About
Dr. Frank Sawanga Ndakala
Scholar, Author, Public Servant & Health Policy Expert
A distinguished Kenyan scholar whose work bridges the gap between scientific research, innovation policy, and public health. Currently serving as Deputy Director-Research at the State Department for Science, Research & Innovation, Dr. Ndakala has over 25 years of experience in transforming academic methodologies, advancing global health initiatives, and driving transformative innovation policy across Kenya and East Africa.
The Journey
From academic researcher to influential policy advisor, Dr. Ndakala's career path reflects his commitment to transforming education and healthcare.
Academic Foundation
Completed BSc in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Nairobi, establishing a strong foundation in biological sciences and research methodology.
Early Research Career
Began as Assistant Research Officer at Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), gaining hands-on experience in medical research and laboratory techniques.
Specialized Research Focus
Earned MSc in Applied Parasitology and Immunology from the University of Nairobi, specializing in tropical diseases and immune system responses.
Research Leadership Development
Advanced to Principal Research Officer and later Chief Research Officer at the Directorate of Research & Development, leading multiple research initiatives.
International Exposure
Completed Postgraduate Diploma in Translational Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, bridging laboratory research with clinical applications.
Global Health Research
Participated in CIHR International Training in Infectious Diseases and Global Health, conducting research on HIV and antiretroviral therapy in collaboration with University of Manitoba, securing $104,000 in grant funding.
International Research Collaboration
Served as Guest Researcher at Hannover Medical School, Germany, focusing on molecular analysis and metabolomic studies, identifying 3 potential biomarkers.
Doctoral Achievement
Completed PhD in Infection Biology at the University of Nairobi, focusing on metabolomic analysis of antiretroviral therapy-related toxicity and HIV-associated complications.
Innovation Policy Pioneer
Led the Transformative Innovation Policy (TIP) Africa hub pilot study, resulting in 4 publications and £25,000 in grant funding, establishing Kenya's innovation policy framework.
Policy Leadership & Innovation
Currently serves as Deputy Director-Research at the State Department for Science, Research & Innovation, leading transformative innovation policy initiatives and directing multiple research institutions including the National Research Fund.
Current Leadership Roles
Dr. Ndakala currently holds multiple strategic positions across Kenya's science, research, and innovation landscape.
Deputy Director-Research
State Department for Science, Research & Innovation
Leading national research policy and innovation strategies
Director
National Research Fund
Overseeing research funding and grant allocation
Director
Laikipia University Council
Providing strategic governance and oversight
Regional Coordinator
Industrial Policy Lab (East African node)
Driving industrial policy research across East Africa
National Coordinator
AU-NEPAD Science & Technology Indicators
Coordinating continental science indicators
National Contact Point
Horizon Europe Programme-Health Cluster
Facilitating European health research collaboration
Major Research Projects & Grants
Dr. Ndakala has secured over $400,000 in research funding across multiple international collaborations and groundbreaking projects.
Current Projects (2024-2026)
UNIDO Industrial Policy Lab
Leading prioritized research activities for the East African Node
2025-2026GSK/Amref Health Africa
Regional antimicrobial resistance landscape analysis across 5 African countries
2024-2025Major Grants Secured
Pfizer Global Medical Grant
Quality improvement of antimicrobial stewardship programmes
2020-2023CIHR-IID&GHTP Grant
University of Manitoba collaboration on HIV research
2012-2015TIP Africa Hub
Transformative Innovation Policy pilot study
2018-2020International Collaborations
Building bridges across continents through strategic research partnerships and policy initiatives.
Germany
Hannover Medical School
Canada
University of Manitoba
Scotland
University of Edinburgh
Sweden
SIDA Partnership
Research & Expertise
Infection Biology & Tropical Diseases
PhD expertise in metabolomic analysis of antiretroviral therapy-related toxicity, HIV-associated complications, and diagnostic innovations for resource-limited settings.
Transformative Innovation Policy
Leading expert in developing and implementing innovation policies that drive sustainable development and economic transformation across Africa.
Industrial Policy & STI Systems
Regional coordinator for industrial policy research and science, technology & innovation systems development across East Africa.
Antimicrobial Resistance & Stewardship
Leading research on antimicrobial resistance patterns and stewardship programs across African healthcare systems.
Publications & Impact
25+ Peer-Reviewed Articles
Published in East African Medical Journal, Pan African Medical Journal, and international health journals
National Survey Reports
Led Kenya's National R&D and Innovation Surveys (2012-2019)
Continental Policy Influence
TIPC Research Briefs shaping African innovation policy
$400,000+ Secured
In international research grants and funding
Multiple Awards
From AUDA-NEPAD, CIHR, and European research organizations
3 Biomarkers Identified
Through molecular analysis research at Hannover Medical School
Professional Memberships & Affiliations
Medical Sciences Liaison Alliance
MSL Alliance - Professional medical communications
Medical Writing Organization
MWO - Scientific and regulatory writing
Kenya Society for Immunology
KSI - Advancing immunological research
Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance
NCDAK - Kenya's NCD prevention and control
UNESCO Education Committee
Expert committee member for education programmes
Teacher Education Policy
Technical Working Committee member
Get in Touch
Interested in collaborations, speaking engagements, or learning more about Dr. Ndakala's research and publications? Reach out directly or through social media.