The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in partnership with Protechnik Laboratories held an Analytical Skills Development Course between 23rd May and 4th June, 2022 in Pretoria, South Africa.
The workshop attended by 22 participants from different African States targeted analytical chemists and chemical professionals from OPCW Member States with economies that are developing or in transition with the aim of enhancing skills in the analysis of chemicals relevant to the Chemical Weapon Convention (CWC) and to share knowledge on laboratory best practices.
Mr. Joseck Olukusi Alwala, who is the Head of Chemistry Laboratories at Kibabii University, and also the Organizing Secretary, Kenya Chemical Society, Western Chapter attended the two-week exercise.
The researcher gained insights on: Gas Chromatography (GC) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) as well as derivatization techniques and methods of chemical sample preparation and analysis; Troubleshooting and mantainance of Gas Chromatography (GC) and Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) among other areas.
