Kenneth Maeka is a dynamic public health leader and laboratory scientist with over two decades of experience advancing infectious disease control, genomic surveillance, and laboratory systems across Zimbabwe and the Southern African region. As Public Health Specialist – Epidemiology & Disease Control for Project Yananai Zimbabwe, Kenneth brings a proven track record in scaling up national disease surveillance, managing high-impact public health programs, and leading laboratory accreditation and genomic sequencing initiatives.

Kenneth’s expertise spans infectious disease control, data management, genomic sequencing, and laboratory accreditation. He has played a central role in the development and implementation of Zimbabwe’s National Pathogen Genomics Strategy, integrating cutting-edge sequencing into routine surveillance and expanding capacity across the country. As Head of the Pathogen Genomics Department at the National Microbiology Reference Laboratory (NMRL), he has overseen quality management, training, and the decentralization of genomic technologies, while also coordinating national laboratory certification programs for the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC).

Kenneth has extensive experience managing and expanding Covid-19 and HIV testing programs, including leading the technical rollout of point-of-care diagnostics and self-testing initiatives with partners such as EGPAF, UNITAID, and FIND. He has developed laboratory protocols to meet ISO15189 accreditation, advised on biosafety and biosecurity, and contributed to the formulation of key national strategies and policies for laboratory testing and disease control. His leadership has strengthened collaborative partnerships with international organizations, including ICGEB, GIZ, WHO, and regional reference laboratories.

A skilled project manager and effective communicator, Kenneth has led teams in implementing laboratory strengthening projects, conducted risk assessments, and managed donor-funded research and capacity-building programs. He is adept at scientific and technical writing, with multiple peer-reviewed publications on genomic surveillance, cost-effectiveness analysis, and diagnostics in top international journals.

Kenneth holds a Ph.D. (in progress, UNICAF University Zambia) focusing on the epidemiology of arbovirus infections and public health surveillance in the context of climate change. He also holds an MSc in Public Health (University of South Wales, UK), a Master of Commerce in Project Management (Great Zimbabwe University), and specialist diplomas in Virology and Medical Laboratory Technology (University of Zimbabwe).

Fluent in English and conversant in French, Italian, and German, Kenneth is recognized for his analytical acumen, cultural adaptability, and commitment to inclusivity and partnership. At Project Yananai, he leads the epidemiology and disease control portfolio—driving innovative surveillance systems, laboratory capacity building, and integrated approaches to tackle emerging and re-emerging infectious threats, ultimately strengthening health security and improving outcomes for Zimbabwean communities.