ROA Team Profiles
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ROA Team
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Michael Okumu
Administrator ROA, Technical Manager AJFAND
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”5px”][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeIn” el_class=”desc-team”]Mr. Okumu ensures efficient running of the office. He gives administrative support to programs, employees, and management through coordination and planning, book-keeping, and knowledge management. Okumu has seen the birth of the two organizations: ROA and AJFAND. He has seen them grow to where they are now. At AJFAND he is the technical manager responsible for layout, web and database management. He continues to be actively involved in the implementation of ROA programs. His skills include financial management, project monitoring, web development and database management. Before joining ROA, he worked at the Ministry of Planning as a clerical officer in the computer department.
“This work is so challenging yet inspiring. What inspires me most is when a submitted progress report is accepted by the funding agency. Also when an author writes to say thank you when their article is published“[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”20559″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css_animation=”fadeInUp”][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeIn”]
Mary Njeri Karanu
Senior Program Officer
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”5px”][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeIn” el_class=”desc-team”]Mary leads in project conceptualization, implementation, and coordination of stakeholder engagements. She has more than 8 years’ experience in agricultural research and project management. She is skilled in science communication, training, research, impact evaluation, and grant writing. At ROA, Mary coordinates youth and gender programs like the schools interventions, dairy projects, research projects, as well as giving program support to other projects implemented by ROA. Mary is Deputy to the Editor-in-Chief, at the African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition, and Development (AJFAND), where she also writes about food security, environment, and agricultural technologies as they relate to Kenya and Africa. Before joining ROA, Mary worked at ALS Environmental in Salt Lake City, Utah as a chemist. She holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Genetics and Biotechnology.
“What I like most about my work is the interaction with people: exchanging ideas, arriving at solutions cooperatively, and mentoring young people. Also, translating research into meaningful impacts for people’s lives.”
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Sylvester Aura
Senior Program Officer
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”5px”][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeIn” el_class=”desc-team”]A dynamic team leader who, after starting as a plant researcher, focused on project management and implementation in increasingly responsible positions. He has an MSc in Environmental Science, a BSc in Botany (Major) & Zoology, and a Diploma in Information Technology. He integrates academic and development expertise with a focus on alleviating poverty and improving livelihoods. Among the key projects that he successfully implemented include the two-phased AGRA-funded project on Integrated Soil Fertility Management from 2011 to 2018. He has a great interest in the training and mentoring of women and youth. With a good knowledge of data analysis, as well as monitoring and evaluation, he has a keen eye for communication of research and development results to enhance impact at several levels. Besides the academic certification, Mr. Aura has also received training in the following areas:
- Carbon Benefits Modelling (Colorado States University)
- Project Monitoring & Evaluation: How to use Indicator Performance and Tracking Table (Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa)
- Web 2.0 and Social Media for Development (East African Grain Council and Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation)
- Fertilizer Policy and Marketing Strategies in Africa (International Fertilizer Development Centre)
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Doris A. Anjawa
Field Cordinator
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”5px”][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeIn” el_class=”desc-team”]Doris leads in coordinating project field activities, field staffs and implementation of all the projects. She has more than 15 years experience in coordinating Agricultural projects and management. In the organization, to mention just but a few, she has coordinated projects like formation and management of Agricultural Innovation Platforms in Vihiga, Kakamega and Nandi Counties, Water Efficiency Maize for Africa (WEMA), Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM), StrigAway project, Dairy Project, Technology for African Agricultural Transformation maize Compact (TAAT) Sustainable Land and Forest Management(SL/FM), Commercialization of African Indigenous Vegetables e.t.c. Doris has spearheaded collaboration with Agricultural Organization/department. She’s the Chairperson Banana Value chain Platform Vihiga County and a member of Vihiga County Trade and Enterprise Fund Board.
Before joining ROA, Doris also worked with Mumias Sugar Company Ltd under booker-tate and Mumias Out growers Company as an extension officer.
“What I like most is interacting and engaging with farmers and other stakeholders to learn and offer solutions to their problems and learning new ideas that contributes to improving farmers livelihood.”
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Emily Kaveza
Editorial Assistant, AJFAND
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”5px”][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeIn” el_class=”desc-team”]She has worked at the journal’s secretariat for more than ten years. She leads in manuscript processing, communication with authors and reviewers, and virtually managing the review process.
Currently she is studying at the University of Nairobi, pursuing a degree in Language and Communication. Her study areas include: editing, stylistic, public speaking, grammar, communication skills, public relation, organization communication and so on. It is through the support of AJFAND and well-wishers that she was able to meet her degree costs.
“What makes me happy and enjoy my work is the interaction with authors and reviewers. I have also learnt a lot: the information and knowledge from Africa that authors share through the journal, editing, doing research, and putting the information together for publishing.”
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Stephen Muyale Sino
Fiels Officer
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”5px”][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeIn” el_class=”desc-team”]Stephen has worked in ROA for over 15 years as a field officer and coordinator. He has worked on the dairy project, Gender Equality Support Project (GESP), and the Western Women Empowerment Network, Njua Marufuku Kenya, ISFM, WEMA projects, and others. Currently assisting on a research project on improved farming tools, field coordination of school-based programs in Lurambi and Butere, and in the implementation of nutrition gardens in schools, in collaboration with Nestle Kenya.
He is skilled and experienced in farming and agronomy, beekeeping and harvesting, agribusiness, community mobilization, capacity building, and research. He has been the PTA chair of Eshikomere primary school for 6 years now, also serving as a board member in the same school. Stephen is a founder member and a leader of different community among them FODI (Friends of Development Initiatives) and Butere Youth Saving and Credit Society.
He has a certificate in ISFM technologies, computer, and farming as a business.
“What l like most about my work is interacting with the local community and seeing community members achieve their objectives because of working together with me. I like giving hope to poor families through their children whom I inspire to work hard in school and in whatever they do.”
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Jane Auma Nyawach
Field Officer
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”5px”][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeIn” el_class=”desc-team”]Jane is a Field Officer working with Rural Outreach Africa. Her work is to reach out to small farming communities through group visits and farmer trainings organized by ROA to create awareness on food security, improved household income, and disease eradication (changing people’s lives).
She has worked with the organization for 9 years in various projects like integrated soil fertility management, 4H/4K, WEMA and promotion of indigenous vegetables.
“I am a certificate holder in General Agriculture and Home Economics, but what I have learnt in the field is more than this. The sharing, challenges, and final outcome is great being in the field.”
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Michael M. Mugendi
Intern & Social Media Strategist ROA & AJFAND
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”5px”][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeIn” el_class=”desc-team”]Michael M. Mugendy is in charge of social media strategy, content creation and microblogging for ROA. He is responsible for implementing inbound marketing strategies that help publicize ROA events and activities (such as field days, workshops and farmer trade fairs), promote brand awareness, generate leads, and the general relay of useful information to social network users about the projects undertaken by ROA. He takes part in developing proposals for grants, farmer trainings and field days.
Michael also handles the social media platforms for African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development (AJFAND). Other roles, as a member of the Editorial assistance team, include reviewing manuscripts for conformity to standards and guidelines. Michael’s background is in agricultural economics (1st degree). He is passionate about rural development, food safety and security, and value addition. He looks forward to opportunities to advance his studies.
“My joy in working for ROA and AJFAND is interacting with knowledge-thirsty farmers, repackaging and sharing scientific knowledge on social networks and working with a vibrant ROA team”
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Lucy Oliewo Oduori
Intern, AJFAND
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”5px”][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeIn” el_class=”desc-team”]Lucy is an intern at African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development (AJFAND). As an intern, she helps with editing of the manuscripts to ensure that they conform to AJFAND style. Previously, Lucy worked as an intern at New KCC and Trufoods Limited Company in Quality Assurance Department. She also interned at Mbagathi Hospital where she was responsible with routine duties of a nutritionist in the hospital.
Lucy received her Bachelor’s Degree in Food, Nutrition and Dietetics from South Eastern Kenya University. She is a Registered Nutritionist by Kenya Nutritionists and Dietitians Institute. She is passionate about food security and nutrition.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1571396606999{padding-top: 40px !important;}” el_id=”hide-row”][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″]
JANE AUMA NYAWACH
Field Officer
Jane is a Field Officer working with Rural Outreach Africa. Her work is to reach out to small farming communities through group visits and farmer trainings organized by ROA to create awareness on food security, improved household income, and disease eradication (changing people’s lives).<br /> She has worked with the organization for 9 years in various projects like integrated soil fertility management, 4H/4K, WEMA and promotion of indigenous vegetables.<br /> “I am a certificate holder in General Agriculture and Home Economics, but what I have learnt in the field is more than this. The sharing, challenges, and final outcome is great being in the field.”
MICHAEL M. MUGENDY
INTERN & SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGIST, ROA & AJFAND
Michael M. Mugendy is in charge of social media strategy, content creation and microblogging for ROA. He is responsible for implementing inbound marketing strategies that help publicize ROA events and activities (such as field days, workshops and farmer trade fairs), promote brand awareness, generate leads, and the general relay of useful information to social network users about the projects undertaken by ROA. He takes part in developing proposals for grants, farmer trainings and field days.<br /> Michael also handles the social media platforms for African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development (AJFAND). Other roles, as a member of the Editorial assistance team, include reviewing manuscripts for conformity to standards and guidelines. Michael’s background is in agricultural economics (1st degree). He is passionate about rural development, food safety and security, and value addition. He looks forward to opportunities to advance his studies.</p> <p>“My joy in working for ROA and AJFAND is interacting with knowledge-thirsty farmers, repackaging and sharing scientific knowledge on social networks and working with a vibrant ROA team”
LUCY OLIEWO ODUORI
INTERN, AFRICAN JOURNAL OF FOOD, AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION AND DEVELOPMENT
Lucy is an intern at African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development (AJFAND). As an intern, she helps with editing of the manuscripts to ensure that they conform to AJFAND style. Previously, Lucy worked as an intern at New KCC and Trufoods Limited Company in Quality Assurance Department. She also interned at Mbagathi Hospital where she was responsible with routine duties of a nutritionist in the hospital.<br /> Lucy received her Bachelor’s Degree in Food, Nutrition and Dietetics from South Eastern Kenya University. She is a Registered Nutritionist by Kenya Nutritionists and Dieticians Institute. She is passionate about food security and nutrition.
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