Hi, I’m
Carlos Silas Makhandia
Business, Research, Policy, And Strategy Expert
Nairobi,Nairobi
Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.
Theodore Roosevelt
Work Preference
Summary
Experienced researcher, policy analyst, and strategist with over 14 years of progressive achievements across the private and public sectors with proven expertise in driving cost-effective process improvements, programmes coordination, enhancing organizational efficiency, and championing business re-engineering initiatives. My core competencies include performance management, research & development, innovation & business intelligence, strategic planning & review, risk management & quality assurance, sustainability and project management. Besides, I excel in monitoring and evaluation, policy formulation & advocacy, strategic partnerships, and resource mobilization. Proficient in statistical and data analysis tools such as SPSS, Power BI, Tableau, R, STATA, SAS, Excel, Python, Atlas.ti, and NVivo, I leverage my data expertise to provide accurate and relevant insights, drawing strategic insightful recommendations and creating comprehensive reports, proposals, concept notes, policy briefs, papers and factsheets including M&E frameworks, work plans, programs and budgets. With a passion for data-driven decision-making, I ensure that quantitative and qualitative patterns are interpreted effectively, producing actionable outcomes and insights for senior leadership. An independent self-starter, I offer exceptional leadership, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, analytical, organizational and strategic thinking capabilities.
Overview
12
years of professional experience
10
Certifications
8
Publications
Work History
Kenya National Examinations Council
Principal Research & Quality Assurance Officer
09.2024 - Current
Job overview
- Spearhead educational assessment research, focusing on monitoring learner achievements and outcomes to inform policy and provide strategic recommendations for decision making.
- Facilitate and coordinate educational conferences and national initiatives in assessment and examinations.
- Forge strategic collaborations and partnerships with national and international examination bodies, donors and like-minded institutions, ensuring adherence to best practices in educational research.
- Initiate and oversee research projects, including drafting research proposals and coordinating stakeholder input.
- Design and implement research methodologies, tools, and instruments to ensure rigorous educational assessments and research.
- Oversee processing, validation, and fulfilment of data requests from stakeholders, ensuring compliance with institutional policies, data protection regulations, and research standards.
- Lead data collection, entry, analysis processes and report writing for research studies, ensuring the integrity and reliability of research findings.
- Disseminate research outcomes to key stakeholders, including policymakers, educational institutions, and the public including knowledge management.
- Develop and oversee departmental strategies, policies, norms, and procedures, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Coordinate the preparation of annual work plans, performance contracts, and budget proposals, ensuring fiscal responsibility.
- Promote and coordinate innovation initiatives including business re-engineering, emphasizing adherence to Intellectual Property Rights policies.
- Manage capacity-building programs, including development of capacity building course content, the training of trainers and data collectors, to enhance research efficiency.
- Coordinating development, review, implementation and monitoring of Quality Management System (QMS) procedures and maintenance of ISO integrated management systems.
- Institutionalizing risk management at KNEC by establishing comprehensive risk registers, coordinating enterprise-wide risk assessments, and embedding mitigation strategies into policies, strategic plans, and quality management systems, thereby enhancing resilience and compliance.
National Treasury – Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company
Senior Research and Strategy Officer
03.2022 - 09.2024
Job overview
- Undertook research and review of KMRC’s Strategic Business Plans and led research initiatives and policy formulation to support effective business processes, product improvement and development; coordinated projects implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the organization’s Strategic Plan and annual corporate work plans.
- Co-ordinated implementation of the company’s business strategies, policies, programs and projects, leading to effective research and innovation, capacity building, policy formulation and service delivery.
- Developed and implemented KMRC’s Research strategy, policies, procedures, ICT, Corporate Social Investment and sustainability strategies.
- Executed Business process Re-engineering delivering key process improvements enhancing operational effectiveness and efficiency.
- Automated Reporting Processes: Implemented Power BI to fully automate credit reports and risk registers, improving efficiency and data-driven decision-making.
- Coordinated programs/projects forecasts, estimates, and budgets in liaison with departmental heads for effective planning and implementation.
- Carried out research and developed two more products for KMRC that’s rent to own product, green mortgages, and developer finance product.
- Integrated risk management into strategic planning and product development, including development and implementation/automation of organizational risk registers; designing and operationalizing the Risk Sharing Facility to mitigate sectoral risks, strengthening compliance, and safeguarding institutional performance.
- Monitored and reported on markets and customers from a strategic standpoint and report on short, medium and long-term trends and directions.
- Coordinated periodic reviews of the strategy in line with external and internal, political, economic, social, environmental change drivers and report on the implications of these factors on the strategic implementation.
- Facilitated the alignment of corporate reporting systems and the identification of key performance indicators and high-level targets.
- Spearheaded evidence-based policy analysis and formulation to support overall mortgage and housing development initiatives influencing key decisions at KMRC, the National Treasury, and the Central Bank of Kenya including preparing position papers and policy briefs.
- Carried out statistical analysis and database management principles and practices; supporting models related to projections, forecasting, and impact analysis.
- Carried out research, studies, surveys, and benchmarking on the financial mortgage market to determine changing trends and identify the impact on the Company.
- Collected and collated macro-economic, socio-economic, and fiscal data and prepare reports.
- Monitored, measured and reported on organisational development plans and achievements within agreed formats and timescales.
- Coordinated the preparation and implementation of corporate and departmental work plans.
- Managed Strategic Monitoring & Evaluation; Directed the design and implementation of modern Monitoring and Evaluation systems, ensuring timely tracking of key performance indicators and strategic milestones for home loans research and capacity building.
- Coordinated operations research and conduct surveys for additional strategic information for decision making and inform policy.
- Provided Leadership in Capacity Building and Strategic partnerships: Led multiple projects aimed at enhancing capacity building and training programs and developing and maintaining strategic partnerships linkages & engagements, ensuring alignment with KMRC’s objectives.
- Supervised High-Level Research Projects: Successfully managed consultants conducting critical research, studies and surveys on behalf of KMRC, ensuring quality outputs and timely dissemination of findings through reports, policy briefs, and proposals.
Kakamega County Government
Principal Statistician
02.2021 - 02.2022
Job overview
- Collected, collated and analysed data in the relevant sectors;
- Compiled sector-specific draft reports;
- Provided support in the preparation of policy briefs and reports on the relevant sectors;
- Captured data on budgetary requirements at the department; and uploading information in the National Integrated Monitoring and Evaluation System (NIMES) tracking and reporting progress of Vision 2030 flagship projects at the County.
- Generated and analysed reports on projects and programmes from the electronic National Integrated Monitoring and Evaluation System (e-NIMES).
- Coordinated county-level monitoring and evaluation systems, embedding risk identification and mitigation measures into socio-economic planning, budget tracking, and implementation of Vision 2030 flagship projects.
- Prepared annual and quarterly progress reports on the implementation of national government programmes/projects at the county level.
- Coordinated intergovernmental and National Government economic planning functions.
- Organized public participation and stakeholder consultation forums.
- Coordinated dissemination of national development plans, policies, and strategies at the county level.
- Conducting capacity building of National Government Agencies, County Governments, Civil Society Organizations, and the Private Sector on economic policy and planning.
- Led and facilitated research on topical and emerging socio-economic issues at the county.
- Facilitated identification and documentation of crosscutting and emerging economic issues.
- Promoting Knowledge Management.
- Developed proposals that saw the development of County projects such as Fish Processing Plants and Industrial Parks.
- Prepared briefs and reports on economic trends at the county level.
African Economic Research Consortium (AERC)
Senior Principal Program & Project Management Officer
07.2019 - 02.2021
Job overview
- Tracking Requests for Applications (RFAs) and proposal opportunities from government agencies, large foundations, and corporations, assessing AERC’s competitiveness and strategic positioning in light of these opportunities, and producing completive proposals for submission to potential donor agencies, foundations, NGOs and corporations.
- Lead role in consultancy of developing strategic plans and strategic midterm review for state agencies, corporates, NGOs including impact evaluations/assessments and research projects.
- Data management and modeling, project/program management and impact analysis. Build relationships with different stakeholders and serving as the primary point of contact for all AERC projects, sole research team lead in developing strategic mix of research and reporting.
- Inculcated, and instilled business process re-engineering to ensure continuous improvement best practices and effective processes and policy development frameworks.
- Responsible for overall project management – complete ownership of project delivery life cycle – from kick-offs, requirement gathering, analysis, design, build, testing, UAT through to full go-live and handover.
- Project governance – Complete management of all project documentations, preparation of required project summary and program executive reports, work approval summaries, project change requests, project jeopardies /escalations including leading interpretations and presentations of such to the Steerco for necessary signoff and decisions.
- Monitoring and strengthening compliance with donor requirements, in line with the broader grants management work plan. Grants management support, through coordination and partnerships with country teams, to ensure all donor reports and deliverables are submitted, Managing the regional pipeline (process, communication, and deliverables).
Fistula Foundation
Project Lead & Strategist
01.2018 - 06.2019
Job overview
- Market & Program Intelligence
- Led systematic collection and synthesis of country- and regional-level program intelligence, including service delivery gaps, demand forecasts for fistula repair services, workforce capacity, and post-intervention outcomes.
- Gathered insights through user-centered and facility-level research, partner consultations, routine monitoring data, and post-program feedback from implementers and beneficiaries.
- Tracked policy, financing, and health systems trends relevant to maternal health and fistula care and translated findings into actionable strategic insights.
- Developed well-documented intelligence briefs and dashboards to inform organizational strategy, program prioritization, and investment decisions.
- Country & Regional Engagement
- Served as the primary liaison with Ministries of Health, referral hospitals, NGOs, professional associations, and regional health networks across assigned countries.
- Maintained regular engagement with country partners, ensuring alignment with national maternal health strategies and timely communication of Fistula Foundation priorities and initiatives.
- Participated in national and regional technical working groups and forums to represent the Foundation’s mission and influence maternal health policy and programming.
- Supported partner training and capacity strengthening initiatives where required, particularly in data use, service quality, and program optimization.
- Accelerating Innovation & Program Scale-Up
- Facilitated knowledge exchange between global technical teams, country partners, and research institutions on service delivery innovations, task-shifting models, referral systems, and community outreach approaches.
- Supported countries and implementing partners to adopt and scale innovative fistula prevention and treatment models, informed by evidence and operational learning.
- Assisted with data collection related to barriers to access, willingness to seek care, and adoption of new service delivery approaches.
- Supported operational research and learning initiatives aimed at optimizing program effectiveness, quality, and sustainability.
- Partnerships, Advocacy & Resource Mobilization
- Cultivated and managed public–private and multi-stakeholder partnerships to expand access to fistula care services and strengthen health systems.
- Contributed to the development of country partnerships and funding concepts to support program expansion and innovation.
- Supported advocacy efforts by generating case studies, regional insights, and partner perspectives for communications and external engagement.
- Represented the Foundation in regional advocacy platforms and donor engagements to raise visibility and mobilize resources for maternal health interventions.
- Project & Portfolio Support
- Provided strategic and operational inputs into project design, implementation planning, and performance monitoring across multiple countries.
- Supported project governance through participation in review meetings, preparation of trip reports, and follow-up on action plans and recommendations.
- Monitored program milestones, risks, and performance indicators, ensuring timely reporting and adaptive management.
Mumias Sugar Company (MSC)
Statistician
09.2014 - 12.2017
Job overview
- Developed surveys and led data collection and analyzed the data from different reports mined from MSC field activities and services for strategic input.
- Carried out Business process Re-engineering to ensure seamless efficient systems and workflows; Coordinate implementation, monitoring and review of Quality Management Systems.
- Collaboratively develop, implement, and monitor project work plans in conjunction with implementors and other project teams as well as identify and make recommendations to improve project work processes as applicable.
- Coordinating with cross-discipline team members to make sure that all implementation contributors are on track with their roles, project requirements, deadlines, and schedules.
- Designed methods of forms entry and output to the Agriculture Management system (AMS).
- Mined and analyzed data from company databases to drive innovation, optimization and improvement of product development, marketing techniques and business strategies.
- Communicated predictions and findings to management, marketing and other stakeholders through effective data visualizations and reports.
- Led data mining and collection procedures and processes.
- Ensured that the data collected by field extension officers will be beneficial to the operations of MSC by precise/deep data analysis for strategic recommendations, insights, and successful research projects implementation.
- Trained field extension officers on collecting and analyzing relevant data/information in a timely and consistent manner in a format which supported effective and efficient decisions.
- Utilized visual and practical skills in explaining statistical concepts and techniques to non-statisticians during capacity building sessions in MSC.
Education
Institute of Commercial ManagementUK
Advanced Diploma from Project Management
01.2023
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology
Master of Business Administration (MBA- Finance Option) from Finance Option
01.2021
University of Eldoret
Bachelor of Science degree from Applied Statistics with Computing
01.2015
Skills
Research Expertise: Dedicated to excellence in research, collaboration, strategic partnerships and continuous learning, with a track record of leading and executing high-impact research initiatives for policy formulation and strategic recommendations
Advanced Data Analysis and Business Intelligence Expertise: Proficient in computer-based statistical tools (SPSS, Power BI, Tableau, R, STATA, Excel, SAS, Python, NVivo, Atlasti) for data mining, analysis, visualization, and reporting
Accomplished Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with experience in preparing policy briefs, concept notes, TORs, factsheets, publications, papers, proposals, reports, and strategic documents for senior management & stakeholders
Performance and Impact Evaluation: In-depth understanding and experience of performance metrics, conducting impact assessments, comparative analysis, and trend projections, modelling and forecasting for business improvement and strategic planning
Strategic Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, aligning business strategies with operational execution to drive organizational growth and efficiency; Proficient in Agile, Scrum, Trello and traditional project management methodologies
Affiliations
- Project Management Institute
- Statistical Society of Kenya
Certification
Certification in Sustainable Finance - University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, 2023
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Swahili
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
References
- Florah Naitore, Muthaura, Head of Risk and Compliance, fmuthaura@kmrc.co.ke, +254 720266149, Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company, P.O. Box 15494 – 00100, Nairobi
- Victor, Kimeli, Director ICT, vkimeli@gmail.com, +254 727830204, University of Eldoret, P.O. Box 1125-30100, Eldoret
- Prisca Dorine, Otipa, Chief Officer, Public Service, prisca.otipa@gmail.com, +254 713493448, Kakamega County Government, P.O. Box 36 – 50100, Kakamega
Interests
Research and Development
Data Analytics
Strategic planning
Monitoring and Evaluation
Software
STATA
SPSS
Power BI
Tableau
Advanced Excel
R
ODK
Ms Project
KOBO Toolbox
SQL
Availability
See my work availability
Not Available
Available
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Accomplishments
1. Research Leadership & Policy Impact
Led and coordinated high-impact research, policy analysis, and evaluations informing national and institutional decision-making across education, housing finance, health, and economic development sectors.
Spearheaded evidence-based policy formulation at national and county levels, contributing to strategic decisions at KNEC, KMRC, National Treasury, and county governments.
Produced policy briefs, research reports, concept notes, proposals, and analytical papers used by senior leadership, government agencies, donors, and development partners.
Supported multi-country and multi-sector research initiatives through AERC and Fistula Foundation, contributing to regional and global policy discourse.
2. Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL)Designed and implemented robust M and E frameworks for multi-year, donor-funded programmes, ensuring compliance, learning, and adaptive management.
Led baseline, midline, and endline evaluations, operational research, and impact assessments across education, health, housing finance, and economic development programmes.
Institutionalised performance tracking systems aligned to KPIs, results frameworks, and strategic plans.
Strengthened organizational learning through dashboards, evidence synthesis, and lessons-learned documentation.
3. Data Analytics, Business Intelligence and Digital TransformationApplied advanced analytics using Power BI, STATA, SPSS, R, SQL, Excel, NVivo, Atlas.ti, translating complex data into actionable insights.
Automated enterprise dashboards, risk registers, credit and performance reports, significantly improving decision-making efficiency and accuracy.
Led data governance, validation, and quality assurance processes ensuring integrity, compliance, and ethical use of data.
Developed and managed digital data collection systems (KoboToolbox, ODK, CommCare, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms) for large-scale field research.
4. Strategic Planning, Performance Management and GovernanceCoordinated corporate strategy development, mid-term and end-term reviews, and annual work plans across multiple institutions.
Integrated enterprise risk management into strategic planning, research, and operational processes.
Supported performance contracting, budgeting, forecasting, and KPI alignment across departments.
Strengthened quality management systems (ISO-aligned), improving institutional compliance and operational effectiveness.
5. Project, Programme and Portfolio ManagementManaged multi-country and multi-stakeholder projects from concept to delivery, ensuring on-time, on-budget, and high-quality execution.
Led Agile and traditional project management workflows, including workplans, risk logs, milestones, and reporting.
Oversaw consultants and research teams, ensuring quality assurance, accountability, and donor compliance.
Coordinated complex portfolios spanning research, innovation, capacity building, and service delivery.
6. Partnerships, Stakeholder Engagement & Resource MobilizationBuilt and managed strategic partnerships with government ministries, donors, NGOs, academic institutions, private sector actors, and international organizations.
Served as primary liaison with Ministries, County Governments, regional bodies, and global partners across Africa.
Contributed to resource mobilization, grant proposals, donor reporting, and partnership development.
- organizations in technical working groups, policy forums, conferences, and donor engagements.
Designed and delivered capacity-building programmes for researchers, enumerators, policy officers, and institutional teams.
Mentored staff and partners in research methods, data analysis, M&E, reporting, and evidence use.
Supported institutionalization of knowledge management systems and research dissemination platforms.
Strengthened research, evaluation, and analytics capabilities across public sector, academia-linked, and NGO environments.
8. Innovation, Sustainability and Systems StrengtheningChampioned business process re-engineering initiatives, driving efficiency and operational improvements.
Integrated sustainability and ESG principles into research, policy, and strategic planning.
Supported development of innovative products and programmes, including green finance, inclusive health service delivery, and digital learning ecosystems.
Advanced inclusive, gender-responsive, and ethically grounded programming, particularly in sensitive contexts such as maternal health and GBV-related research environments.
9. Communication, Visibility and Thought LeadershipTranslated technical research into accessible knowledge products for policymakers, practitioners, and the public.
Led branding, visibility, and knowledge dissemination strategies for institutional research centres.
Delivered executive presentations, dashboards, and policy dialogues for senior leadership and external stakeholders.
Contributed to regional and global conversations on education assessment, health systems, economic development, and research excellence.
Hobbies
1. Research & Knowledge Exploration
- Applied research and evidence synthesis on education, health, and economic development
- Staying updated on policy, data analytics, and innovation trends
2. Data Analytics & Visualization (Professional Hobby)
- Exploring new data analysis, visualization, and business intelligence tools
- Building dashboards and insight briefs for decision-making
3. Mentorship & Capacity Building
- Mentoring early-career researchers, analysts, and project teams
- Supporting skills development in data use, research methods, and M&E
4. Writing & Knowledge Sharing
- Writing policy briefs, concept notes, technical articles, and learning products
- Translating complex evidence into accessible insights
5. Professional Networking & Community Engagement
- Participating in professional forums, research communities, and policy dialogues
- Engaging in cross-sector collaboration and learning exchanges
Non-work interests
- Reading (leadership, development economics, innovation, sustainability)
- Long-distance walks / light fitness activities (supports wellbeing narrative)
- Community volunteering or youth mentorship
Publications
Makhandia, C. S., Miroga, J., & Otinga, H. N. (2022). Mobile money services and financial growth of small and medium enterprises in Kakamega Town, Kenya. The Strategic Journal of Business & Change Management, 9 (2), 63 – 86.
https://housingfinanceafrica.org/yearbook-profile/2024-housing-finance-yearbook-kenya-profile/
https://kmrc.co.ke/assets/file/91193edb-macroeconomic-report-quarter-1-july-.pdf
https://housingfinanceafrica.org/yearbook-profile/2023-housing-finance-yearbook-kenya-profile/
https://kmrc.co.ke/assets/file/Research-Insights-report-on-housing-June-2022_issue-1-Summary.pdf
https://www.kmrc.co.ke/resource/kmrc-environmental-social-governance-esg-best-practices-research-report-december-2023-
https://www.kmrc.co.ke/resource/research-on-systemic-barriers-towards-access-and-usage-of-housing-finance-in-kenya-
Timeline
Principal Research & Quality Assurance Officer
Kenya National Examinations Council
09.2024 - Current
Senior Research and Strategy Officer
National Treasury – Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company
03.2022 - 09.2024
Principal Statistician
Kakamega County Government
02.2021 - 02.2022
Senior Principal Program & Project Management Officer
African Economic Research Consortium (AERC)
07.2019 - 02.2021
Project Lead & Strategist
Fistula Foundation
01.2018 - 06.2019
Statistician
Mumias Sugar Company (MSC)
09.2014 - 12.2017
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology
Master of Business Administration (MBA- Finance Option) from Finance Option
University of Eldoret
Bachelor of Science degree from Applied Statistics with Computing
Institute of Commercial Management
Advanced Diploma from Project Management