Gladys Muthoni Kang'ethe
Program Manager
Nairobi
Summary
Dynamic Administrative Management Analyst with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, adept at enhancing border security and streamlining logistics. Proven expertise in stakeholder engagement and document management, leading to improved operational efficiency. Recognized for coordinating high-level government programs and optimizing procurement processes, fostering collaboration and compliance in complex environments.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Administrative Management Analyst
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
09.2022 - 01.2025
- Company Overview: Embassy of The United States of America
- Streamlined emergency evacuation support by facilitating the smooth evacuation of Sudanese refugees, coordinating transportation letters, managing logistics for transfers across multiple hotels, and ensuring seamless airport passage through collaboration with CBP Headquarters
- Enhanced border security training by spearheading training programs for Kenyan border personnel under the Border Management Secretariat, increasing operational efficiency and compliance with international security standards
- Strengthened border management capabilities by leading assessments at key border points in Western and Coastal Kenya, identifying training gaps and capacity-building opportunities
- Produced post-assessment reports that informed improvements in border security operations
- Facilitated high-level government engagement by successfully organizing an International Leadership Visitor Program for 14 top-tier Kenyan government officials to benchmark U.S
- Border security best practices
- Managed all logistical aspects, including diplomatic correspondence, visa processing, and financial disbursements
- Oversaw critical infrastructure projects by developing the scope of work and supervising site visits for the construction of the Joint Operations Center (JOC) at Moi International Airport, ensuring adherence to budgetary allocations and project timelines
- Strengthened diplomatic relations by drafting and managing diplomatic notes and information memoranda for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, supporting enhanced U.S.-Kenya collaboration in immigration and border security
- Optimized tactical equipment deployment by coordinating the successful handover of specialized tactical gear to Kenya Wildlife Services in Manyani, reinforcing anti-poaching and security efforts
- Improved procurement and financial oversight by processing purchase orders via ILMS and ARIBA while ensuring cost-effective local procurement in coordination with the Embassy supply center
- Managed office petty cash efficiently to support operational needs
- Implemented effective document management by maintaining an organized and secure shared drive for CBP records, including diplomatic notes, intergovernmental correspondence, and policy documents
- Embassy of The United States of America
Consular Investigator
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
07.2016 - 09.2022
- Company Overview: Embassy of The United States of America
- Streamlined consular service processes by advising applicants on required documentation, reducing processing delays
- Strengthened government collaboration, reducing verification turnaround time for civil documents through strategic networking with national and county officials
- Advised consular leadership on effective engagement strategies with senior government officials, enhancing diplomatic relations
- Improved fraud detection by coordinating and conducting fraud interviews in the Fraud Prevention Unit, leading to more efficient case resolution
- Designed and delivered annual fraud prevention training for Consular Officers, equipping them with up-to-date knowledge on emerging fraud trends
- Embassy of The United States of America
Chief Immigration Officer & Team Leader, Fraud Detection Unit
Directorate of Immigration Services
05.2005 - 06.2016
- Led high-profile coordination efforts with government agencies, foreign embassies, high commissions, and UN bodies to facilitate the seamless arrival and departure of VVIP guests, ensuring strict adherence to protocol
- Spearheaded the establishment of the Nairobi Airport Liaison Fraud Detection Unit at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, securing international partnerships with Canada, the UK, the USA, Switzerland, and the Netherlands for specialized training and capacity building
- Played a key role in the successful facilitation of President Barack Obama's visit and the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in 2015, earning recognition for exemplary service
- Strengthened national security by overseeing immigration enforcement operations targeting illegal immigrants and ensuring compliance with key laws, including the Refugee Act and Privileges and Immunities Act
- Enhanced fraud detection capabilities by coordinating staff training on border security, document verification, and investigative procedures, reducing fraudulent entry and document misuse
- Led prosecution efforts as a Public Prosecutor in the Investigation and Prosecution Section, successfully handling immigration-related offenses in court
- Fostered inter-agency partnerships for efficient civil document issuance, improving service delivery and fraud prevention mechanisms
- Conducted public outreach initiatives, educating citizens on immigration services and compliance requirements, leading to improved public awareness and adherence to regulations
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology and Political Science
Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA)
01.2000 - 1 2004
Skills
Executive & Administrative Support
Office & Calendar Management
Stakeholder & Partner Engagement
Travel & Logistics Coordination
Event Planning & Coordination
Document Management & Reporting
Policy & Compliance Adherence
Financial & Procurement Processes
Digital & Automation Tools Proficiency
Communication & Relationship Management
Confidentiality & Data Security
Process Improvement & Change Management
Affiliations
- African Association for Public Administration and Management (AAPAM), 2020-2021
- Joint Airport Interdiction Taskforce (JAITF), 2016
- Committee Member, Development of Passport Issuance System and Guidelines Manual, 2013
Professional Training And Certification
- Project Management Professional, PEAK Consulting, Nairobi, Kenya, 02/17/25 - 02/21/25
- International Airport Interdiction Training, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 08/09/24
- Research Ethics Training, NACOSTI, Nairobi, Kenya, 04/29/24 - 05/03/24
- CBP Trade Workshop for East and Southern Africa, Nairobi, 04/15/24 - 04/19/24
- National Border Management Conference, Nairobi, 04/02/24 - 04/04/24
- Certificate in Data Science & Predictive Analytics, Nairobi, 01/01/21 - 05/01/21
- American Citizens Fraud Prevention Workshop, Consular Affairs Prevention Programmes Office - National Visa Center, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, 2019
Awards
- Mission Honor Award, U.S. Mission, Kenya, 06/01/22, Recognized for enhancing consular security, deterring fraud, and strengthening U.S. border security.
- Customer Service Award, U.S. Mission, Kenya, 10/01/21, Facilitated a mutual reduction in visa fees through strategic government engagement.
- Recognition Award, U.S. Mission, Kenya, 12/01/19, Key contributor in negotiating the Kenya-U.S. Visa Reciprocity Memorandum review.
- Extra-Mile Award, U.S. Mission, Kenya, 10/01/18, Provided critical support in visa fraud investigations, leading to key arrests.
- Leadership Award, U.S. Mission, Kenya, 2018, Demonstrated commitment to leadership, self-awareness, and talent development.
- Recognition Award, U.S. Mission, Kenya, 06/01/18, Led a successful Diversity Visa Lottery outreach, coordinating with the U.S. Ambassador's visit.
- Recognition Award, U.S. Mission, Kenya, 06/01/16, Commended for supporting President Obama's visit and the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Nairobi.
Timeline
Administrative Management Analyst
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
09.2022 - 01.2025
Consular Investigator
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
07.2016 - 09.2022
Chief Immigration Officer & Team Leader, Fraud Detection Unit
Directorate of Immigration Services
05.2005 - 06.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology and Political Science
Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA)
01.2000 - 1 2004