Ally Okeyo Mwai

Ally Okeyo Mwai

Principal Scientist

Ally Okeyo Mwai is Principal Scientist in the ILRI’s Global Livestock Genetics- Live Gene Research Program. Okeyo is a quantitative geneticist with over 30 years of experience in practical design and implementation of livestock improvement programs in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia regions. Okeyo has in the past led ILRI’s Breeding strategies Research, specifically focusing on development and implementation projects, covering a wide range of research areas including, characterization and genetic diversity of indigenous tropical livestock; their improved utilization, as well as development and application of assisted reproductive technologies in dairy cattle. Prior to joining ILRI, he was head of the Animal Breeding and Genetics Section at the Department of Animal Production, University of Nairobi and Coordinator of Small Ruminant Research Program at the then Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research organization. Okeyo has and holds several national and international advisory board positions. He is currently leading the development of ILRI led dairy cattle genetic gain development and research programs in eastern Africa region. Okeyo has published extensively (authored and co-authored more than 150 scientific journal and conference papers), and has held several scientific editorials, and national and international advisory board positions. Okeyo holds MSc Animal Science (Animal Genetics) from University of California, Davis and a PhD in Animal Breeding and Genetics from University of Nairobi.

My Projects

ADGG

ACTIVE

African Dairy Genetic Gains

Strengthening the Capacity of African Countries to Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of African Animal Genetic Resources

Strengthening the Capacity of African Countries to Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of African Animal Genetic Resources

ACTIVE

Germplasm for Dairy Development in East Africa, Phase 1: Identifying appropriate germplasm and delivery mechanisms

My Publications

Assessment of phenotypes based on deviations in milk yield as indicators of general resilience of dairy cattle in Kenya

  • Oloo, Richard Dooso
  • Mrode, Raphael A.
  • Bennewitz, J.
  • Ekine-Dzivenu, Chinyere C.
  • Ojango, Julie M.K.
  • Gebreyohanes, Gebregziabher
  • Okeyo Mwai, Ally
  • Chagunda, M.
ILRI publication cover

Milk somatic cell count, composition and yield of multibreed dairy cattle in Ethiopia

  • Fantahun, T.
  • Okeyo Mwai, Ally
  • Meseret, Selam
  • Negussie, E.
  • Mrode, Raphael A.
  • Mekuriaw, Getinet
  • Edea, Zewdu
  • Gebreyohanes, Gebregziabher
  • Ekine-Dzivenu, Chinyere C.
  • Tera, A.
  • Sisay, T.

Development of a web based system for managing data related to artificial insemination centers in Ethiopia

  • Hassen, Abdulkadir
  • Meseret, Selam
  • Mrode, Raphael A.
  • Ojango, Julie M.K.
  • Ekine-Dzivenu, Chinyere C.
  • Mogaka, David
  • Kipkosgei, Gideon
  • Gebreyohanes, Gebregziabher
  • Jufar, B.
  • Agegnehu, B.
  • Beyene, D.
  • Tera, A.
  • Okeyo Mwai, Ally
ILRI publication cover

The use of genomic information to profile suitability of imported animals for milk yield in smallholder systems in Eastern Africa

  • Mrode, Raphael A.
  • Ojango, Julie M.K.
  • Ekine-Dzivenu, Chinyere C.
  • Gebreyohanes, Gebregziabher
  • Okeyo Mwai, Ally
ILRI publication cover

Evaluating fertility in a breeding program for improved growth of indigenous sheep in the arid lands of Kenya

  • Ojango, Julie M.K.
  • Oyieng, Edwin
  • Oloo, Richard Dooso
  • Sila, W.
  • Audho, J.
  • Gitau, Jennifer
  • Mwazonga, M.E.
  • Ekine-Dzivenu, Chinyere C.
  • Mrode, Raphael A.
  • Okeyo Mwai, Ally

Livestock phenomics and genetic evaluation approaches in Africa: Current state and future perspectives

  • Houaga, I.
  • Mrode, Raphael A.
  • Opoola, O.
  • Chagunda, M.G.G.
  • Okeyo Mwai, Ally
  • Rege, J.E.
  • Olori, V.E.
  • Nash, O.
  • Banga, C.B.
  • Okeno, T.O.
  • Djikeng, Appolinaire