Dr. Mbekenga holds a Master of Science in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Zambia, where he further honed his skills in public health management and research. He earned his Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine from Sokoine University of Agriculture in Morogoro, Tanzania. His diverse academic qualifications are complemented by extensive theological, philosophical, and human psychology studies from Kipalapala Theologicum and Ntungamo Philosophicum Senior Seminaries (affiliated to Urbaniana University-Rome) institutions in Tanzania, which reflect his commitment to holistic understanding and leadership.

Dr. Mbekenga’s career spans various key roles in both veterinary practice and regulatory affairs. Currently, he serves as the Zonal Manager of the Southern Zone for the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA), a position he has held since January 2020. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing TMDA’s inspection, enforcement, and benchmarking activities across three regions, ensuring that regulated products meet high standards of safety and quality. Prior to this, he managed TMDA’s Central Zone from 2016 to 2020, where he successfully led efforts to inspect and monitor pharmaceutical and medical device facilities, contributing to the enhancement of public health and regulatory compliance in Tanzania.

Dr. Mbekenga’s career is further marked by significant contributions in the food safety and animal health sectors. His experience as the Factory Operations Manager at Sumbawanga Agricultural and Animal Food Industries (SAAFI Ltd) involved overseeing large-scale factory operations, ensuring quality control and implementing HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) standards. He also worked as a Ranch Veterinary Officer at SAAFI, where he played a key role in establishing disease-free zone for cattle ranching, facilitating export readiness to the European Union.

In addition to his regulatory roles, Dr. Mbekenga has been involved in numerous research and publication efforts. His notable research includes the investigation of oxytetracycline (OTC) residue levels in beef, a critical study for food safety and public health. His work has been published in reputable journals, contributing to the scientific community’s understanding of veterinary medicine and public health in Tanzania.

Dr. Mbekenga is a dedicated member of the Tanzania Veterinary Association (TVA) and the Tanzania Veterinary Council (TVC). His leadership and expertise have been recognized by various institutions, including his advisory role with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries in Tanzania. In his spare time, he is passionate about community service, charity work, and sports, particularly basketball and lawn tennis.