The Focat Team
Dr. Ngode holds a BSc. in Agriculture and an MSc. in Agronomy both from the University of Nairobi and a Ph.D. in Agricultural Entomology from Kenyatta University. The lifelong professional has vast experience in the agricultural field having worked as an Agricultural Research Officer for the Ministry of Agriculture at Nyandarua Research Station, a District Crops Officer and Farm Management Officer in South Nyanza District, and an Associate Scientist (Agronomy) at ICIPE. He has taught in institutions of higher learning for over two decades and is currently a senior lecturer at the University of Eldoret. He also trains farmers, agricultural extension personnel, and agricultural subject matter specialists, has participated in several consultancies, and has also published extensively in his field.
Dr. Okello holds a Diploma in Horticultural Sciences from Egerton University, both BSc. Horticultural Sciences and MSc. Development Studies from Moi University, and a Ph.D. in Agricultural Extension and Rural Development from the University of Eldoret. He has diverse experience in research, rural development, administration, staff management, farmer training, capacity building, and resource mobilization. He worked with the Ministry of Agriculture as an Agricultural Extension Officer for over 25 years before transitioning to academia. He is currently a lecturer at Moi University and also heads the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Dr. Akinyi holds a Diploma in Agriculture and Home Economics from Egerton University, a BSc. in agriculture from Moi University, MSc. Soil Science and a Ph.D. in Agricultural Extension Education from the University of Eldoret. She has over 32 years of diverse experience in community development programs in the agricultural sector undertaking project design, budgeting, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, networking with key stakeholders, and managing staff and other resources, capacity building of staff and farmers. She is currently the Sub County Agricultural Officer Turbo Sub County and a part-time lecturer at Moi University.
Dr. Ong’anya holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Master of Art Economics from Jabalpur University (India), and a Ph.D. in Disaster Management and Sustainable Development from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology. He also holds a Certificate in Environment Impact Assessment from Moi University and a Certificate in Pastoral Theology from East African Grace College. He is a specialist in land use planning in relation to food security, sustainable development, climate change, urban planning, and international trade. He previously worked as an Economic Planning Officer with the Ministry of Planning and National Development, and a District Development Officer in Isiolo and Wajir before transitioning to academia. He has taught at the university for over 30 years and is currently a senior lecturer at Moi University’s Department of Economics.
Mrs. Simatwo holds a Certificate in General Agriculture and a Diploma in Agriculture and Home Economics from Bukura Institute of Agriculture, a BSc. in Agriculture from Moi University, an MSc. in Soil Science from the University of Eldoret, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Agricultural Extension and Knowledge Management at the University of Eldoret. She is currently a Sub County Agricultural Officer, at Turbo Sub County. Previously, she worked as an Agricultural Extension Officer with the Ministry of Agriculture, District Gender and Home Economics Officer, Eldoret West District, and Sub County Crops Development Officer, Turbo Sub County. She boasts of 30-plus years experience in community development projects in the agricultural sector, capacity building for staff and farmers, networking with shareholders, and managing staff and other resources.
Miss Aquino holds a BSc. in Horticultural Sciences and a Master of Science in Plant Protection from the University of Eldoret. She worked as an attachee at the Horticultural Crops Development Authority, a Data Enumerator and Field Supervisor for Land O’Lakes – Feed the Future Kenya Innovation Engine Field Survey, a Research Assistant with Investing in Children and their Societies (ICS-SP), Intern at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Fisheries, and Cooperatives, and a Field Officer at CPHRM Group for Agriculture Food Authority. She recently undertook a special project proposal on the biological control of cabbage aphids on kales using ginger and garlic extract. She enjoys farming, agribusiness, and participating in community development projects.
Dr. Peter Ouma holds a PhD in Environmental Education and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education Management. He is a seasoned teacher trainer of agriculture education with vast experience in high school teaching. He has worked with high school students in vulnerable communities through the British Council (Partnership Programmes, Connecting Classrooms Project, ICT Infrastructure Project, and School Enterprise Challenge) as well as the US Peace Corps Kenya. He has also participated in several research programmes involving farmers in vulnerable communities on matters of food security and climate change. He participates in community mobilization projects besides being an environmental impact assessment consultant registered by NEMA. He also holds a certification course in Strategic Management and Leadership. He has participated in several funded researches and consultancies.