The diversity and resistance profiles of mastitis-causing bacteria found in dairy goats within Manyatta in Embu County, Kenya (2026). J. Agric Scie & Tech-JAGST 25 (2), 143-166.

2) Ngari, C., Cattell-Ravdal, S., Wasonga., SA., Oliviera, RC., Ngage, TO., Dolinaj, L., Asila, LA., Steinhorst, J., Mwethera, PG., Kitwan, L., Amuasi, JH., Laloo, DG., Aglanu,L., Oluoch, GO and Stienstra, Y (2026). Evaluation of long-term Consequences among snakebite survivors in rural Kenya including validation of a functional limitations assessment tool. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 20(4)e0014259. http//doi.org/10 1371/jounal pntd 0014259.

3) Musabyimana, V, Kagira, JM, Lubuya, J, Ngugi, CW, Musau, BM, Ogopotse, W, Kephah, GM, Makuani, DK, Khasandi, PM, Adino, E, Thomas, B, Modahl, CM, Mwethera, PG, Harrison, RA, Casewell, NR, and Oluoch, GO (2026). Establishing the Kenya National Antivenom Quality Control Laboratory: Preclinical Efficacy Results of Four Antivenoms Against Venoms from the “Big Five” Snake Species in Kenya. Toxins, 18, 106.

4) P. Oreng, P. Mwaura, R. Kipkalom, J. Musau, S. Irungu, J. Obiero, Z. Adam, E. Mecha, J.J. Wambwile, N.L. Wamukoya, P.G. Mwethera and C. Muteshi (2025). Dysmenorrhea Among Undergraduate Students: A Cross-Section Study At Kenyatta University, Nairobi-Kenya. East Afri. Med. J Vol 102, 8835-8849.

5)   Oluoch, G.O., Omondi, W., Ngari. C., Casewell, N. R., Wasonga, S., Florence, W., Waititu, T., Kioko, D., Kithinji, A., Ngage, T., Asila, L., Parkurito, S., Kephah. G. M., Adino, E., Lang’at, D., Olalo, S. P., Chami, I., Amin, A., Muchangi, M., Nyamongo, M. A., Matendechero, S. H., Mwethera, P. G., Tianyi, F. L., Harrison, R. A., Lalloo, D. G., Collinson, S., Stienstra, Y. Nationwide variation of snakebite incidence in Kenya: community surveys as an integrated NTD approach. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2025

6) Oreng’ P Apiyo, Atunga Nyachieo, Almas R Juma, Ivy J Mutai, Mwethera, PG., Jael A Obiero (2024). A Review: Exposure to Biosphenol a analogues in non-human primates as a potential cause of endometriosis. J. of Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Disorders, Vol.16 (1) 53-60.

7) Waititu, K., Mugo, C., Nyawira, D., Mwethera, PG (2024). Antidiabetic Properties of Bidens Pilosa and its Polyacetylenic Compounds for Management of Diabetes: Systemic Review. J. of Biosciences and Medicine, Vol 12 No. 2.

8) Mwethera, PG (2023). Increasing Visibility to African-led Research and Researchers-Building Research Capacities of Africa’s Universities and Research Institutes. Lead Panellist, Conference organized by APHRC and in collaboration with the Technical University of Kenya, Sarova Stanley Hotel, Nairobi.

9) Mwethera, PG (2022). Embacing Science & Technology to Improve Human Health and Reduce Poverty as well as Create Employment; Special Presentation at Kenyatta University Conference on Basic and Applied Sciences, pg 11Conference Proceedings

10) Obiero J., Ogongo P, Mwethera PG and Wisonge CS (2022). Do Vaginal Microbicides Reduce the Risk of HIV Acquisition in Women? Pan Afric. Med. J. ; 43:96

11) Obiero J., Ogongo P, Mwethera PG and Wisonge CS (2021). Topical Microbicides for Preventing Sexually Transmitted Infections (Review). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2021, Issue 3. Art. No.. CD007961. DOI:10.1002/14651858.CD007961.pub3.

12) Mwethera, PG (2020). A new Gel To Protect Against HIV And Improve Reproductive Health. Newton Prize Publication, 37.

13) Waititu K, Jerono C, Kituku D, Nzuve M, Mambo F, Ngugi P and Mwethera P. (2018). Phytochemical Composition of Kalanchoe pinnata and Bidens pilosa Leaves Associated with Management of Diabetes. Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Vol 6. No. 1, 15-20.

14) Mwethera, PG, Obiero, J, Jaoko, W and Farah, I (2018). Innovations: The use of Non-Human Primates in Innovations, A case for Medical Products-UniPron, Smugel and Smuscan. In The Proceedings of the 27^th International Primatology Congress Society Conference, 19^th-25^th August, UN Headquarters, Nairobi, Kenya.

15) Obiero Jael,Waititu Kenneth Kariuki, Mwethera Peter Gichuhi (2018). Safety Study of Three Concentrations of UniPron Vaginal Contraceptive Microbicidal Gel. Amer. J. of Biomed Resear Vol.6. No. 2. 33-39.

16) Obiero JA, Waititu K, Mulei I, Omar, FI, Jaoko W and Mwethera PG. (2016). Baboon Vaginal Microbial Flora. J. Med. Primatol., 45, 147-155.

17) Obiero JA, Kunyera R, Waititu K, Mulei I, Farah IO, Kavoo L, Jaoko W, Mwethera PG ^. A comparative study of Smugel and KY Jelly vaginal lubricating gels; (2013),

Journal of Reproduction and Contraception, No. 2 Vol. 24; 76-87.

18) Obiero JA,  Jaoko W, Mwethera PG. Development of a vaginal contraceptive gel (UniPron) for prevention of sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies. (2014). Thesis (Doctor of Philosophy), University of Nairobi.    

19) Obiero J, Mwethera PG, Hussey GD, Wiysonge CS. Vaginal microbicides for reducing the risk of sexual acquisition of HIV infection in women: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Infectious Diseases; 2012, 12:289 (http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2334/12/289).

20) Obiero J, Mwethera PG, Wiysonge CS. Topical microbicides for prevention of sexually transmitted infections (2012). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2012, Issue 6. Art. No.: CD007961. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007961.pub2.

21) Mwethera PG. Innovation: New Microbicide and Contraceptive (2010). Science Africa. Vol. 13 Nov-Dec., 14.

22) Obiero J, Wiysonge CS, Mwethera PG. (2009).Topical microbicides for prevention of sexually transmitted infections. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2009, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD007961. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007961.

23) Mburu N, Obiero JA, Waititu K, Mwaura BN, Orawo JO, Farah IO and

Mwethera PG (2009). Safety Studies of a Recently Developed Microbicidal

Contraceptive Gel (UniPron) in Female Baboons (Papio anubis). African Journal of Reproductive Health 13(4) 95-104.

24) D.L. Langoi , P.G. Mwethera K.S.P. Abelson, I.O. Farah & H.E. Carlsson (2009). Reversal of Ketamine/Xylazine combination anesthesiaby Atipamezole in olive baboons (Papio anubis). Journal of Medical Primatology 38: 404-410.

25) Jael A. Obiero, Maureen N. Mburu, Benson M. Ndung’u, Kenneth K. Waititu, Isaac Mulei, Idle O. Farah, Peter G. Mwethera (2008) UniPron is A Fully Effective Non-hormonal Reversible Contraceptive in Baboon Model (Papio Anubis) J. Reprod. & Contracep. 19 (2), 107-118.

26) Obiero, A.J, Kunyera, R., Waititu, KK., Mulei, I., Farah, I., Linge, K., Jaoko, W and   Mwethera, P.G., (2013). A Comparative Study of SMUGEL and KY Jelly Vaginal Lubricating Gels. J. Reprod. & Contracep.   

27) Obiero, J., Mwethera, P.G., Wiysonge, C.S. (2012). Vaginal microbicides for prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections: systematic review and meta-analysis: In proceedings of the 36^th KOGS Annual Conference, pg 27-28, Feb 2012, Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya.

28) Mwethera, P.G. (2010). Innovation: New Microbicide and Contraceptive. Science Africa 13, 14-15.

29) Mburu, N, Obiero, J.A., Waititu, K., Mwaura, B., Orawo, J.O., Farah, I.O and Mwethera, P.G. (2009). Safety studies of a recently developed microbicidal contraceptive gel (UniPron) in female baboons (Papio anubis). Afric. J. Reprod. Health. 13(4), 95-104.

30) Obiero, J., Wiysonge, C.S. & Mwethera, P.G (2009). Topical microbicides for prevention of sexually transmitted infections. Cochrane Database of Systematic ReviewsIssue3.ArtNo.CD007961.DO1:10.1002/14651858.  http//www.mrw.interscience.wiley.com/Cochrane/clsysrev/article/cd007961/frame.html.

31) Obiero JA, Mburu N, Mwaura B, Waititu K, Mulei I, Farah I, Mwethera PG (2008), UniPron is a fully effective non-hormonal reversible contraceptive in a baboon model (Papio anubis). J. Reprod. & Contracep. 19 (2), 107-118.

32) Mburu, N., Obiero, J.A., Mwaura, B., Langoi, D & Mwethera, P.G (2008), UniPron is a fully effective non-hormonal reversible contraceptive. Kenya Ob & Gy 32^nd Conf. Abst. Pg. 40.

33) Obiero ,J.A, Mburu, N., Mwaura,B., Waititu, K., Mulei, I., Farah, I and Mwethera, P.G (2008), Safety studies of  UniPron as a Spermicide and Microbicide. Kenya Ob & Gy 32^nd Conf. Abst. Pg. 31-32.

34) Mwethera, P.G, Obiero, J.A., Mburu, ,M.N., Mwaura, B., Waititu, K., Langoi,D., & Farah, I (2008). Development of a Human Vaginal Spermicide and Microbicide (UniPron) to Prevent Pregnancy and Transmission of HIV/AIDS. Kenya Ob & Gy 32^nd Conf. Abst. Pg. 30-31.

35) Mwethera, P.G. (2006), Development of a vaginal spermicide and microbicide to prevent pregnancy and transmission of HIV/AIDS. Industrial Property Journal, KIPI, No.2006/04,pg 6.

36) D’Hooghe, T.M, Spiessens, C.S., Chai, D.C., Mwethera, P.G., Makokha, A.O. and Mwenda, J.M. (2004). Ovarian Stimulation, Egg Aspiration, In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer in the Baboon (Papio anubis): A pilot Project at the Institute of Primate Research, Nairobi, Kenya. Gynecol. & Obstet Investig., 57 (1), 23-26.

37) Amboka, JNO and Mwethera, PG  (2003), Characterization of  Semen from Olive Baboons. J. Med. Primatol. 32, 325-329.

38) Mwethera Peter Gichuhi, Richard Richardson, Frank French and O’Rand Michael (1999), Yeast two hybrid system as a genetic approach to studying protein-protein interaction(s). Proceed.  19th IPR  Scient. Conf., Abstr. 31.

39) Mwethera Peter Gichuhi, Richard Richardson, Frank French and O’Rand Michael (1999), Contraceptive vaccine development endevour; analysis of two human epididymal proteins. Proceed. 19th IPR  Scient. Conf., Abstr. 30.

40) Mwethera Peter Gichuhi, Makokha Alloys and Chai Daniel (1999), Fertilin β peptides inhibit sperm binding to zona-free eggs in a homologous baboon in-vitro fertilization system. Contraception 59(2), 131-135.

41) Gichuhi Peter Mwethera, Hall, L. and Ford, W.C.L. (1997). Human Fertilin β Protein Interacts with the Egg Plasma Membrane Through an ECD Binding Motif; Evidence From In-Vitro Studies . Inter J. Andr. 20, 160-165

42) Gichuhi Mwethera Peter, Ford W.C.L. and Hall, L., (1997). Evidence that Peptides Derived From Disintegrin Domain Of Primate Fertilin And Containing the ECD Motif Block The Binding Of Human Spermatozoa To The Zona-Free Hamster Oocyte. Inter j. Andr. 20: 165-170.

43) Mwethera Peter Gichuhi., Perry, A.C.F., Hall, L., Isahakia, M., Jones, R. and Ford, W.C.L. (1995). Monkey Fertilin b Peptides inhibit Sperm-Egg binding in-vitro and have a contraceptive effect. J. Reprod. Fertil., 16, Abstr. 23.

44) Perry, A.C.F., Gichuhi Peter Mwethera., Jones, R. and Hall, L. (1995) Cloning and Analysis of Monkey Fertilin Reveals Novel α Subunit Isoforms. Biochemical Journal, 307, 843-850.

45) Hall, L., Perry, A.C.F., Barker, H.L., Mwethera Peter Gichuhi. and Jones, R. (1994). Expression of the Metalloprotease-like, Disintegrin-like, Cysteine-rich (MDC) Family of Proteins in the Male Reproductive Tract. British Andrology Society Annual Conference, Bristol, U.K. Abstr. 9.

46) Mwethera Peter Gichuhi (1995) Studies on Monkey fertilin β: A protein active in sperm-egg recognition. Ph.D Thesis.

47) Mburu, D.N. and Gichuhi Peter Mwethera. (1993). Male Fertility Regulation In: Veterinary Management and Research Techniques for Reproductive Studies in the Baboon: A Practical Approach (Edited by C.S. Bambra) pp 43-45. IPR, Nairobi, Kenya.

48) Langoi, DL, Mwethera, PG, Abelson, KS, Farah, IO and Carlsson, HE (2009), Reversal of Xylazine/Ketamine Combination Anesthesia by Atipamezole in Olive Baboons (Papio anubis). J. Med. Primatol. 10(111),-7.

49) Gichuhi Peter Mwethera. and Isahakia, M.A. (1992). Antifertility Effects in Mice Passively Immunised with Antisperm Monoclonal Antibody, 2F4. Proceedings of the NCRR 2nd International Conference on Advances in Reproductive Research in Man and Animals, Abstr. 40.

50) Gichuhi Peter Mwethera. and Isahakia, M.A. (1992). Electron-Microscopic Localisation of Baboon Acrosomal Antigens Using Antisperm Monoclonal Antibodies. Acta Anatomica, 144, 178-183.

51) Waladde, S.M., Ochieng, S.A. and Gichuhi Peter Mwethera. (1991). Artificial - membrane feeding of the ixodid tick, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, to repletion. Experiment and Applied Acarology, 11, 297-306.