IRENE WANJIRU MURIITHI
Research Scientist And Project Coordinator
NYERI
Summary
Agricultural research and knowledge management professional with over five years of experience. I am passionate about transforming research findings into clear, accessible knowledge that empowers farmers, extension workers, and stakeholders across the agricultural value chain. My work focuses on bridging the gap between science and practice, ensuring that agricultural innovations contribute meaningfully to sustainability and climate resilience—especially in the context of a changing climate. I am committed to supporting inclusive, knowledge-driven solutions that strengthen livelihoods and promote long-term environmental conservation.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
3
3
Languages
Work History
Research scientist II
Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization- KALRO
02.2019 - Current
- Head of the pyrethrum breeding department.
- Project Manager for the Pyrethrum value chain under the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project.
- Streamline project processes for improved team productivity and timely deliverables.
- Oversee daily operations, including staff scheduling, task delegation, and project management.
- Reduce operational costs through strategic resource allocation and efficient project management techniques. Perform routine research, and scientific tasks requiring the application of standard techniques, procedures, and criteria.
- Formulate and execute investigative protocols that tackle deficits in scientific knowledge.
- Ensure proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies.
- Design, perform, and oversee experiments and data collection to ensure data integrity, quality control, and protocol compliance.
- Evaluate new technologies for potential integration into existing research programs.
- Streamline research processes to meet tight deadlines for multiple projects.
- Present research findings at conferences, increasing visibility and recognition within the field.
Research officer – Intern
Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization- KALRO
02.2019 - 07.2020
- Plant diagnosis to identify pests and diseases.
- Lab manufacture and storage of beneficial biological fungicides.
- Training of students visiting on field trips and those on attachment.
- Supervision of lab assistants and field workers.
- Implementation of lab and field trials, data collection and analysis.
- Literature review on various topics and report writing.
Research and Development -Intern
Real IPM
06.2017 - 09.2017
- Main responsibility was execution of research trials in the lab and greenhouses.(This included setting up of trial, data collection, data analysis as well as report writing).
- As an Intern I was actively involved in pest and disease identification.
Attaché
Kenya Tea Development Agency
05.2016 - 08.2016
- Job allocation to tea pluckers.
- Payment of tea pluckers daily.
- Supervision of tea pluckers.
- Issuing of local purchase orders and receiving invoices from suppliers.
- Customer care services.
- Preparation of annual accounts report.
- Over the three months’ period I was able to learn all the day-to- day activities of Kangaita farm and also got to understand how all departments link together ensuring achievement of maximum profits.
- In addition, I was able to visit the tea factory and go through the tea processing steps; from weathering to packing.
Lawn tennis coach
Bumble bee sports
05.2015 - 09.2015
- I worked as a part time tennis coach with bumblebee sports, where I trained children between the ages of 3 and 10 years old at the Nairobi Academy and Hill crest school, both international schools.
- My main achievements were that I got equipped with a skill in training and can now easily pass a skill or information from one person to another easily.
- I perfected my training program planning skills as well.
Sales and marketing personnel
Kenstar uniforms
01.2013 - 09.2014
- Customer care services.
- Taking customers’ orders and delivering in time.
- Designing and tailoring of garments.
- Balancing of accounts books.
- Managing inventory books.
- Supervising tailors.
- Marketing products to potential customers.
- During my time as sales and marketing personnel I was able to arrange appointments, explain our products and convince managers from two large companies-that offer security services in Nairobi- to buy our products, an arrangement that saw our business increase its sales and monthly profits in general.
Education
Master of Science - Agricultural Knowledge Management
University of Nairobi
Nairobi 04.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - crop improvement and protection
Kenyatta University
09.2013 - 02.2018
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education - undefined
Tumutumu Girls' High School
01.2009 - 12.2012
Skills
Scientific writing
Data analysis
Project Support
Sustainable agriculture
Climate adaptation
Greenhouse operation
Project planning
Cost control
Budgeting and forecasting
Customer relations
Contract management
Compliance monitoring
Staff management
Additional Information
Driving course, Petanns College, 2018-10-01, 2019-11-30, Basic 1 class in Chinese language, 2016-09-01, 2016-12-31, Certificate course on leadership, Kenyatta University, 2016-09-01, 2016-11-30, Training on gender empowerment and sensitization, Kenyatta University, 2016-11-01, Course in computer packages, Kenya Methodist University Nyeri Campus, 2013-09-01, Playing tennis, Traveling, Reading novels and articles, Writing blog posts, Socializing, Secretary for Tumutumu Girls’ Alumni group, 2017-01-01, Help run the activities of the group such as mentorship programs and ‘keep a girl in school’ initiative., Solicited for money to buy goods and food, 2017-01-01, Provided to patients suffering from cancer at the Kenyatta National Hospital., Member of the Red Cross, Participated in various activities mainly steered towards helping the needy in the society.
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Driving License: Completed a Driving course at Petanns College
References
- Mr. S.M Mwangi, KTDA, Farm Manager (Kangaita and Kagochi tea farms), 0722356981, SMwangi@kangaita.ktdateas.com
- Dr. Nicholas Korir, Kenyatta University, Lecturer, 0703815426, kibetnicholas@gmail.com
- Mr. Sila Nzioki, KALRO, Senior scientist, 0722876112, silanzioki@gmail.com
Timeline
Research scientist II
Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization- KALRO
02.2019 - Current
Research officer – Intern
Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization- KALRO
02.2019 - 07.2020
Research and Development -Intern
Real IPM
06.2017 - 09.2017
Attaché
Kenya Tea Development Agency
05.2016 - 08.2016
Lawn tennis coach
Bumble bee sports
05.2015 - 09.2015
Bachelor of Science - crop improvement and protection
Kenyatta University
09.2013 - 02.2018
Sales and marketing personnel
Kenstar uniforms
01.2013 - 09.2014
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education - undefined
Tumutumu Girls' High School
01.2009 - 12.2012
Master of Science - Agricultural Knowledge Management
University of Nairobi
04.2001 -
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