DAVID OKONDA BARNABAS
Relationship Manager
Summary
Strategic banking and business development leader with 13 years of expertise driving high-impact projects, scaling digital and agribusiness solutions, and leading cross-functional teams. Proven track record of achieving significant portfolio growth, enhancing customer satisfaction, and forging key partnerships. Known for fostering team collaboration and adaptability to evolving industry demands. Skilled communicator and negotiator, adept at financial oversight, process improvement, and stakeholder management.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
12
12
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Regional Agribusiness Manager
Equity Bank
01.2021 - Current
- Designed and delivered financial management training for 20+ Agriculture Field Officers, improving performance and accountability.
- Implemented DFS across dairy, potato, livestock, and poultry value chains, resulting in a 30% increase in digital transactions and enhanced farmer inclusion.
- Led the foundation’s engagement with new partners and regional teams, securing 5 key collaborations and expanding service reach.
- Produced monthly/quarterly impact reports; instruments now measure outcomes like loan uptake, deposit mobilization, and account activations.
- Expanded regional presence by researching potential markets, developing strategic partnerships, and opening new locations.
- Led cross-functional teams to achieve project deliverables on time and within budget, resulting in improved overall performance.
- Supervised staff to optimize brand expansion initiatives and productivity.
- Developed and executed successful business plans that resulted in improved market share and profitability within the region.
- Increased customer satisfaction with timely resolution of escalated issues and proactive communication on product updates.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement through ongoing process reviews, employee engagement initiatives, and open channels of communication.
- Facilitated stakeholder workshops and field days to drive awareness and uptake of banking services among SMEs and smallholder farmers.
Payments Supervisor
Equity Bank
01.2015 - 01.2021
- Recruitment, overall oversight and management of payment partner relationships within the region.
- Oversaw recruitment and management of 100+ merchant and agency partners, achieving 25% YoY growth in coverage.
- Drove digital banking adoption—mobile, internet, prepaid/corporate cards—resulting in a 40% increase in digital transaction volumes.
- Spearheaded e-commerce acceptance and POS acquiring initiatives, generating KES 15 M in annual merchant income.
- Acted as liaison between region and HQ on payments strategy, coordinating training for 200+ merchants to ensure consistent knowledge transfer.
- Improved merchants and customer satisfaction with timely response to inquiries, addressing concerns, and finding effective solutions.
- Increased merchant retention rates by implementing customer feedback into actionable improvements.
- Implemented cost-saving measures, significantly reducing operational expenses.
- Oversaw compliance with industry regulations and company policies, ensuring safe and legal operational environment.
Agribusiness Marketing Officer
Equity Bank
10.2011 - 12.2014
- Increased brand awareness by implementing targeted marketing campaigns and strategies.
- Built strong relationships with industry influencers, securing positive coverage in relevant publications.
- Conducted due diligence and credit appraisals for 200+ agribusiness value chains, securing KES 100 M in agricultural lending.
- Trained farmer groups on mobile banking, financial literacy, and MSME development; 60% saw profitability improvements.
- Championed digitization efforts in rural regions, increasing new agribusiness accounts by 35% and reducing cash-handling costs.
- Organized events and trade shows to showcase company products and services, generating valuable leads.
- Researched industry and marketplace trends to develop marketing solutions and enhance business operations.
- Worked with communications team to drive internal promotion of company programs, initiatives, guiding principles and mission.
- Implemented key initiatives and activities aligned with brand strategy and brand advocacy.
- Preserved brand integrity by monitoring consistency and quality of marketing content.
Direct Sales Representative
ABSA Bank
05.2011 - 10.2011
- Delivered compelling sales presentations that highlighted key features and benefits of products or services, resulting in increased conversion rates.
- Cultivated strong client relationships through consistent follow-ups and timely resolution of concerns, ensuring repeat business opportunities.
- Established trust with clients through transparent negotiations, ethical practices, and excellent service delivery standards.
Volunteer trainee
IIMSAM Spirulina Centre Kenya
01.2010 - 12.2010
- Participated in on-the-job training, working closely with supervisors and coworkers and asking appropriate questions.
- Supported departmental tasks to increase understanding of industry processes.
- Learned new materials, processes, and programs quickly.
Volunteer
Kenya Red Cross
05.2009 - 12.2009
- Supported underprivileged families with the distribution of essential supplies, improving their living conditions.
- Maintained clean facilities to better serve program needs.
- Assisted with special events and programs.
- Supported engaging, fun, and smooth-running events by helping with organization and planning.
- Mentored new volunteers, fostering a supportive and inclusive team environment.
- Communicated with staff members to stay informed about volunteer opportunities and events.
Field Technician
Solo Plant Kenya
01.2009 - 03.2009
- Ensured quality seed through thorough inspection for clean seed in the mother seed companies
- Prepared and submitted reports to document work performed and provide progress updates to management.
- Kept detailed records of field measurements and data.
- Supported team members in addressing challenging technical issues, sharing expertise and knowledge when needed.
Volunteer Trainee
KARI Njoro
04.2008 - 08.2008
- Promoted positive collaboration among trainees, encouraging teamwork and problem-solving skills.
- Focused on Maize, Beans, Sorghum and dry land crops propagation
- Learned new materials, processes, and programs quickly.
- Participated in on-the-job training, working closely with supervisors and coworkers and asking appropriate questions.
- Supported departmental tasks to increase understanding of industry processes.
Education
MBA - Finance
Kenyatta University
Nairobi 04.2018 - 01.2023
Bachelor of Science - Agriculture
Egerton University
01.2003 - 01.2007
Kenya Certificate Of Secondary Education -
Maseno School
01.1998 - 01.2001
Skills
Project development
Significant Trainings
- TOT Training on Financial Management, Equity Bank
- AML, Anti Fraud Awareness, Data protection, Information Security Awareness, ISO awareness, Moodys Training.
- Diploma in Project Management, KIM
- HICS1 and HICS2 New Nyanza Provincial General Hospital.
- Statistical Package for Social Sciences, Egerton University
Timeline
Regional Agribusiness Manager
Equity Bank
01.2021 - Current
MBA - Finance
Kenyatta University
04.2018 - 01.2023
Payments Supervisor
Equity Bank
01.2015 - 01.2021
Agribusiness Marketing Officer
Equity Bank
10.2011 - 12.2014
Direct Sales Representative
ABSA Bank
05.2011 - 10.2011
Volunteer trainee
IIMSAM Spirulina Centre Kenya
01.2010 - 12.2010
Volunteer
Kenya Red Cross
05.2009 - 12.2009
Field Technician
Solo Plant Kenya
01.2009 - 03.2009
Volunteer Trainee
KARI Njoro
04.2008 - 08.2008
Bachelor of Science - Agriculture
Egerton University
01.2003 - 01.2007
Kenya Certificate Of Secondary Education -
Maseno School
01.1998 - 01.2001
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