Category: Management

Teresa is a skilled animal health practitioner and community mobiliser with hands-on experience in livestock health, field research, and grassroots engagement. She holds a Diploma in Animal Health and Production and has worked with both public and non-governmental organisations in community outreach, livestock extension, and data collection. Teresa plays a key role in coordinating field activities, working closely with pastoralist communities, and supporting the implementation of livestock-based projects across arid and semi-arid regions. Fluent in English, Kiswahili, Turkana, and Samburu, she brings a strong local insight and communication skills that are vital for inclusive and impactful programming.

Rodgers Nambwa is an accounting professional with extensive experience in audit, tax consultancy, and financial training. He has provided expert guidance to optimise economic performance and ensure compliance for various businesses. Rodgers has held roles such as Senior Auditor at Charles & Company and has collaborated with firms like Millis Associates and Miles & Associates. His expertise in financial management and capacity building aligns with ASAL Extension’s mission to enhance sustainable development in arid and semi-arid regions.

Peter Mwangi is an accomplished Information Technology professional with over 11 years of experience specialising in data systems, geospatial analysis, and digital research tools. He holds a degree in Information Technology, a Certificate in GIS and Remote Sensing, and a Diploma in Data Science with a focus on R Programming. Peter has developed and supported numerous research platforms—including ODK, Kobo, SurveyCTO, and Dooblo—contributing to impactful projects at the University of Nairobi and various NGOs. His strong technical skills, combined with a passion for data-driven solutions, make him a valuable asset in advancing technology for development, particularly in ASAL regions.

Dr. Ooko is a veterinary professional specialising in pig and poultry health, nutrition, and welfare. She has been actively involved in organising and leading continuing professional development (CPD) activities for veterinary practitioners in Kenya. Dr. Ooko has contributed to the development of veterinary handbooks designed to enhance animal health services in arid and semi-arid regions. Her involvement in monitoring and evaluation projects, such as the TRANSFORM Project with Heifer International Kenya, demonstrated her commitment to improving livestock production and market systems. As Director of Operations at ASAL Extension, Dr. Ooko leverages her expertise to enhance livestock systems and foster sustainable livelihoods in arid and semi-arid regions.

As the Chief Technical Officer at ASAL Extension, Brian Ogoti plays a pivotal role in advancing diagnostic capacity through his expertise in infectious diseases, bioinformatics, and molecular biology. Having recently completed his PhD in Tropical and Infectious Diseases, he leverages his extensive research background to integrate advanced data analytics into livestock health management. This integration aims to enhance disease surveillance and control strategies, particularly for zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance. His contributions extend to shaping the technological vision for diagnostics, prompting cutting-edge diagnosis to meet phytosanitary standards, leading research and development in diagnostic processes, and ensuring robust data management for comprehensive traceability. Ultimately, his work strengthens ASAL Extension’s mission to improve food security and livelihoods in dryland areas by enhancing value chains and compliance for livestock producers.

Dr. Pauline Gitonga is the Founder and Managing Director of ASAL eXtension Ltd, where she provides strategic and technical leadership in transforming animal health systems and enhancing sustainable livelihoods in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs). With over 15 years of experience in pastoral livestock health, she is widely recognized for her expertise in delivering community-driven, evidence-based solutions across Kenya and the Horn of Africa. Under her direction, ASAL eXtension has implemented high-impact programs in collaboration with institutions such as AU-IBAR, FAO, IGAD, Colorado State University, and county governments. She has led multi-county initiatives on disease surveillance, livestock value chain analysis, and capacity building, including developing widely used veterinary handbooks and extension manuals tailored to local contexts. Dr. Gitonga’s approach blends technical rigor with effective governance, ensuring that ASAL eXtension’s interventions are participatory, locally grounded, and aligned with long-term development goals. Her ability to forge strong institutional partnerships and lead complex, multi-stakeholder projects ensures that ASAL eXtension remains a driving force in sustainable dryland development.