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
~75
participants
07 OCTOBER 2026
Slovenia–Kenya Phage Science Conference
Research, Innovation and Applications
KENYATTA NATIONAL HOSPITAL
Nairobi, Kenya
~75
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.
Speaker profiles
Programme at a glance
From Evidence to Implementation
- Venue: Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
- Date: Tuesday, 6 October 2026
- Moderator: Dr. Dorothy Aywak, Senior Pharmacist Specialist, Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH)
Select a programme block to see more detail.
08:00 – 08:30
Registration and Arrival
08:30 - 10:30
Opening Session
08:30 – 08:35
Welcome and Introductions
Dr. Joel Lessan, Senior Director, Clinical Services, KNH
08:35 – 08:40
Opening Remarks from Kenyatta
National Hospital
Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, Chief Executive Officer, Kenyatta
National Hospital (KNH)
08:40 – 08:50
Remarks from the Government of Kenya
Dr. Wilson Aruasa, President’s Health Advisor, Office of the
President
08:50 – 09:00
Official Opening of the Summit,
Opening Address and Presentation of Slovenia
H.E. Mrs Kristina Radej, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to Ethiopia, accredited to Kenya
09:00–09:15
Continental Public Health Perspective: AMR Priorities in Africa
Online Speaker:
Ms. Fowzia Mohamed Sheikh, Technical Officer – One Health Antimicrobial Resistance at Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)
09:15–09:30
AMR in Agrifood Systems: One Health Actions in Regional and Kenyan Priorities
Speaker:
Dr. Stella Kiambi, One Health and AMR Expert, FAO Regional Office of Africa
09:30 – 09:50 (15 min, then 5 min Q&A)
Antimicrobial Resistance in Kenya and East Africa – Clinical and One Health Priorities
Speaker:
Dr Emmanuel Tanui, National AMR Focal Point, Ministry of Health, Kenya
09:50 – 10:10
Introduction to phage biology, phage-host interactions, current evidence and potential applications
Speaker:
Ms. Valentina A. Floccari, Research Assistant, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana
10:10 – 10:30
Bacteriophages Against WHO Priority Pathogens: Current Work and Capabilities at the Microbiology Hub in KEMRI
Overview of bacteriophage isolation, existing research capacity and available phage collections in Kenya.
Speaker:
Dr Justin Nyasinga, Assistant Principal Research Scientist, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/ Walter Reed Army Institute of Research – Africa (WRAIR-A).
10:30 - 11:00
Tea and Networking
11:00 - 12:40
Technical Session I
From Bacteriophage Science to Clinical Application
Format: Technical presentations followed by questions and discussion
11:00 – 11:20
Bridging Lab and Clinic: A
Multidisciplinary Pathway for
Bacteriophage Therapy in Europe
Clinical application of bacteriophages, multidisciplinary collaboration, phage-bank needs, regulatory pathways in Latvia and the EU, and priorities for clinical trials and guidelines.
Online speaker:
Dr. Kārlis Rācenis, Lead Researcher at Riga Stradins University; Nephrologist at Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Latvia
11:20–11:40
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, Acting Head of the Scientific Research and Educational Department, Valdoltra Orthopaedic Hospital, Slovenia
11:40–12:20
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, Founder & President, Phages for Global Health, and
Dr. Vallarie M. Khamira, Health Products and Technologies Directorate, Product Registration and Evaluation Department, Pharmacy and Poisons Board
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, Co-Founder & CEO, JAFRAL
12:40 - 13:40
Lunch and Networking
13:40 - 15:20
Technical Session II
Bacteriophage Applications in Agriculture, Livestock and Research Cooperation
Format: Technical presentations followed by questions and discussion
13:40–14:00
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)
14:00–14:20
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, Plant Bacteriologist, Plant Protection Department, Agricultural Institute of Slovenia
14:20–14:40
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
14:40–15:00
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)
15:00–15:20
Building Kenya’s Bacteriophage Research Ecosystem
Experience in bacteriophage education, advocacy, researcher engagement and development of national and regional networks.
Speaker:
Mr. Aboka Ely, Founder & Program Director, Phage Hunters Training & Research Program (PHTRP), Kenya
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, Co-Founder & CEO, 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. Vallarie M. Khamira, Health Products and Technologies Directorate, Product Registration and Evaluation Department, Pharmacy and Poisons Board
- Dr. Bernhards Ogutu, Senior Principal Clinical Scientist, Kenya Medical
Research Institute (KEMRI) Moderator:
Dr. Tatjana Dragovič Andersen
The panel will open with a brief framing presentation on the pathway towards
initiating a first compassionate-use bacteriophage case in Kenya
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. Peter Wachira, University of Nairobi
- Dr. Janja Lamovsek, Agricultural Institute of Slovenia
- Dr. Angela Makumi, International Livestock Research Institute
- Ms. Lucy Karanja, Content Manager, CABI
- Dr. Emily Muema, CEO, Veterinary Medicines Directorate.
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
19:30
Evening Reception
- 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: Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
- Date: Wednesday, 7 October 2026
- Event Moderator: Dr. Angela Makumi, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)
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. Mrs 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
Dr. Angela Makumi, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)
10:30 – 11:00
Tea and Networking
11:00 – 12:00
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
11:00–11:30
JAFRAL’s Work in Bacteriophage Research, Development and Manufacturing
Dr. Frenk Smrekar, Co-Founder & CEO, JAFRAL
11:30–12:00
Building Phage Infrastructure in Low-Income Countries
Dr. Tobi Nagel, Founder & President, Phages for Global Health
12:00 - 12:30
Invited Scientific Session II:
Bacteriophage Biology and Biotechnology
Format: Keynote presentation followed by selected oral presentations and discussion
12:00–12:30
Phage Research at the Biotechnical
Faculty, University of Ljubljana: From
Fundamental and Applied Science to
Education
Dr. Hannah Rose Bonham, Research Fellow, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana
12:30 – 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
Dr. Janja Lamovsek, Plant Bacteriologist, Plant Protection Department, 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
Kenyan Salmonella Phages Can Reverse Antibiotic Resistance in Field Strains of Salmonella enterica
Josiah Odaba, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)
14:45–15:00
Phages to the Rescue: Harnessing Bacteriophages for Livestock Disease Control
Ndinda Kavesu, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) / International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)
15:00–15:15
Isolation and Characterization of Lytic Bacteriophages Against Caprine Mastitis-Associated Staphylococcus Species as Potential Biocontrol Agents
Omukunda Caleb Kepha, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) / JKUAT
15:15–15:30
Gender Considerations for Equitable Development and Adoption of Bacteriophage Technology for Goat Mastitis in Kenya
Rachael Njoroge, Kenyatta University / International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)
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, Acting Head of the Scientific Research and Educational Department, Valdoltra Orthopaedic Hospital, Slovenia
16:15–16:30
Integrating MDR Escherichia coli Surveillance with Phage Bioprospecting in Nairobi’s Informal Settlements
Elkana Mudi, Phage Hunters Training and Research Program (PHTRP)
16:30–16:45
How Safe Is Your Phage? Lessons from Ten Genome Analyses
Online Speaker:
Zahra Salehi, Tarbiat Modares University
16:45–17:00
In Silico Characterization of Phage Lytic Proteins and Rational Cocktail Design of Phages Against Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Meshack Tweya Omwega, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research – Africa (WRAIR-A)
17:00–17:15
Selective Inhibition of Pathogens Decorated with Rhamnose by Phage Tail-Like Nanomachines
Ryan M. Awori, Elakistos Biosciences / University of Tennessee
17:15 - 17:40
Closing Session
17:15–17:30
Closing Plenary: Priorities for Advancing Bacteriophage Research and Application in Kenya and Africa
- Dr Tobi Nagel, Founder & President, Phages for Global Health;
- Dr. Atunga Nyachieo, Director, Research and Product Development, Kenya Institute of Primate Research (KIPRE)
17:30–17:40
Closing Remarks
Organising partners
How to join us in Nairobi?
Registration has ended.
How to join us online?
Recording of the Summit will be available soon.
Further information
Explore both days of the Summit and view the available registration options on the Slovenia–Kenya Phage Summit calendar.
For enquiries, please contact info@icpe.int or 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
