AFRICA HARVEST - Key Persons
Calleb Adede holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture from Egerton University and is an accomplished Agronomist. He has attended numerous trainings on Value Chains and Market Analysis Approaches offered by Voluntary Services Oversees (VSO) Jitolee East Africa, Participatory Natural Resources Management by Kenya Forestry Research Institute-KEFRI, Sustainable Agriculture (Climate Smart Agriculture-CSA) Module 1 & 2 by Baraka Agricultural College, Trainer of Trainers (ToT) on Village Savings and Loans (VSLA) offered by CARE-Kenya, among others. Calleb has over 20 years of experience, multi-disciplinary knowledge and expertise associated with a wide range of agricultural technologies and regional and local networks, as well as a healthy and inclusive partnership approach to develop innovations and deliver at scale. He previously worked at Serving Together Social Development International Solidarity (STS) International in Somali, African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), World Concern International Development Organization in South Sudan, Minority for Development of Economy (MODE) in Cambodia, Community Mobilization Against Desertification (CMAD/CEFA) and Africa Now among others.
He is committed to increasing agricultural productivity, profitability and building resilience by
Job Titles:
- Captain
- Vice Chair
- Board Chair / Captain Gilbert M. Kibe / Vice Chair
- Visionary Leader
Captain Gilbert M. Kibe is a visionary leader with a prolific 35-year career encompassing management, training, policy development, and implementation. He has provided strategic leadership at the senior level in the Corporate and Government sectors, thus gaining acumen in aligning organizational effectiveness to national development objectives and designing short, middle, and long-term strategic goals.
He is currently the Director General for the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA). Previously, he was the chairman of the Civil Air Navigation Services Organization (CANSO) Executive Committee; Chairman of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Regional Aviation Safety Group - Africa and Indian Ocean Islands; Chairman steering committee for ICAO - Africa Flight Procedure Program (AFPP); Chairman of the board for East African Community - Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency; Chairman for Home Afrika International; Managing Director for Bahati Ridge Development; Chief Executive at Nairobi Flight Training Ltd; Director of Marketing at Eagle Air Uganda; Director of Business Development for Home Afrika Ltd; Director at Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and Executive Chairman at Eagle Aviation Ltd.
Capt. Kibe has an MBA in Aviation Management from Moi University, Kenya. He holds several licenses including, the American FAA CPL, Commercial Pilots License with Single and Multi-Engine Land, Instrument Rating from Anglo-American International Flight Academy; and Kenyan KCAA CPL, Commercial Pilots License, Flight Instructor, Instrument, Multi Piston and Turbine Ratings from Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).
Caroline Moreno is responsible for managing and supervising the continuous operational and procedural activities of the Foundation. She possesses a Master of Business Administration degree from Beulah Heights University in the United States, supplemented by additional education in the field of Leadership and Management degree from Sunderland University in the United Kingdom. She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise accumulated through 15 years of experience in diverse sectors encompassing both African and International contexts. She has demonstrated a robust set of skills in operational, strategic, managerial, financial, and commercial domains, which have been acquired through professional engagements with various corporate entities. She assumes the role of overseeing operational effectiveness, encompassing the management of various initiatives and endeavors, while additionally establishing and adhering to a framework of policies and protocols.
Charity Chelimo is an accomplished Finance and Accounts professional with a track record spanning over 3 years. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree, specializing in Finance, from the University of Nairobi. Charity is known for her ambitious nature and strong work ethic, equipped with extensive skills and expertise in the field of Finance and Accounting. She excels at efficiently managing multiple tasks and thrives in high-pressure environments.
Chipokota Mayamba Cindy Mwanawasa is the Policy Advisor to the President of Zambia, His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema, and also serves as the Deputy Head of the Presidential Delivery Unit.
Job Titles:
- Project Manager
- Program Manager, Food & Nutrition
Damaris Kagwiria is an accomplished Project Manager with an impressive career spanning over 17 years in fast-paced and dynamic environments. She is currently the project coordinator of a 5-year project - Drought Tolerant Crops (DTCs) for Youth Jobs Creation at Africa Harvest. Her expertise lies in staff management, project management, and monitoring & evaluation, with a particular focus on empowering farmer groups in rural areas and fostering collaborations along agricultural value chains.
Notably, Damaris has held key roles in various projects, including; Project Manager for the SAWA project in Meru County; Project Manager for GIZ E4D/SOGA/KEVIAN, overseeing projects in Lamu, Kwale, Kajiado, Murang'a, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi counties; Project Coordinator for USAID-KAVES/VEGPRO, managing projects in Trans-Nzoia, Meru, Taita Taveta, and Loitoktok Out-growers' Schemes; District Coordinator and Project Manager for the USAID-Kenya Horticulture Competitiveness Project (KHCP) under Kenya National Farmers' Federation (KENAFF/USAID KHCP); Project Manager for the Crop Diversification Project for Marega Community Based Organization; and Manager for the School Feeding Programme at Ruuju Primary School under Farmers Helping Farmers Canada.
Damaris holds a BSc in Horticulture from Egerton University and is passionate about agribusiness and community development. At a personal level, she enjoys listening to music, traveling, and gardening.
Job Titles:
- Chief Finance Officer
- Visionary Leader
Dennis Mburu is a visionary leader with 13 years of progressive experience in Finance, Accounting, and Administration Roles. His major skills include budgeting, strategic planning, Tax planning, Financial Reporting, and corporate governance. Currently the CFO AHBFI. Before that, he worked in the Pharmaceutical Industry as the Country Head of Finance and Administration. He also has experience in the Agro Chemicals Industry and Not-for-Profit Organizations.
Dennis is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA (K). Holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration- (Strategic Management) from Kenyatta University. He also holds a Bachelor's degree in Commerce (Accounting Option) from Kenyatta University.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Dr. Rose Suniso Maxwell Gidado, a renowned figure in agricultural biotechnology, is currently the Director of the Agricultural Biotechnology Department at the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) in Nigeria. She holds the position of Nigerian Country Coordinator for the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) in Africa. Gidado's career has been marked by her contributions to various roles, including Desk Officer at Africa Biofortified Sorghum and the Program for Biosafety Systems. Dr. Gidado also served as a Liaison Officer and Facilitator for the successful passage of the Nigeria Biosafety Bill from 2009 to 2015.
Dr. Gidado's contributions to the scientific community are documented through numerous publications and her authorship of policy briefs and book chapters. Dr. Gidado earned her M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Industrial Microbiology from the University of Abuja, Nigeria. She has received numerous accolades, including the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) Award, in recognition of her mentorship role.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Founder, Director, and Chief Executive Officer ( CEO ) of Africa Harvest Biotech Foundation International
Dr. Florence Wambugu has been the Founder, Director, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Africa Harvest Biotech Foundation International since 2002. She is a plant pathologist with a specialization in virology and genetic engineering. She has an honorary Ph.D. Doctorate of Science from the University of Bath, UK, and she has conducted postdoctoral research at the Monsanto Life Sciences Center, United States of America (USA). For over 30 years, she has dedicated her life to agricultural research, where she has made significant contributions to the improvement of sorghum, maize, pyrethrum, banana, and sweet potato.
Previously, she worked as the Africa Regional Director of the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri Biotech Applications (ISAAA) in Nairobi; Research Scientist at Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research in Kenya (KALRO) and Senior Research Officer (Pathologist) and Coordinator of Plant Biotechnology Research at Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI).
She has published over 100 articles and co-authored various papers, and is the author and publisher of Modifying Africa and Biotechnology in Africa: Emergence, Initiatives, and Future. In 2005, she spearheaded an international consortium that received a USD 21 million global competitive grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF).
She has garnered numerous awards and honors, notably the Norwegian YARA Prize in 2008, Woman of the Year by Eve Magazine in 2000, Farmers Support Award, Pyrethrum Marketing Board of Kenya in 1990, Monsanto Company Outstanding Performance Award in 1992 and 1993, First Place Medal Winner, Global Development Network Awards, in 2000, among many others.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Research Scientist at the New Partnership
Tinga Jeremy Ouedraogo is currently a Research Scientist at the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) Agency. He is also the Head/Coordinator of the following programs: African Biosafety Network of Expertise (ABNE) and Integrated Vector Management (IVM) at the African Union Development Agency, NEPAD in Senegal.
Mutahi holds a Bachelor's degree in Forestry from Moi University, obtained in 2004. In 2008, he joined Africa Harvest to work on the Tree for Energy project, which was funded by the Ministry of Energy, Kenya. Following the successful completion of the project and gaining experience in community-based initiatives, he continued working in the same region on a project funded by the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).
Additionally, he has been involved in various other projects, including an IFAD-funded initiative promoting an integrated farming system for sustainable livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Kisii and Nyamira counties. They also participated in a World Vision project funded by Bandaptai in Bomet County, which focused on developing a market system for poultry, sweet potatoes, and dairy products. Another project they were involved in was the InnoFoodAfrica project, funded by the European Union, which aimed to promote climate-resilient crops in Busia and Tharaka Nithi counties. Currently, he is participating in the RESAf project on land restoration, livelihoods, and carbon credit, funded by Climate Asset Management. This initiative operates in Kwale, Narok, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Kilifi counties.
Eric Bulogosi Mulama is a compassionate and driven Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist with 10 years of career experience working with impoverished populations. Highly adept at working within systems and the ability to think outside of them. Proven leader and team builder with exceptional communication and analytical thinking skills. He is currently the MERLs Lead of a 5-year project - Drought Tolerant Crops (DTCs) for Youth Jobs Creation at Africa Harvest. His expertise lies in project management, and monitoring & evaluation.
Glory N. Ndungu is a Human Resource practitioner anchored by a firm belief to be a better version HR professional. She especially aims at inculcating a positive work-life balance in an organization's human capital. In her capacity, she can assist in matters about HR & Procurement functions and as an Administrator responsible for the efficient function of the front office. She holds a Bachelor's in Business Management & Administration specializing in Human Resource Management at St. Paul's University, Kenya, and a certificate in Floral Design. And if you do hand her flowers, be sure to get a unique Art piece
Israel Ikuro Ndungu is a dedicated Field Officer with extensive experience in carrying out diverse field activities. His expertise encompasses training and mobilizing farmer groups, among other essential tasks. Israel has been an integral part of Africa Harvest since its inception in 2002, accumulating over 20 years of valuable experience. He holds certifications in Tissue Culture Banana Management, Business Group Formation & Management, and has also completed a Biosafety Short Course. In his personal life, Israel finds joy in being a father to three children. Outside of work, he cherishes moments spent preaching the word of God and engaging with farmers in their local dialects.
Job Titles:
- Office Assistant
- Field Officer
Jack Gathuna Mwaura, is a skilled office assistant and mechanic by profession. Jack plays a vital role in vehicle maintenance, ensuring that all vehicles are in optimal condition. Additionally, he provides valuable assistance across various office tasks, ensuring cleanliness and organization. Jack also lends a hand in fieldwork when needed. He has been an invaluable member of the Africa Harvest team since 2013. Outside of work, Jack finds great fulfillment in evangelism and spreading the word of God.
Job Titles:
- Professional Banker
- Project Administration and HR
Jessica Onyony is a seasoned professional banker with a decade of expertise in bank operations. She has made significant contributions at Equity Bank, Diamond Trust Bank (as Operations Manager), and KCB under the Young Africa Works initiative. Jessica holds valuable training in Agri enterprise management from the Latia Agri-preneurship Institute. With a passion for safeguarding, she is deeply committed to empowering women, youth, and children. When not working, Jessica indulges in her hobbies of reading, cooking, and enjoying music. Her ultimate aspiration is to foster a compassionate society that prioritizes the well-being of children and the most vulnerable.
Job Titles:
- Agricultural Economist
- Economist With
Kennedy Oyugi is an Agricultural Economist with MSc. in Agricultural and Applied Economics from the University of Nairobi. A versatile social scientist, Kennedy has high-level expertise in technology transfer, community mobilization, policy advocacy, and strategic communication acquired through experience, academic training as well as short courses pursued in institutions such as Cornell University and Kenya Polytechnic (now the Technical University of Kenya). Kennedy joined Africa Harvest in 2022, bringing with him a wealth of experience spanning 18 years in Government, Non-Governmental, and Private sector(for-profit) organizations. Before joining Africa Harvest, Kennedy had served as the Programs Officer with the Africa Biotechnology Stakeholders Forum; Marketing Information Point Manager with Kenya Agricultural Commodity Exchange Ltd under the USAID-funded Kenya Maize Development Program (KMDP); Project Marketing Officer with Community Mobilization Against Desertification and as Cooperatives Officer with the Government of Kenya. In addition, Kennedy has led consultancy assignments with the Nile Basin Initiative, Science Africa, African Seed Access Index, USAID-COMPETE, Lutheran World Relief, and the Cereal Growers Association.
Leah has over 10 years of experience in project accounting, cash flow management, budgeting, asset management, credit management, financial reporting, payroll accounting, audit and risk management. She previously worked as an Accountant at Parklands Baptist Church, Internal Auditor and Campus Accountant at The Catholic University of Eastern Africa.
She has a Master of Arts degree in Project Planning and Management from The Catholic University of Eastern Africa and a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Accounting from Kenya College of Accountancy University. In addition to that, Leah is a member of Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Kenya (ICPAK) and Association of Women Accountants in Kenya (AWAK). She enjoys listening to music, singing and cooking.
Mary Wandahi is a dedicated member of the Africa Harvest team, contributing her skills and expertise to the hospitality department for over 13 years. Before joining Africa Harvest, she gained valuable experience working with other notable companies such as Total Kenya. Alongside her professional pursuits, Mary has pursued her passion for hair-making through a short course. In her leisure time, she finds joy in cooking and singing. Mary firmly believes in making a meaningful impact in any organization she is a part of. Her guiding principle is to work diligently and depart with respect, leaving behind a lasting legacy.
Mathews Omondi holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agribusiness Management from Great Lakes University of Kisumu (GLUK) and a Diploma in General Agriculture from Sang'alo Institute of Science and Technology. Having more than nine years of experience as an Agribusiness Management Professional, Mathews has actively collaborated with smallholder farmers to strengthen various value chains through practical training. His area of expertise encompasses offering guidance on efficient agricultural methods, promoting productive group dynamics, aiding in marketing strategies, nurturing enterprise growth, championing gender and social inclusion, and improving financial access.
Mr. Omondi's primary objective is to help build sustainable businesses, ensure food security, and strengthen resilience within communities. He specializes in coaching Agri-preneurs and transforming farmer groups into successful enterprises, ultimately elevating food security, nutrition and income for smallholder farmers.He has successfully implemented a number of programs funded by the European Union, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Irish Aid, Walmart Foundation, German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF) and UK Aid,
Moses Kahumbu holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Eldoret and is an accomplished expert in biotechnology and biosafety. He has over five years of experience in business development within the Climate Smart Agro-allied industry. His expertise spans Technical Agronomy, Project Management, and Value Chain Development. Moses is dedicated to leveraging technology and innovation to address challenges in Food Systems. His practical knowledge and leadership have been instrumental in sustainable agroforestry, soil fertility management, and promoting regenerative agriculture within farmer-based agro-enterprises. With a focus on results, Moses is committed to fostering resilient and diversified livelihoods, facilitating market linkages, and driving sustainable income generation.
Mr. Antony Aseta holds a BSc. Botany and an MSc. in Botany (Microbiology) both from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, as well as an ongoing MSc. degree in Environmental Science from Kenyatta University. He also holds a certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation from Kenyatta University. Mr. Aseta has over twelve years of experience working as a project manager in; Food & Nutritional security programs, technology development and deployment, as well as in research projects where he has been directly involved in project planning and implementation, Biosafety and regulatory affairs as well as Project Monitoring and Evaluation in; Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Burundi among others. His skills at the organizational level cover; fundraising, project design, project implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation, and implementation plan with budgets.
He is a result-oriented M&E Specialist as well as a project manager. His key areas of interest include; Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Food and nutritional security, Biosafety, Natural Resource Management as well as Climate change and sustainable development.
Job Titles:
- Legal Counsel
- Managing Partner for Kingori Kariuki
Mr. Kingori Kariuki is the Managing Partner for Kingori Kariuki and Company Advocates. He has a Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) from the University of Nairobi, a Diploma in Law from Kenya School of Law (KSL), and he is a Certified Public Secretary. He was admitted to the bar in 1984 and has over 27 years of experience in Litigation, Conveyancing, Company matters, and debt collection.
He is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, an accomplished legal practitioner, and a Researcher. He is a member of the Institute of Certified Public Secretaries (CPS) K and is in charge of Civil Litigation, Insurance, Banking, Debt collection, and Corporate Law. Mr. Kingori is also a member of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).
Nicholas Nyaga is a seasoned Finance and Management Professional. Currently, he is the Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O) at Jumuia Hospitals Limited.
He has previously served as Founder of Rani Link; Director and Founder at the Centre for Corporate Governance; Council Member of Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA) University; Senior Internal Audit Manager, Chief Accountant, and Commercial Manager at Unilever Tea (Formerly Brooke Bond Group); Director of Finance at The Nairobi Hospital, and Tata Chemicals, Magadi. He also served as Managing Director at Inter-consumer Products (now L'Oreal East Africa), and Group Finance and Strategy Manager at Fountain Enterprises Program (FEP) Group.
He holds a Master of Business Administration (Finance) from the University of Leicester United Kingdom (UK), in 2003. He Qualified as a Certified Public Accountant in Kenya CPA(K) in 1980, at Strathmore College, and is a member of The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK).
Additionally, he was trained and certified as a Company Director and corporate governance trainer by the Commonwealth Association for Corporate Governance in 2001.
Nehemiah Mburu Mugutha (Taylor) holds a Master of Business Administration in Management of Innovation and Technology from Portland State University and an undergraduate degree in Commerce (Accounting). Taylor is an experienced Market systems development professional who has worked at Africa Harvest for 14 years. He has been supporting program/project development and implementation. He has worked with rural communities in Eastern and Southern Africa to enhance access to improved technologies, improve production and productivity, enhance market linkages, commercialize value chains, create employment, and improve livelihoods through sustainable market-led systems.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Board
- Board Chair / Captain Gilbert M. Kibe / Vice Chair
- Director General of the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute
Prof. Abdulai Jalloh is the Director General of the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI) and an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources Management, at Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology (EBKUST), Sierra Leone. He was previously the Director General for Research and Innovation at Conseil Ouest et Centre Africain pour la Recherche et le Développement Agricoles / West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF). Prof. Jalloh is an agronomist who has engaged in Research for Development in diverse institutions across sub-Saharan Africa for over 30 years.
He has considerable ability and experience in funds mobilization, implementing, and coordinating externally funded programs/projects. Prof. Abdulai has a proven ability to link research outputs with development, food security, and poverty alleviation in the face of climate change. He has extensive contacts with Research and Development stakeholders including farmer organizations, civil society, research organizations such as the National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS), and CGIAR donors and development practitioners across Africa. He has extensive experience and a strong ability to manage transformational change in Research and Development with diverse partnerships for sustainable development and improved livelihoods. He has a good record of scientific publications.
Rose Kawira Nyaga, a holder of a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication and Media Technology with IT (Broadcast Option) from Maseno University, is a dedicated journalist with a passion for impactful storytelling. Her accomplishments include the successful publication of articles and documentaries on platforms such as Hope Channel Kenya, The Elephant TV, and Talk Africa among others. Her versatile skills in media and communications encompass content creation, editing, social media management, videography, photography, scriptwriting, and graphics and design. Her extroverted nature is coupled with a strong belief in the power of pursuing one's passion to fulfill a greater purpose. Rose is a member of the Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK). Beyond her professional pursuits, she finds enjoyment in watching documentaries, listening to podcasts, and attending social gatherings for both entertainment and networking opportunities.
Job Titles:
- Program Manager, Youth, and Gender Specialist
- Social Scientist
Victoria is a social scientist and a development practitioner with over 15 years of experience facilitating communities all over Kenya to build resilience and find sustainable solutions to development challenges. She is a versatile individual with experience in Research, Design, Implementing, and monitoring programs aimed at bringing women and other socially excluded groups on board and to the frontline of development by increasing their participation in, contribution to, and benefit from the various Development and Livelihood interventions.
She has built her career working with various development organizations establishing programs with both a local and international scope.
She holds a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Gender and Development from the University of Nairobi and is currently pursuing an MSc. in Agricultural Economics at Kenyatta University.
Victoria, a mother of two enjoys both local and international travel, meeting new people and experiencing diverse cultures and cuisines.
Job Titles:
- Communications Manager
- Development Communication Specialist
Yvonne E. Mwende is a Development Communication Specialist with 12 years of experience designing and implementing communications and advocacy strategies and storytelling with a nose for impact stories. She has extensive experience with multi-stakeholder communication initiatives, supporting non-governmental organizations, government agencies, and the private sector in Kenya and internationally. A thought leader, she has authored publications on women's rights, social justice, human rights, and inequality, among other social development issues.
She has actively engaged in influencing women's socio-political gains in Kenya by profiling women political aspirants, aggravating policy implementation around the two-thirds gender principle, and advocating for women's economic empowerment programs. She is an alumna of the African Women's Leadership and Mentoring Initiative (AWLMI) by Urgent Action Fund-Africa in collaboration with Coady International Institute and holds a B.A. in Journalism and Media Studies, Development Communication option at the University of Nairobi.
Her mission is to create enabling environments that sustain transformative leadership and equitable development. She serves as a Board Director with Siasa Place, an NGO which promotes the people's participation in democratic processes through research, training, civic education, networking, and strategic partnerships.
She dreams of having a chestnut brown Norwich Terrier called Tamu.