Nicholas Gitonga Mati

[email protected] • +254 704399716

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Holds a Master’s degree in Agronomy (University of Nairobi) and a second class honours [upper division] Degree in Agricultural Science. Experienced in project management, capacity development, and agroecology practices. Completed multiple training workshops including RBM, GIS, Food Safety Standards, and Organic Farming. Proven track record in leading agricultural projects, facilitating training for smallholder farmers, and supporting strategic planning for agricultural organizations.

WORK EXPERIENCE

National Coordinator

06/2022 - Present

Poverty Alleviation Network Kenya (PANET Kenya) , Kikuyu town, Kiambu County

• Lead the implementation of agroecology practices aimed at enhancing crop productivity across target counties of Machakos, Makueni, Kitui, Tharaka-Nithi, Kiambu and Kajiado

• Design and deliver comprehensive training modules for smallholder farmers on the principles and practices of organic agriculture, emphasizing the use of natural inputs for soil fertility

• Promote the adoption of regenerative agriculture techniques, particularly focusing on the safe and effective application of animal manure to restore soil organic matter and structure

• Conduct training for smallholder farmers on food safety standards, focusing on Global GAP and KS 1758, ensuring compliance and market access for their produce

• Provide technical guidance on composting methods, material selection, and application for optimal soil health restoration

• Facilitate market linkages and collaboration with private sector actors and PANET Kenya marketing networks

• Monitor progress, collect success stories, and document best practices

• Work collaboratively with county governments, agriculture extension officers, civil society partners, and value chain actors

• Represent PANET Kenya in relevant county and sub-county forums

Consultant

08/2024 - 08/2024

COLEACP-- NExT Kenya programme , Western Kenya, Central Kenya, Eastern Kenya and Rift Valley

• Provided technical, strategic and facilitation support to enable the development of the Avocado Society of Kenya’s (ASOK) strategic plan in line with the changing landscape

• Reviewed ASOK’s existing vision, mission, and strategic objectives in relation to its overall mandate to determine strategic alignment

• Reviewed and analyzed ASOK’s key documents with a focus to understanding “where ASOK is?”

• Analyzed ASOK’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunity and Threats (SWOT Analysis) in relation to the current operations and performance

• Recommended an appropriate implementation plan based on vision, mission, strategic objectives and SWOT analysis

• Conducted consultative forums with the board of directors, ASOK management and members, key stakeholders, to synthesize key learnings and identify strategic opportunities

• Developed an effective internal evaluation mechanism to continually assess ASOK’s progress in achieving its strategic goals

• Drafted the Strategic Plan and presented it to the Board of Directors and key stakeholders for validation and approval after necessary revisions

Consultant

01/2024 - 01/2024

COLEACP - NExT Kenya programme , Western Kenya, Central Kenya, Eastern Kenya and Rift Valley

• Developed a sustainable business model and operational activity matrix for HANOK

• Reviewed HANOK’s existing vision, mission, and strategic objectives in relation to its overall mandate to determine the business model for its operations

• Reviewed and analyzed HANOK’s key documents with a focus to understanding “where HANOK is?”

• Analyzed HANOK’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunity and Threats (SWOT Analysis) in relation to the current operations and performance

• Developed operational activity matrix and recommended an appropriate implementation plan including financial components

• Conducted consultative forums with the board of directors, HANOK management and members, key stakeholders, to synthesize key learnings and identify strategic opportunities

• Developed an effective internal evaluation mechanism to continually assess HANOK’s progress

• Established the business model and drafted the business plan including the operational activity matrix and presented it to the Board of Directors and key stakeholders for validation and approval

Consultant

05/2023 - 05/2023

COLEAD - NExT Kenya programme , Western Kenya, Central Kenya, Eastern Kenya and Rift Valley

• Conducted a baseline study to capture detailed information and data about the existing nursery stakeholders (nursery operators and grafters) in 13 counties where HANOK operates

• Established the number of existing nursery operators and grafters in each of the 13 counties

• Identified and profiled horticultural value chains in each of the counties

• Identified the type of crops and the respective varieties grown

• Established the production and marketing models applicable to each of the counties

• Established the formal structures of the nursery operators

• Identified and profiled key actors/stakeholders working with the nursery operators and grafters

Consultant

04/2021 - 04/2021

European Commission/University of Greenwich , Counties – Meru, Kirinyaga, Muranga, Machakos, Nakuru, Trans-Nzoia

• Conducted a comprehensive Value Chain Analysis (VCA) of green beans in Kenya

• Mapped the full green beans value chain from input supply to end-market

• Identified key actors, roles, relationships, and governance mechanisms

• Assessed production practices, volumes, costs, and profitability at different nodes

• Analyzed gender, youth, and social inclusion aspects along the value chain

• Evaluated the enabling environment including Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary (SPS) compliance, regulations, and institutional support

• Identified opportunities and constraints affecting competitiveness, market access, and value addition

• Proposed targeted interventions to improve value chain efficiency, inclusivity, and sustainability

Consultant

07/2020 - 07/2020

AgriFi Kenya Challenge Fund Kilimo Value Chains – Kenya Initiative for Long Term Integration of Market Operations in Value Chains Project , Counties: - Kilifi, Machakos, Kiambu, Kisii, Migori, Bungoma, Trans-Nzoia

• Reviewed the relevance of the programmes in relation to the existing needs of the stakeholders and environment

• Independently determined the CSA results achieved to-date, and assessed to what extent the objectives of the programmes are achieved, or likely to be achieved

• Assessed the long-term sustainability of CSA project interventions after the close of the programme

• Identified lessons learned on the strategic approach, specifically where CSA opportunities may have been missed or enhanced

• Identified relevant SMEs that offer opportunity to prepare for IFC ESG standards for potential future growth

Consultant

12/2019 - 12/2019

Kenya Commercial Bank Foundation (KCBF) - 2jiajiri Program , Western, Coast, Central, Nairobi, and the Great Rift regions

• Developed program-level logical frameworks with SMART indicators for the five-year program and set targets collaboratively with program teams

• Developed the baseline study methodology, collected data, analysed it, and reported accordingly

• Contributed to the development of research and M&E tools and led the organization and promotion of KCBF's tool library

• Developed training curricula and delivered training to regional teams and the whole program team on indicators and data collection methodologies

• Uploaded research and M&E tools into the shared program data collection platform

• Led quantitative and qualitative data analysis of M&E data/evidence and drew inferences on program performance, quality, and sustainability

• Participated in quarterly program reviews and planning meetings and assisted the Program Team Leader in preparing relevant reports

• Coordinated across the existing components of the program to ensure effective development and implementation of beneficiary (Youth) Management Information System (MIS)

Capacity Development Officer

06/2014 - 03/2016

International Centre for Research in Agroforestry – ICRAF , Nairobi

• Collaborated and consulted with ICRAF senior scientists on developing research training programs and managing research fellows (early career scientists)

• Coordinated all ICRAF research fellowship programs in the regions through regional focal staff

• Developed student management policies and procedures for smooth implementation of research fellowships

• Assisted scientists and partners in developing and strengthening capacity in areas related to ICRAF’s six global research priorities

• Coordinated agroforestry activities/research undertaken by early career scientists

• Organized seminars for partners and stakeholders for capacity development

• Developed questionnaires (including survey monkey) to collect feedback on CDU seminars and wrote reports

• Shared existing scientific knowledge and directions for discussion through CDU repository

• Ensured seminar slides are posted on the intranet and CDU website

• Managed the individual capacity programme to build capacity of research fellows and interns

• Ensured effectiveness of research training programs by conducting satisfaction surveys

• Prepared CDU monitoring reports reviewing overall performance and making recommendations

Part-Time Lecturer

07/2013 - 06/2014

Laikipia University , Samburu

• Provided leadership in the development of syllabuses, resources, marking policies, assessment and learning strategies

• Developed curricula for degree, diploma and short courses

• Delivered lectures and monitored student progress, providing support and advice

• Acted as a subject matter expert and participated in providing advice and support for new projects

• Assisted in the formulation of the departmental budget

• Worked closely with admission and marketing units in recruitment and admission of new students

• Maintained updated records for all students under supervision

• Promoted scholarships through publications, lectures, research, consultancy and seminars

• Managed relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally

Regional Manager

08/2008 - 06/2013

Mt. Kenya West Natural Resource Management and Advocacy Program , Mt. Kenya Region

• Developed criteria and tools for assessing Youth Agribusiness partners

• Conducted participatory capacity assessments of partner organizations focusing on food security and agribusiness

• Coordinated and developed evaluation tools for completed projects and baseline surveys for new projects

• Provided technical oversight for capacity building activities

• Carried out baseline surveys to assess potential of oil value chains

• Provided training for youths and farmers to enhance entrepreneurial skills and develop business plans

• Documented capacity gaps and developed action plans for capacity development

• Developed functional community action plans informed by adaptive capacity building methodologies

• Implemented capacity building plans addressing identified gaps

• Ensured Monitoring and Evaluation approaches are in place and used by partners

• Developed and reviewed systems, policies and procedures to enhance partner organizations' functionality

• Developed quality proposals for funding to strengthen capacities

• Provided training, mentoring and coaching to leverage learning

Programme manager

01/2007 - 07/2008

World Vision Kenya , Samburu County

• Provided overall leadership in multi-sector and multi-million-dollar program

• Developed annual operation plans and budgets in accordance with WVK national strategy

• Managed day-to-day administration according to WVK policies

• Expanded program budget from US $480,000 to US $ 2.7 Million through proposal writing

• Guided staff in implementation of LEAP (Design, Monitoring and Evaluation strategy)

• Developed guidelines for engaging with CBOs and SMCs in capacity assessment audits

• Developed capacity building training for identified gaps

• Coordinated activities of World Vision Microfinance (KADET) for SMEs, monitored loan repayment and group dynamics

• Initiated income generating activities for OVC families

• Assessed business plans for micro-finance credit applicants, provided training and made funding recommendations

• Guided staff in developing and implementing individual work plans

• Provided coaching, direction, and leadership support to country team members

• Assisted other country programs during baseline surveys, peer audit, transformational indicators survey and evaluations

• Carried out final evaluation of Kilifi/Samburu WATSAN project funded by USAID

• Initiated income generating activities for youth with additional funds

• Coordinated logistics for ADP and facilitated staff workshops, retreats and team building

• Directly supervised 23 staff

• Carried out periodic monitoring and evaluation of program goals and outcomes

• Facilitated programme staff recruitment, annual staff appraisal and recommended staff training

Programme Manager

01/2006 - 12/2006

World Vision Kenya , Transmara County

• Provided overall leadership in all program sectors

• Guided staff in implementation of LEAP’s DM&E strategy

• Developed annual operation plans and budgets

• Developed concepts and proposals for funding (Raised US$ 35,000 for Anti-FGM project)

• Monitored and evaluated program goals and outcomes

• Prepared and monitored procurement plans

• Directly supervised and mentored nine staff members

Programme Agronomist

04/2002 - 12/2005

World Vision Kenya , Turkana County

• Overall management of the Agronomy department

• Served as deputy program manager

• Carried out detailed soil survey on 1500-acre irrigation scheme

• Established wood-lots for environmental conservation

• Designed and implemented crop trial experiments

• Linked irrigation scheme with WFP for marketing sorghum

• Established demonstration plots

• Collected and analysed technical data using GenStat

• Developed and presented technical reports

• Participated in mid-term and end of project evaluations

• Drew farm layout for Lokubae Irrigation Scheme

• Chaired project staff training and development committee

Program Development Facilitator

04/2000 - 04/2002

World Vision Kenya , Kilifi County

• Facilitated establishment of eight food security Community Based Organizations (CBOs)

• Planned and implemented field activities at CBO work sites

• Coordinated and mobilized financial and human resources for training and capacity building

• Assisted in outsourcing and contracting training activities

• Established eight demo plots and introduced drought tolerant varieties

• Introduced new hardy crop varieties

• Trained farmers on better agronomic practices

• Initiated farmer’s field school concept

• Facilitated establishment of kitchen gardens

• Maintained records and promoted community engagement

EDUCATION

Project Management 101: PMP Certification

03/2025

University of Nairobi

Master of Science (Agronomy)

01/1996 - 01/2000

University of Nairobi

Bachelor of Science (Agriculture)

01/1990 - 01/1995

University of Nairobi

SKILLS

CERTIFICATIONS

Project Management 101: PMP Certification

03/2025

University of Nairobi