STANLEY MURIITHI NJIRU

As a Public Service Commission Intern at this level I work under the guidance and supervision of a senior officer. The my roles and responsibility

• Entails compiling and formatting financial estimates;
• Taking initial action on budget monitoring
• Preparing reports and briefs on budgetary policy issues
• Performing clerical duties i.e Creating PowerPoint presentations, drafting reports, designing, creatives, researching trends and the like
• Compiling and formatting financial estimates
• Taking initial action on budget monitoring
• Preparing reports and briefs on budgetary policy issues
• Performing clerical duties i.e
• Creating PowerPoint presentations, drafting reports, designing creative, researching trends and the like
• Organized strong farmer databases in the area with key value chains
• Partnered with a variety of other project providers in support of the farmer and their needs
• During my Stay, I managed to build up and trained farmer groups(CIGs)
• Planned and coordinated efficient production from soil preparation to harvesting.

Achievements:As an Intern I was able to supervise 72 Enumerators who managed to collect data 213 registered SACCOs and FPOs resulting to 103 of them becoming active again

• Attended agricultural workshops for continuous learning and understanding latest trends in farming methodologies.
• Partnered in Visiting, assessing and setting up of demonstrations for African Indigenous Vegetables project in realization of Kenya Vision 2030 in Embu Counties
• Promoted economic growth in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within the community.
• Community Capacity Building through empowering communities to identify, prioritize, and solve their challenges I achieved through visiting different value CIGs(Community Interests Groups)through the PICD Process(Participatory Integrated Community Development)
• Developed insights into the integration of irrigation into value chain activities, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices.

Challenges: Inadequate extension services to most of farmers, CIGs and Sacco/Cooperatives

• Promoted and sold the company's products (fertilizers, seeds, crop protection products, etc.) to farmers, distributors, and other stakeholders.
• Achieved sales targets by building relationships with existing customers and acquiring new clients.
• Provided agronomic advice to farmers on the proper use of products, including application rates, timing, and techniques.
• Organized and conducted field days, demonstration plots, and training sessions to showcase product benefits
• Prepared and submitted sales and activity reports, including market analysis and customer feedback.
• Continuously improved agronomic knowledge and sales skills through training and field experience.
• Conducted and Overseeing results demonstrations of Tuber crops in Meru county and Cereal crops in Tharaka-Nithi county
• Developed farmer groups in all the areas of coverage
• Direct access linkage of input providers with the end users
• Partnered with other project partners in the areas like CGA, WFP, AGRIWALLET, EABL, VEGEPROS, KISIMA FARM, CROPNUTS, MOA, AFMA to ensure efficient work progress and facilitation
• Secured customer satisfaction by resolving complaints effectively.

Achievements : During my stay as a junior agronomist I took on leadership roles in a agricultural project and supervised progress in agricultural tasks completed by the county agripreneurs and the farmers. Successfully doubled yield for crops while managing farm and oversaw a 40% increase in profits from sales the company's products

• I managed to partner with key project partners interacted with: NCPK-National potato council of Kenya, CGA- Cereal growers association, WFP-World Food Programme, EABL- East Africa and breweries limited, AFMA-African farm market access, KISIMA FARM
• Along my line of work, I have met and interacted with key project partners on board who are recognized countrywide such as NCPK (National potato council of Kenya)
• During my stay I was able to develop at least 9 active farmer groups that are actively recognized by key projects partners
• Set potato demos in Kibirichia, Timau, and Kisima Farm and Mobilized farmers and trained them

Challenges: Competing with other fertilizer and agricultural input providers offering similar or lower-priced products

During this period of training, I was attached to the horticultural department where I gained wide experience in the following areas

• Production techniques for fruits, flowers and vegetables for both local export market
• Propagation techniques for Medicinal Aromatic Plants
• Seedlings production, fruit tree grafting and Nursery Management
• Production of disease free banana seedlings through Tissue Culture techniques
• Bean production and agronomic practices
• Organic farming practices
• Crop protection techniques
• General Farm Management Practices
• Learnt processes of banana value additions during my attachment period

Achievements :Gained invaluable exposure to cutting-edge horticultural research, building a strong foundation for a career in agricultural research and development.

• Helped develop or test integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to reduce chemical dependency in pest control.
• Participated in research on sustainable nutrient management practices to improve soil health

Challenge : Insufficient access to advanced equipment, tools, or technologies for horticultural research.