Zetech University, Africa Centre for Data Analytics and Modelling (ACDAM), successfully hosted a three-day Workshop on Infectious Disease Modelling from 15th to 17th September 2025 at the University’s Technology Park, Mang’u Campus. The training brought together students, researchers, and health professionals for an intensive program that combined theory, practice, and expert insights on the role of mathematics in understanding and combating epidemics.
The workshop opened on Monday, 15th September, with registration and networking led by Evalyne Musyoka, followed by introductory remarks from Esther, the Director of Research, Innovation, and Postgraduate Studies. She also officially welcomed participants and underscored the importance of equipping young scholars with practical tools to address pressing public health challenges. Prof. Samuel Mwalili then outlined the objectives of the training, delivering sessions on the fundamentals of disease modelling. Participants were introduced to infectious disease dynamics and later guided through practical applications of difference equations by Dr. Duncan Kioi. The afternoon featured hands-on exercises in Excel and R, where participants simulated the spread of diseases using IR, SIR, and SEIR models, bridging classroom concepts with real-world analysis.
The second day, Tuesday, 16th September, built on this foundation with a focus on applied epidemiology. Dr. Kioi opened the day with a lecture on R0 and the effective reproduction number, key measures for assessing the contagiousness of diseases. This was followed by Prof. Mwalili, who introduced stochastic differential equations as a way of incorporating randomness into models, capturing the unpredictability of real-life epidemics. Participants then engaged in practical sessions using R and Python, enhancing their coding and data analysis skills. The afternoon was dedicated to HIV modelling using the SPECTRUM software, giving attendees exposure to tools widely used in public health planning and policy.
On the final day, Wednesday, 17th September, Prof. Alice Njuguna, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Zetech University, attended the session and officially welcomed participants to Zetech University. She emphasized the importance of such workshops in empowering trainers and researchers with the right skills to positively impact students. She also joined in recognizing the participants from different institutions for their active involvement throughout the program. Prof. Mwalili guided participants through Approximate Bayesian Computation, a statistical approach that allows for sophisticated parameter estimation in disease modelling. This was followed by Dr. Kioi’s session on EMOD, a powerful simulation platform for epidemiological modelling. In the afternoon, participants from different institutions were formally recognized for their commitment to the program. Ms. Esther then issued participation certificates to all attendees and officially closed the workshop, marking the successful completion of the three-day training.
By the end of the program, participants had not only gained theoretical knowledge but also practical experience in mathematical and computational approaches to epidemics. The training emphasized how models can guide public health responses, test “what-if” scenarios, and inform cost-effective interventions in the fight against diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and emerging pandemics.
The Workshop on Infectious Disease Modelling reaffirmed Zetech University’s commitment to fostering research and innovation while providing students and professionals with skills that directly contribute to Kenya’s preparedness for health emergencies. Through ACDAM, the University demonstrated how academic institutions can play a central role in strengthening capacity for science-driven solutions in public health.
