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In life, there’s often one thing that holds the power to move mountains, for me, that has always been education. Thankfully, this passion perfectly aligns with ESTEC’s corporate philosophy.

Recently, while reviewing our case studies in the Education sector ahead of engagements with several institutions, two remarkable projects caught my attention, JKUAT’s Food Fortification Laboratory and Kenyatta University’s National Phytotherapeutics Research Centre (NPRC) Lab. These are not just facilities; they are transformative initiatives that showcase the limitless potential of collaboration between Education and Industry. Let me tell the story of the JKUAT Food fortification lab.

The JKUAT Food Fortification Lab – A Case of Science Saving Lives

Food fortification is the deliberate addition of essential vitamins and minerals to commonly consumed foods. Following national surveys that revealed rising malnutrition rates, especially among women and children, the Kenyan government passed legislation in 2012 making fortification mandatory for staple foods like packaged maize flour, wheat flour, and edible oils.

To anchor this massive effort, the European Union funded the establishment and equipping of the Kenya National Food Fortification Reference Laboratory at JKUAT. This facility plays a central role in fortification monitoring, regulation and compliance with national standards.

And yes, you guessed it, ESTEC was part of this impactful story. We proudly equipped this state-of-the-art laboratory, The other key stakeholders in this program such as Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and National Public Health Institute (NPHI) are both valued ESTEC clients.

The Impact Beyond the Lab

By now, many of us have done or are planning our monthly household shopping. I can bet you passed by the maize flour or wheat flour shelves and picked your favorite brand; Soko, Jogoo, Mama, Pembe, or perhaps the newer one, Lea.

Now, look at the packaging. You’ll see a fortification logo and a declaration of essential nutrients like Zinc, Iron, and various Vitamins. But here’s the critical question: How do regulators and manufacturers prove these nutrients are present in the required, life-saving amounts?

That’s where ESTEC comes in.
We supply the analytical solutions,(technology and expertise) that make this verification possible, ensuring every meal contributes to a healthier, safer population.

Now that we’re on “kitchen matters,” it’s worth noting that our vision “A Safe and Healthy Africa” wasn’t just coined by a kitchen cabinet to suit this story. It’s a daily commitment that guides every solution we provide across sectors.

The Science Behind Assurance

To test essential minerals like Iron and Zinc, laboratories rely on advanced analytical equipment like Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) or Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Vitamin A analysis is performed using a UV-VIS Spectrophotometer.

In this context, it’s not just about nutrition. Contaminants like Aflatoxin must also be monitored using instruments like High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC),a topic for another day!

Beyond supplying and installing this sophisticated technology, we provide reliable technical support. We know that prolonged downtime in this lab could literally mean meals across the country lack essential nutrients. The stakes are immense.

The Measurable Impact

It’s always satisfying when data reveals the fruits of scientific collaboration. At a stakeholder meeting last year, Prof. Daniel Sila, Principal at JKUAT’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and a key architect of the Food Fortification Lab, shared encouraging results:

“The efforts have enhanced fortification compliance among maize millers from 16% in 2018 to 45% currently. Compliance among wheat millers has also improved from 18% to 85% over the last five years.”

Such milestones remind me why I’m deeply passionate about what I do. Behind such statistics lies a story of improved health, better nutrition, and transformed lives.

Looking Ahead – Where Education Meets Industry

While this article highlights just one stream of collaboration, there are countless others waiting to be explored. Educational institutions hold immense potential to serve as research and innovation platforms for industry players fostering a continuous exchange of ideas, expertise and solutions.

Because when Education and Industry work hand in hand, we don’t just move mountains we build a healthier, safer and more resilient Africa.

Now, let me go and boldly share this story during my presentations with the institutions that inspired this reflection.

 

Written by: Mark Makau
Application Specialist, Spectroscopy

 𝐔𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 

Join us as we celebrate the incredible women shaping the landscape of analytical excellence. With their expertise and dedication, our team continues to push boundaries, drive innovation, and elevate precision in every aspect of our work.

Together, we’re redefining what’s possible in the world of analytical technology. Here’s to the remarkable contributions of our leading ladies in the Indoor Sales Team.

 

 

Evelyn Nkatha, serving as the Head of the Indoor Sales Department, stands as a proficient leader in overseeing indoor sales operations, ensuring optimal performance and client satisfaction within the department. She excels as a specialist in chromatographic analytical instruments, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved. Her proficiency extends to laboratory density and concentration, ensuring optimal support for clients in the beverage industry.

 

 

 

 

Redemptor Ochanda is a versatile expert in elemental analysis, showcasing a depth of knowledge in sample preparation, refractive index, and optical rotation. With a keen eye for detail, Redemptor is dedicated to delivering accurate and reliable results across various analytical domains.

 

 

 

 

Serah Katini distinguishes herself as the queen of UTM and spectroscopy, leveraging her extensive expertise to provide thorough solutions for all related needs. Clients can trust in her proficiency for precise and effective analytical support.

 

 

 

Loreen Ochieng specializes in sample preparation and emerges as a go-to expert for column-related requirements. Her adeptness extends to elemental analysis, ensuring a well-rounded and dependable analytical support system.

 

 

ESTEC celebrates these extraordinary ladies!!

 

Written By: Gacheri Mitchelle Judy
Marketing Executive – ESTEC LTD

Celebrating Success, Birthdays, and Team Spirit

Introduction

As the year drew to a close, our company decided to bid farewell to the past twelve months with a bang! Our end-of-year party was a dazzling affair, attended by members from all departments, creating a vibrant tapestry of collaboration, laughter, and celebration.

Games Galore

One of the highlights of the evening was the array of games that brought out the competitive spirit in everyone. From speedy challenges that tested our reflexes to mind-bending puzzles that teased our intellect, the games were a hit! The excitement, fierce concentration and joyous moments were capture

           

      

     

Feast for the Senses

No celebration is complete without a feast, and ours was nothing short of spectacular. Delectable dishes and delightful drinks graced our tables as we savored the flavors of success and camaraderie. The atmosphere was buzzing with laughter and the clinking of glasses, a testament to the bonds we’ve built throughout the year.

      

November Babies Take the Spotlight

As we celebrated the end of the year, we also took a moment to honor our colleagues born in November. The birthday celebration added a personal touch to the afternoon, reminding us of the individuals who make our workplace feel like a second home.

Recognition for Excellence

In a special segment, we recognized and rewarded the best employees of the year. Their dedication, hard work, and contributions to the success of our team were acknowledged with applause and well-deserved accolades. It was a proud moment for everyone as we celebrated the achievements that have shaped our journey throughout the year.

         

         

           

Conclusion

Our end-of-year party was more than just a gathering; it was a celebration of unity, teamwork, and shared accomplishments. As we played, ate, and toasted to the memories of the past year, it became evident that our success is not just in the work we do but also in the bonds we’ve forged as a team.

🥂 🥂 🥂 Here’s to a year filled with challenges conquered, milestones achieved, and the unwavering spirit that defines us.

          

         

          

 

By Mitchelle Gacheri 
Marketing Executive-ESTEC LTD

Shimadzu addresses the demand for a smaller, simpler, and easier-to-use gas chromatograph without compromising performance with the development of the Brevis GC-2050. This compact instrument features a space-saving yet expandable design, ensuring it meets the analytical needs of laboratories in various industries. The GC-2050 boasts a sufficient oven size, a remote display for convenient monitoring, compact and easy maintenance, and reduced energy and gas consumption.

 

Its features include:

Compact without Compromise

The Brevis GC-2050 is designed to save space while maintaining performance excellence. Its space-saving yet expandable design allows flexibility in various laboratory setups. The GC oven size is sufficient for effective analysis, and the instrument’s remote display enhances accessibility. Furthermore, the compact design ensures ease of maintenance, contributing to operational efficiency while consuming less energy and gas.

Built-in Analytical Intelligence

The Brevis GC-2050 is equipped with built-in analytical intelligence, streamlining operations for enhanced efficiency. It enables automatic remote operation, automates procedures through features like Clean Pilot, ensures analysis starts immediately under optimal conditions with an automatic start and stop function, and facilitates remote control and monitoring through LabSolutions Direct.

Best-in-Class Performance

With the Brevis GC-2050, Shimadzu delivers best-in-class performance, ensuring outstanding analytical reproducibility. The instrument is engineered to meet the high standards required for precise and reliable analytical results, making it a top choice for laboratories seeking uncompromising performance in gas chromatography.

Learn here more

By Mitchelle Gacheri
Marketing Executive- ESTEC LTD