Stephen Kithuka
Development And Sustainability Expert
Machakos
Summary
With extensive expertise in international development and sustainability, I excel in program development and management, public relations, fundraising, and possess an entrepreneurial mindset. I bring an innovative approach to business planning and am a dynamic, charismatic leader and team player.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Languages
Work History
Regional Head of Programmes
Solidaridad Eastern & Central Africa Expertise Centre
2017.12 - Current
- Role involves overseeing strategic and operational efficiencies in East and Central Africa.
- Implemented data-driven decision making, using analytics to identify trends and inform strategy development as well as align regional objectives with overarching organizational goals.
- Leveraged technology for improved operational efficiency, streamlining processes across multiple departments.
- Increased revenue (Annual Revenue of over Euro 8m) by identifying new business opportunities, proposition development and closing high-value deals.
- Improved regional performance by developing and implementing effective annual and multi-annual strategic plans.
- Conducted regular performance reviews, setting clear goals, supporting employee development initiatives, developed collaborative culture, fostering teamwork and open communication.
- Delivered consistent results in challenging environment, adapting strategies to meet changing conditions.
- Drove innovation within the region by encouraging creative problem-solving approaches among team members.
- Championed diversity and inclusion efforts within the organization, promoting inclusive workplace culture that valued individual perspectives. Managed over 50 staff.
- Established partnerships with industry leaders, expanding services offered and increasing market share.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Represented company at various national and global events.
- Optimized resource allocation to maximize impact.
Regional Programme Manager; Coffee and Gold
Solidaridad Eastern & Central Africa Expertise Centre
2012.02 - 2017.11
- Role offered strategic leadership and direction, create and manage necessary partnerships and lead fund raising to ensure sustained growth in programmes.
- Managed and motivated programme teams to be productive and engaged in work.
- Cultivated partnerships with external stakeholders to maximize business opportunities and extend network reach across the region.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes and maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans, business strategies, performance metrics to achieve organizational goals and stay competitive.
- Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal financial performance while investing in necessary resources for organizational growth.
- Monitored and analyzed programmes performance to identify areas of improvement and make necessary adjustments.
- Facilitated successful cross-functional collaborations for the completion of key projects, fostering strong working relationships among team members.
- Built high-performing teams through effective recruitment, onboarding, and talent development initiatives.
- Conducted competitive analysis to identify market trends and capitalize on emerging opportunities for growth.
- Drove operational efficiency through data-driven decision-making processes, leveraging analytics tools for informed strategy development.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations and legal requirements by implementing comprehensive policies and training programs for staff members.
- Optimized resource allocation by conducting regular performance evaluations and providing personalized coaching for staff development.
- Planned, created, tested and deployed system life cycle methodology to produce high quality systems to meet and exceed customer expectations.
- Identified fund raising opportunities and developed winning proposals to grow the projects portfolio.
- Internal management: Reporting, funds management, monitoring and evaluation of the projects across E & C Africa.
Consultant
SNV - The Netherlands Development Organization
, Kenya
2011.07 - 2012.01
- Job entailed facilitating poverty reduction initiatives and promotion of market access amongst horticultural farming communities.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to successfully deliver comprehensive solutions for horticulture farmers.
- Provided ongoing support to farming communities post-implementation, ensuring long-term success and impact of implemented solutions.
Evaluated farmers needs and expectations, establishing clear goals for each consulting engagement. - Build capacity of farmers and farmer groups to optimize farmers' organizational performance, leading to improved operational efficiency.
- Supported farmer groups to integrate technology and business operations, business analysis, documentation, and data modeling.
- Prepared presentations and training modules for farmer capacity building.
Mentored junior consultants, fostering professional growth and building strong team dynamics. - Conducted thorough market research and analysis, providing valuable insights for farmer decision making.
- Directly reached over 7,000 smallholder farmers
Business and Financial Services Coordinator
Agricultural Market Development Trust (CNFA/AGMARK) - Eastern & Central Kenya
2008.03 - 2011.02
- The job entailed enabling Kenya's vulnerable smallholder farmers to gain increased access to vital agricultural inputs, improved technologies, grants and credit to boost agricultural productivity and improve household food sufficiency, as well as building sustainable market linkages
- Developed and maintained database of records to facilitate smooth transactions for financial processes.
- Conducted thorough financial assessments to identify potential risks and opportunities for clients.
- Successfully managed high-priority projects under tight deadlines while maintaining focus on delivering exceptional results.
- Ensured timely completion of financial reports, contributing to prompt decision making.
- Developed strong relationships with clients, fostering trust and loyalty through consistent service excellence.
- Supported the development of new business initiatives by conducting detailed market research and feasibility analyses.
- Cumulatively reached over 70,000 farmers.
Volunteer
Arid Lands Resource Management Project II (ALRMP) - Makueni district
2007.09 - 2008.02
- Assisted with special events and programs taking minutes.
- Promoted environmental awareness with educational workshops and hands-on activities.
- Provided administrative support to department leads to help organize events and fundraisers.
- Managed administrative tasks such as scheduling, record-keeping, and budgeting for program success.
- Collaborated with other nonprofit organizations to develop joint initiatives that benefited the broader community at large.
- Used strong interpersonal communication skills to convey information to others.
- Actively participated in staff meetings, contributing ideas for process improvement and program development strategies.
Education
MBA - Strategic Management
Kenyatta University
Nairobi 2017.08 - 2020.12
Bachelor of Science - Agribusiness Management
Egerton University
Nakuru 2003.09 - 2007.12
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (K.C.S.E) - undefined
Kitondo Sec School
Skills
Strategic planning
Employee Coaching and Mentoring
Adaptability, Reliability and Flexibility
Problem-solving aptitude
Partnership and Business Development
Human Resources Management
Innovation and Creativity
Operations Management
Team Management and Leadership
Strategic planning
Shortcourses
- DCED Standard on Results Measurement in PSD
- ISO 9001:2008
- Responsible and ethical production, internal control systems, consumer awareness and engagement.
- Carbon Leaf- Understanding of climate change, greenhouse gases & carbon foot printing.
- World Food Programmes (WFP)-Output-Marketing training
- Agrochemicals Association of Kenya (AAK) and International Fertilzer Development Center (IFDC)- Safe use of chemicals, Fertilizers & Seeds.
- Agricultural Market Development Trust (CNFA/AGMARK) - Skills to conduct business management trainings.
Personal Information
Nationality: Kenyan
References
- Hosea Machuki, CEO, Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya (FPEAK), hoseamachuki@gmail.com, +254 722 656 036
- David Ojwang, Director of Programmes, Heifer International, dojwang2012@gmail.com, +254 712 863 144
- Alphonse Muriu, Senior Advisor-Economic Development, SNV, bmuriu2010@gmail.com, +254 722 369 156
Timeline
Regional Head of Programmes
Solidaridad Eastern & Central Africa Expertise Centre
2017.12 - Current
MBA - Strategic Management
Kenyatta University
2017.08 - 2020.12
Regional Programme Manager; Coffee and Gold
Solidaridad Eastern & Central Africa Expertise Centre
2012.02 - 2017.11
Consultant
SNV - The Netherlands Development Organization
2011.07 - 2012.01
Business and Financial Services Coordinator
Agricultural Market Development Trust (CNFA/AGMARK) - Eastern & Central Kenya
2008.03 - 2011.02
Volunteer
Arid Lands Resource Management Project II (ALRMP) - Makueni district
2007.09 - 2008.02
Bachelor of Science - Agribusiness Management
Egerton University
2003.09 - 2007.12
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (K.C.S.E) - undefined
Kitondo Sec School
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