Mary Mwangi is a Kenyan biotechnologist and professor at Kenyatta University, where she also studied in the 1980s. She works in plant genetics, biotechnology transfer and agricultural innovation, focusing on how scientific research can reach farming communities and “make a difference, especially for women” by turning complex research into practical solutions.
Growing up in rural Kenya, she remembers being fascinated by “a seed growing into a plant,” in her mother’s kitchen garden, which developed her interest in biology further strengthened by supportive science teachers. Her father played a defining role, insisting “get educated and not be married off,” and helping her believe that education would give independence and opportunity.
At university, a mentor returning from Europe introduced her to plant genetics and guided her early development. She reflects on this support as a turning point that helped her see a future in research.
Mwangi identifies her long‑running banana tissue‑culture project as her most significant achievement. For more than fifteen years she has helped establish nurseries, introduced high‑yielding cooking‑banana varieties and built international collaborations. These efforts have “changed the lives of communities” and continue to create new opportunities for farmers and young entrepreneurs.
She actively organised regional events through AWSE and later became an INWES director and now serving as Secretary General. she values the “huge spirit of volunteerism” in INWES and how members “go over and beyond to ensure that things get done.” Her message to women is to follow your interests, “believe in yourself,” work hard, and “do not be intimidated”.