SLOVENIA-KENYA PHAGE
SUMMIT
NAIROBI 2026
Antimicrobial resistance, bacteriophage innovation, clinical collaboration and One Health
06 OCTOBER 2026
Slovenia–Kenya Phage Stakeholder Symposium
From Evidence to Implementation
KENYATTA NATIONAL HOSPITAL
Nairobi, Kenya
~100
participants
07 OCTOBER 2026
Slovenia–Kenya Phage Science Conference
Research, Innovation and Applications
KENYATTA NATIONAL HOSPITAL
Nairobi, Kenya
~100
participants
Why is this summit relevant
From evidence to responsible application
Antimicrobial resistance requires coordinated responses across human health, animal health, agriculture and public institutions. The Africa Bacteriophage Summit – Nairobi 2026 creates a high-level platform where Kenyan stakeholders can engage directly with Slovenian and international expertise on emerging bacteriophage approaches and their relevance to wider AMR priorities.
By bringing together public institutions, hospitals, universities, regulators, clinicians, researchers and One Health specialists, the forum connects scientific knowledge with the clinical, ethical, regulatory, laboratory, quality and patient-safety considerations that shape responsible future application.
The discussions will place Kenya’s national priorities within a broader African and international context, while linking human-health perspectives with livestock, agriculture and agrifood systems. This multidisciplinary approach supports informed decision-making, scientific exchange and stronger institutional capacity.
The forum is also designed to translate dialogue into practical follow-up. Participants will identify opportunities for training, clinical and scientific exchange, regulatory engagement, joint research and continued Kenya–Slovenia collaboration, creating a foundation for longer-term cooperation beyond the event.
Key themes
Five perspectives. One shared challenge.
AMR and difficult-to-treat infections
Exploring the potential contribution of bacteriophage science to antimicrobial stewardship and approaches to difficult-to-treat bacterial infections.
Clinical evidence and patient safety
Examining clinical experience, patient selection, ethical considerations, compassionate-use pathways and the conditions required for safe and responsible therapeutic use.
Regulation, quality and manufacturing
Considering regulatory frameworks, laboratory standards, quality assurance, production requirements and access to clinical-grade bacteriophage preparations.
Livestock, agriculture and crop protection
Assessing emerging opportunities in animal health, farming and plant protection, with particular attention to antimicrobial stewardship and resilient agrifood systems.
Research, training and capacity building
Strengthening laboratory capabilities, education, specialist knowledge and scientific networks while advancing long-term links between Kenyan and Slovenian institutions.
Programme at a glance
From Evidence to Implementation
- Venue: Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
- Date: Tuesday, 6 October 2026
Select a programme block to see more detail.
08:30 – 09:00
Registration and Arrival
09:00 - 11:00
Opening Session
09:00–09:15
Opening Address and Presentation of Slovenia
H.E. Ms Kristina Radej, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to Ethiopia, accredited to Kenya
09:15–09:25
Welcome Remarks from Kenya
Government of Kenya / Office of the President – subject to confirmation
09:25–09:30
Opening Remarks from FAO
Ms. Farayi Zimudzi, Subregional Coordinator for Eastern Africa ad interim and FAO Representative in Kenya
09:30–09:45
Continental Public Health Perspective: AMR Priorities in Africa
Online Speaker:
Dr. Charles Akataobi Michael, Africa CDC — virtual presentation
09:45–10:00
One Health and AMR in Agrifood Systems: Regional and Kenyan Priorities
Speaker:
Dr. Stella Kiambi, One Health and AMR Expert, FAO Regional Office of Africa
10:00–10:20 (15 min, then 5 min Q&A)
Keynote Address:
Antimicrobial Resistance in Kenya and East Africa – Clinical and One Health Priorities
Speaker:
Dr Emmanuel Tanui, National AMR Focal Point, Ministry of Health, Kenya
10:20–10:40 (15 min, then 5 min Q&A)
Introduction to Bacteriophage Biology, Phage–Host Interactions, Current Evidence, Applications and Key Scientific Limitations
Speaker:
Valentina A. Floccari, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana
10:40 – 11:00
Bacteriophage Research and Resources in Kenya
Overview of bacteriophage isolation, existing research capacity and available phage collections in Kenya.
Speaker:
Dr Justin Nyasinga, KEMRI/WRAIR-Africa
11:00 – 11:20
Tea and Networking
11:00 - 12:40
Technical Session I
From Bacteriophage Science to Clinical Application
Format: Technical presentations followed by questions and discussion
11:20 – 11:40
Clinical Bacteriophage Therapy: European Experience and Patient Cases
Practical experience from treatment of patients with bacteriophages, including treatment pathways, safety considerations and lessons for future clinical use.
Online speaker:
Dr Kārlis Rācenis, Rīga Stradiņš University, Latvia
11:40 – 12:00
Human Bacteriophage Applications: Slovenian Research and Clinical Perspectives
Slovenian research on bacteriophages relevant to human health, including biofilm-associated infections, orthopaedic applications and the steps required to move towards responsible clinical use.
Speaker:
Dr. Katja Suster, Valdoltra Orthopaedic Hospital, Slovenia
12:00–12:20
Regulatory Pathways for Bacteriophage Therapy: International Experience and the Kenyan Context
International regulatory approaches, compassionate use and clinical trials, together with the current Kenyan regulatory position on biological agents.
Speakers:
Dr Tobi Nagel, Phages for Global Health, and a representative of the Pharmacy and Poisons Board — PPB representative subject to confirmation
12:20–12:40
Quality, Manufacturing and Adaptable Phage Preparations
Manufacturing requirements, quality control, clinical-grade bacteriophages, adaptable preparations and phage cocktails.
Speaker:
Dr. Frenk Smrekar, JAFRAL
12:40 – 13:30
Lunch and Networking
13:30 - 15:20
Technical Session II
Bacteriophage Applications in Agriculture, Livestock and Research Cooperation
Format: Technical presentations followed by questions and discussion
13:30–13:50
Bacteriophage Applications in Livestock
Current research, potential applications in livestock and animal health, and priority areas for further research in Kenya.
Speaker:
Dr. Angela Makumi, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)
13:50–14:10
Bacteriophage Research for Agriculture and Crop Protection in Kenya
Overview of bacterial plant-disease challenges, current bacteriophage research and ongoing agricultural phage projects in Kenya.
Speaker:
Dr. Juliah Khayeli Akhwale, JKUAT
14:10–14:30
Xanthomonas Phages and Agricultural Applications: Slovenian Research
Slovenian research on bacteriophages targeting Xanthomonas, potential crop-protection applications and opportunities for cooperation with Kenyan institutions.
Speaker:
Janja Lamovsek, Agricultural Institute of Slovenia
14:30–14:50
Slovenia Aid and Partnerships Project: Kenya–Slovenia Bacteriophage Research Cooperation in Agriculture
Presentation of the Slovenia Aid and Partnerships project on bacteriophage-based approaches for bacterial diseases affecting tomato production in Kenya, including the project objectives, University of Nairobi–Slovenia cooperation, laboratory and research activities, experience to date and opportunities for continued collaboration.
Speakers:
Prof. Maina Wagacha, University of Nairobi, and
Dr Frenk Smrekar, JAFRAL
14:50–15:05
Bacteriophage Research and Scientific Capacity Building in Kenya
Overview of relevant research, laboratory capacity and opportunities for expanded scientific cooperation.
Speaker:
Dr. Atunga Nyachieo, Director, Research and Product Development, Kenya Institute of Primate Research (KIPRE)
15:05–15:20
Bacteriophage Education, Advocacy and Network Development in Kenya
Experience in bacteriophage education, advocacy, researcher engagement and development of national and regional networks.
Speaker:
Mr. Aboka Ely, Phage Hunters Training and Research Program (PHTRP)
15:20 – 15:40
Tea and Networking
15:40 - 17:00
Plenary Panel Discussions:
From Evidence to Implementation
15:40–16:20
Pathway Towards a First Compassionate-Use Bacteriophage Case in Kenya
- Dr. Duncan Nyukuri, Consultant Physician and Infectious Diseases Specialist, Kenyatta National Hospital
- Dr. Frenk Smrekar, JAFRAL, Slovenia
- Dr. Katja Suster, Valdoltra Orthopaedic Hospital, Slovenia
- Dr. Tobi Nagel, Phages for Global Health
- Dr. Emmanuel Tanui, National AMR Focal Point, National Public Health Institute
- Dr. Reuben Okioma, Director of Medical Services and Research, The Nairobi Hospital – subject to confirmation
- Pharmacy and Poisons Board representatives
Moderator:
Dr. Tatjana Dragovič Andersen
16:20–17:00
Moving Phage Research Towards Agriculture and Livestock Applications
- Dr. Stella Kiambi, One Health and AMR Expert, FAO Regional Office of Africa
- Prof. Maina Wagacha, University of Nairobi
- Janja Lamovsek, Agricultural Institute of Slovenia
- Dr. Angela Makumi, International Livestock Research Institute
- Stacey Odunga, Research Assistant, CABI/Lucy Karanja, Content Manager, CABI
- Relevant Kenyan ministries
Moderator:
Dr. Tatjana Dragovič Andersen
17:00 - 17:30
Closing Plenary
Key Conclusions and Next Steps
17:00–17:20
Priorities for Follow-up Cooperation
Identification of priorities for clinical, regulatory and scientific follow-up, including opportunities for continued Kenya–Slovenia cooperation.
Dr. Tobi Nagel, Phages for Global Health, and
Dr. Bernhards Ogutu
17:20–17:30
Closing Remarks and Next Steps
Closing remarks and agreed next steps from the Kenyan and Slovenian organising partners.
Jure Tomc, ICPE representative, together with a representative of the Kenyan organising partners – Kenyan representative to be confirmed
18:30
Media Briefing and Evening Reception
18:30–19:30
Media Briefing
Tribe Hotel, Nairobi
By invitation only.
19:30 onwards
Evening Reception hosted by the Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia
Tribe Hotel, Nairobi
By invitation only.
Research, Innovation and Applications
- Venue: KKenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
- Date: Wednesday, 7 October 2026
- Event Moderator: Subject to confirmation
Select a programme block to see more detail.
09:30 – 10:00
Registration and Arrival
10:00 - 10:30
Opening Session
10:00–10:15
Opening Address and Presentation of Slovenia
H.E. Ms Kristina Radej, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to Ethiopia, accredited to Kenya
10:15–10:25
Welcome Remarks by the Scientific Organising Partner
Dr. Atunga Nyachieo, Director, Research and Product Development, Kenya Institute of Primate Research (KIPRE)
10:25–10:30
Introduction to the Scientific Programme and its Connection with the Africa Bacteriophage Summit
Speaker subject to confirmation
10:30 – 11:30
Invited Scientific Session I:
Developing Bacteriophage Research and Application Capacity
Format: 30-minute slot comprising a 20-minute presentation followed by 10 minutes for questions and discussion
10:30–11:00
JAFRAL’s Work in Bacteriophage Research, Development and Manufacturing
Dr. Frenk Smrekar, JAFRAL
11:00–11:30
Building Infrastructure and Regulatory Oversight for Phage Therapy in Kenya: Connections with Africa CDC, WHO and Phage Africa – provisional title
Dr. Tobi Nagel, Phages for Global Health
11:30 – 11:50
Tea and Networking
11:50 - 12:20
Invited Scientific Session II:
Bacteriophage Biology and Biotechnology
11:50–12:20
Bacteriophage Biology and Biotechnology
Presentation title to be confirmed
Hannah Rose Bonham, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana
12:20 – 12:40
Poster Presentation
12:40 – 13:30
Lunch and Networking
13:30 - 15:30
Scientific Session III:
Bacteriophage Applications in Agriculture and Food Systems
Format: Keynote presentation followed by selected oral presentations and discussion
13:30–14:00
Keynote: Getting Phages to the Right Place: From Seed Treatment to Field Application in Plant Disease Management
Janja Lamovsek, Agricultural Institute of Slovenia
14:00–14:30
Slovenia Aid Project: Kenya–Slovenia Bacteriophage Research Cooperation for the Management of Bacterial Diseases in Tomato
- Prof. Maina Wagacha, University of Nairobi, and
- Dr Frenk Smrekar, JAFRAL
14:30–14:45
Selected Oral Presentation 1
To be selected through the call for abstracts
14:45–15:00
Selected Oral Presentation 2
To be selected through the call for abstracts
15:00–15:15
Selected Oral Presentation 3
To be selected through the call for abstracts
15:15–15:30
Selected Oral Presentation 4
To be selected through the call for abstracts
15:30 – 15:45
Tea and Networking
15:45 – 17:15
Scientific Session IV:
Bacteriophage Applications in Human Health
Format: Keynote presentation followed by selected oral presentations and discussion
15:45–16:15
Keynote:
How to Train Your Phage: Can Directed Evolution Build Better Therapeutic Phages?
Dr Katja Suster, Valdoltra Orthopaedic Hospital, Slovenia – participation subject to final confirmation
16:15–16:30
Selected Oral Presentation 5
To be selected through the call for abstracts
16:30–16:45
Selected Oral Presentation 6
To be selected through the call for abstracts
16:45–17:00
Selected Oral Presentation 7
To be selected through the call for abstracts
17:00–17:15
Selected Oral Presentation 8
To be selected through the call for abstracts
17:15 - 18:00
Closing Session
17:15–17:50
Closing Plenary: Priorities for Advancing Bacteriophage Research and Application in Kenya and Africa
- Dr Tobi Nagel, Phages for Global Health;
- Dr. Atunga Nyachieo – subject to confirmation
17:50–18:00
Closing Remarks
Organising partners
Registration
Please note that registration does not constitute confirmation of in-person attendance at the Stakeholder Symposium.
Participation will be confirmed separately by email. Should the venue reach capacity, registered participants will receive an online link to join the discussions remotely.
For enquiries regarding the Summit or registration, please contact the ICPE Secretariat at info@icpe.int or Mr Farrukh Ehsan at farrukh.ehsan@jtbd.co .
Who is invited
A cross-sector community
Government and AMR bodies
Hospitals, clinicians and laboratory professionals
Universities and research centres
Regulators and ethics bodies
One Health, livestock and agricultural experts
Practical information
Stakeholder Symposium
Date
6 October 2026
Venue
Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi
Registration
08:30
Programme
09:00–17:00
Institutional framework
