International Microorganisms Day is a worldwide event to promote the diversity and variety of microorganisms. It is a way to encourage everyone to recognize and celebrate the many ways microscopic organisms are important in human health, culture, economic activity, employment, and, throughout our daily lives. On 17th September 2026, the Department of Biological Sciences marked the day at the University of Eldoret under the theme ‘Microbes and Microbiologists Drive the World!’ to highlight the importance of microbes and microbiology in human welfare. The objectives of the event were to create awareness of the importance of microbes and microbiology in human welfare,  to collaborate and network with national and international scientific organizations, to bring fun into learning Microbiology for students and invited participants, and to motivate and inspire the current Microbiology students of the University of Eldoret in their discipline.

The organization of this event was spearheaded by Dr. Becky Aloo from the Department of Biological Sciences and Marystella Injete, former Young Ambassador of ASM-Kenya and current postgraduate student in the Department, and Dr. Emily Chemoiwa, in collaboration with Microbiology technical staff and Microbiology students of UoE through the Microbiology students Association. The event was graced by  Dr. Salina Rono, Ag. HOD, Department of Biological Sciences, and Prof. Donald Otieno, Dean of the School of Science who officially opened the workshop. 

The event involved many fun learning activities to spur interest among participants in Microbiology. Some of the activities that took place were the Agar Art show and competition, Microbiology Lab Demos, Microscopy Workshop, Meet the Microbes Poster Competition, Dance with Microbes, and Cut-the-Microbe Cake. The event featured a keynote speech on ‘Why Microbiology Matters in the 21st Century’, delivered by Dr. Sabella Kiprono. The programme also featured a session on ‘Winning Postgraduate Scholarships’, delivered by Prof. Maurice Okoth of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Other sessions focused on building careers in microbiology, developing a scientific résumé and navigating job applications, conducting special projects in microbiology, and opportunities available to microbiologists. The event culminated in awards to students who took part in various activities to promote microbial sciences, guests, and the organizing committee members. The Department of Biological Sciences appreciates the University of Eldoret for its financial support towards the successful organization of the event. The Department also acknowledges the contributions of staff, students, guests, and well-wishers whose support enabled the celebrations to take place.