Rowland Profile

Rowland Gakuo Maina(P.O Box 1148-10400
Nanyuki,mainagakuo29@gmail.com,0716-775227)
2016
PROFILE
I am Rowland Gakuo Maina, a Kenyan African youth leader & advocate for better
youth policies in Africa and moving Africa to the next level.
I hail From LaikipiaCounty,Laikipia Central District,Laikipia East
Constituency,TigithiDivision,TigithiLocation,MatanyaSublocation.
I am very hardworking and team player, creative and innovative, confident,
intelligent, competent, vibrant, dynamic, enthusiastic, self-motivated, proactive
with I can/must do attitude with a sense of initiative and ready to go beyond
achieving academic excellence but also to take initiatives to positively impact the
society.
Purpose: To work on raising the mobilization and awareness of youth towards
creating a better future for themselves where they can explode and develop their
capacities.
Mission: To positively impact global challenges by engaging young people in
initiative and work streams related to specific challenges they have identified.
Vision: I aspire to transform the next generation of young leaders through

2016
personal experience that build knowledge and engage better understanding of
global, regional and national leadership and transformation.
Iama graduate from Jomo Kenyatta University Of Agriculture and Technology ,FacultyOf
Agriculture having taken a Bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Postharvest Technology and
attained a Second Class Honors.Am also a graduate from The Institute Of Christian Works,USA
having taken a diploma in Biblical studies.
Am currently working as a Group Compliance Officer For Vegpro Group Limited in charge of all
Farm systems audits for all their 24 farms in Kenya,4 outgrowers group,3 farms in Ghana and
Ethiopia. Am also tasked with all internal audits operation where I have carried out over 400
man days of certification, surveillance, pre-assessments and gap Analysis audits as well as
other standards. Have been carrying out Global gap(Option 1 and 2,Fairtrade,BRC,BOPP,KFC-
Silver and Gold certification,M&S Field to fork, Kaufland,QMS Audits,ETI Audits, Ethiopian
Horticultural association Standard(ETHA),M&S Hygiene audits ,certification and pre-
assessment audits for fresh produce exporters i.e. fruits, vegetables and cut flowers in East
and Central and West African countries
Before joining VP group I was a Production manager for a small Enterprise Eco Agribusiness
based in Laikipia –Nyeri Region on Food value addition and Processing various products into
food value added products.Included are Jams Juices,Fruit Preserves and Chutneys.
I had been working as a Technical Consultant for Elites Plants International,InNyahururu
which is a Propagation company as well as a Roses ,Gypsophila and Vegetables Growing
company.
Iam a trained Trainer Of Trainers By TheEuropean Union PIP Act under the Global Gap
Standards where per took the training on Food Safety, Hygiene and Quality Assurance
Training in June and July 2014
Iamtrained in internal Audits and also experienced having been undertaking internal audits
for Tambuzi and Greystone Development Company Ltd(Which are both horticultural sister
companies growing varieties of Roses as well as vegetable crops).Iam trained and experienced
in various types of Food System and other Audits including GLOBAL GAP,SEDEX,FAIRTRADE,AND
KFC AUDITS and has been in the fore front in undertaking Internal Audits at Tambuzi(Including
Food Safety internal Audits, Energy Audits, Environment Audits, Quality Assurance Audits as
well as Pre Audits for External Audits which include GLOBAL GAP Re Certification
Audits,SEDEXAudits,FAIRTRADELabellingOrganaisationAudits,and Kenya Flowers Council

2016
Audits.I have also been involved in re evaluation and review of all operating Manuals in the
company as well as document control.
Having also been working for the C.S.R department(Community Social Responsibility Dept) and
being involved in various projects I have a vast experience in Project
Planning,ImplementationImplentation,Monitoring and Evaluation. Indeed I have carried out
three major projects that have been focused Globally including the Eco Agribusiness Food
value addition project under the European union funding under Community Development
Trust Fund (www.hshc.org/ecoagribusiness),I have also been involved with Tambuzi Solar
Light Project(www.waitrosefoundation.org/Tambuzi solar light project) which benefitted the
Entire Region in Lighting Up Houses of over 1000 residents of Burguret area(Nyeri) and
Matanya Area of Laikipia County and A rosier Life Trust Football Tournaments bringing in
schools from Nyeri and Laikipia Regions(A project bringing up 16 Primary schools from
Nanyuki region and 16 Primary schools from Nanyuki Region as well as The Community and
BodaBoda Operators for a Community League).
Iam a computer literate having taken a certificate in Computer applications at Karatina Institute
Of Professional studies.
Iam an Awardee of the Presidential Awards of the Young People in the Year 2014 awarded by
ThePresident H.E Hon UhuruMuigai Kenyatta on 12th Sept 2014 having undertaken a project
on Utilization and development of 15 different Value added products from a single fruit
growing in arid areas and having been in the forefront in fight against hunger and food
insecurity and coming up with project’s aimed at enhancing food security.
I have had vast experience having been working for Tambuzi Limited Nanyuki for 6 Years in
different section including Audits Department,HRDepartment,ProductionDepartment,Sales
and Marketing Department,Packhouse Department as well as Corporate social responsibility
Department(CSR Dept) where I initiated a project on solar lights that was commended by
Harriet Lamb the General Manager Waitrose Foundation and won the best environment
project 2010 at waitrose foundation in UK.(www.waitrosefoundation.org/tambuzi solar
project 2010).I have also worked for The Jomo Kenyatta University Of Agriculture and
Technology(JKUAT) in the library section and as Electoral Commissioner for JKUAT Campuses
in Kenya During the 2013 Student Governing Body Elections,I have also worked for Ministry of
Agriculture(JujaSubcounty ) for 8 months as an intern,4Months being under The State
Ministry Of Agriculture(The Republic Of Kenya) and 4 months being under the County
Government Department of Agriculture(Kiambu County Government).

2016
I have been involved in various electoral processes including the National Voter Registration
Exercise in 2012 where I worked for Laikipia East as a Head Clerk in Tigithi ward, as well as Has
been An Electoral Commissioner For Jomo Kenyatta University Electoral Commission with
over 40,000 voters in 2013 Nov and December. I have been an Commission Clerk for
JKUSO(student body)in the 2012/2013 Academic Year.I have also been an Electoral Observer
for KUSA(Kenyatta University students Union)2012/2013 and SONU(Student Organization of
the Nairobi University)2012/2013 Elections I have gained Extensive foundation in Elections
Management,handling and Coordination as a project Management skill and Expertise.
I have also been in the fore front in conserving the environment through projects aimed at
environment and wildlife conservation where I pertake annual audits on Energy,Wildlife and
Environment Audits and implementation of all the recommendations at Tambuzi Ltd.
I have also been involved in various stakeholders meeting on Environment, Wildlife and Forest
catchment area such as GakawaCFAstakeholdersMeetings ,Burguret River Water Users
Association(BRWUA)where am a member, Nature Kenya meetings on stakeholders of Mt
Kenya West Eco resource Centre. I have also been involved in education awareness, extension
services around Laikipia region.
I am the Immediate Chairman of The MT Kenya Region University students And Network
which is a group of University students both at Undergraduate and Post Graduate Levels of their
studies in all Public And Private Universities In the Republic Of Kenya, the group has a
membership of 1602 members(Both students and Alumni),the group is an affiliate of The
Voices of Africa Youth which is an initiative for African monitor to ensure the key tasks that
represent the pressing issues in Africa and a vision for Youths in Africa are popularized and
forwarded to global platforms. The key tasks are in total 9 themes and each of them has a
specific vision, call, goal and targets. The key tasks are mainly for the purpose of mainstreaming
youth issues in the post 2015 agenda.
I am the current national Coordinator of The Global YouthNetwork against Cancer Kenya
chapter, andthe current Co-founder and public relations adviser for Eldon Institute.
I am an international youth leader and advocate, mentor, peer motivator, volunteer, social change
maker, a counselor and above all an innovator doing everything in my power to transition the
community and actively involved in advocacy and creating awareness on cross cutting issues
such as market innovations, social entrepreneurship, democratic leadership, constitutionalism,
global policy making and governance, human rights, gender issues, sex and reproductive health,
water and food security, green economy and environmental conservation(vision #beyond2050,
#climate-smart-agriculture)
I am specialized in areas of Agriculture, Food Value Addition, Food Security ,Community
development, youth civic engagements and participation in democracy and good governance that

2016
is youth governance, youth , peace building, development environmental sustainability and
sustainable development.
My interests are Food Value addition and security, youth leadership, Democracy & good
governance, Social Entrepreneurship, Volunteerism and related issues.
I am very passionate about leadership Innovation, Entrepreneurship and development of Africa,
international affairs, diplomacy, global policy and governance, humanitarian actions such as
peace building and development and the role of young people in promoting peace and
advancement in youth leadership because advancement in youth leadership is a powerful
resource and catalyst for change in the world.
I have a vast experience in youth and children leadership, management, communication,
volunteerism, sustainable development and international affairs.
I have lot of expertise on Civic engagement and consultation on Elections, Governance and
Democracy: political parties, parliaments, political party management in Kenya, Leadership and
campaign academy, youth participation in democracy and governance in Africa.
Currently undergoing one year leadership mentor-ship and training by a renowned global
institution The Michigan Institute of Technology in USA.
International Experience:
I have represented Youths in various platforms around the globe from my country Kenya and
Africa at large.
(1) Youth Representative for Africa Students For Liberty Conference At Catholic University Of
Eastern Africa,Nairobi,2014
(2) Youth representative for the First Young Politicians in Making conference at The University
Of Nairobi, Kenya 2014.
Iam also an innovator having an innovation that is currently incubated by The Jomo Kenyatta
University Of Agriculture and Technology, on The Utilization and Development of Various
Food Value Added Products From TamarilloFruit.I have represented JKUAT(Jomo Kenyatta
University Of Agriculture And Technology) in Various shows and exhibition including:
1. JKUAT OPEN DAY
2. Nyeri Agricultural Show,2014
3. Nairobi International &agricultural Show,2014
4. The 5th Scientific Conference of Kenya.
5. JKUAT Technology Exposition 2014
In both my professional and personal life, I have realized it is important to help out others and as
a young African leader thinking good for Africa; I am planting little trees of unity and peace
which would have fruit unification.
I believe I am destined for greater missions in Kenya, Africa and globally. Speaking the
language of hope and contribute to the “well-being” of people by inspiring and empowering
people’ souls." to achieve their God given dreams.
I have helped young people develop their careers without burning out and drive social change in

2016
their community and nationwide. I do offer mentor-ship for young people, career advice and
leadership training for young people and closely advocate for youth and girls related matters
such as girl child empowerment.
I have impeccable public record and good standing in the community and I have been recognized
with a record of extra ordinary achievement, substantial leadership experience with a clear
indication that I will continue for the rest of career.
According to me Success isn't just about what I accomplish in my life, it’s about inspiring
others" I am passionate about inspiring young people and empowering them to achieve their
God-given dreams, develop skills and networks to build their countries and communities.
I have always surrounded myself with mentors and success models, and I have realized that they
have been a critical component in getting me to where I am today.
Along these lines, I believe that we become better leaders by teaching what we know, and always
try to put this practice to work with people who are willing and excited to be mentored so as to
gain leadership experience and understand the importance of developing strong character,
Improve the ability to communicate, work with others and accept alternative people views and
backgrounds
My experience as a youth leader:
Leadership encompasses many values like:
1) Taking responsibility
2) Being Passionate
3) Driving change
4) Standing out in the crowd
5) Inspiring people around you
6) Building a team reaching goals
7) Creating more leaders
8) Being a role model.
I have been involved in various community based project that have won international
Recognition:
1. 2010- Tambuzi Solar Light Project distribution to Laikipia that won an
accreditation from Waitrose Foundation, United Kingdom Under the
Leadership Of Maggie Macdonald Hobbs(Director Tambuzi).Was
recognized by Harriet Lambs for the Impact The project had on
Environmental
Sustainability,2010.(www.waitrosefoundation.org/Tambuzi solar project).
2. A Rosier Life Trust community based Football.tournaments that have been
held yearly since inception in 2010 courtesy of the British Army Training

2016
Unit Kenya,Tambuzi Ltd ,Nanyuki and A Rosier Life Trust.The
tournament includes schools in Laikipia including Tigithi Primary and
secondary school, Burguret Primary and secondary school,Sweetwaters
Secondary school,Inooro Secondary school,CEDC Home for the
destitute,Mureru secondary school,Airstrip Primary school and Mukuri
Primary school.(www.tambuzi.co.ke/a rosier life trust)
Photos Of My Recognition By The President Of The Republic Of Kenya,H.E Hon
UhuruMuigai Kenyatta, President and Commander In Chief Of Kenya Defence Forces.

2016

2016
A Photo with JKUAT Vice Chancellor Prof Mabel O.Imbuga and JKUAT Deputy Vice
Chancellor (Adminstration,planning and Development) Prof Victoria W.Ngumi Evaluating and
congratulating my project at Nairobi International Trade Fair 2014.
PHOTOS OF THE UPSCALED PROJECT NOW IN 2015
Our Farmers Harvesting Produces in various parts of Mt Kenya Region

2016
Harvesting of Strawberries and Tree Tomato in Sagana Scheme in Mathira and
KieniSubcountyOfNyeri County.
These Strawberries are then converted into jams and Syrup sold to Dairy Industry.
PROCESSED PRODUCTS IN THE SUPERMARKETS

2016
Harvesting of OpuntiaSppA menace in Laikipia North and converting it into processed products.

2016
Training Maasai Women Group in Naatum Village In the Dry Land of Laikipia North on Food
Value addition ,A free service I undertake for the community.

2016
Other Projects Ive Pioneered In Mt Kenya Region(Nyeri,Laikipia,Meru and Nyadarua
Regions)
Mentorship To School Children in Primary schools,Secondary school in Laikipia

2016
OrganisingLaikipia Talent Show in TigithiWard,Laikipia County 2014

2016
Distributing Solar Lights amongst the workforce in Tambuzi a Project I did in Laikipia and
NyeriUnder Waitrose Foundation Premiums.
Organized The A rosier Life Trust,Football Tournaments something that is ongoing from 2010-
Till date

2016
OrganisedBurguret Health Center,Medical Camp.

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