About me
Hi there! I am a passionate data professional with over 8 years of experience in data science, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and remote sensing.
Currently, I work as a GIS Data Scientist at Rainforest Alliance (Kenya) and previously served as Senior Data Analyst at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Kenya and Rwanda.
I specialize in statistical and spatial analyses, information systems, and big data analytics,
applying these skills to generate actionable insights that inform sustainable development initiatives especially in agri-food systems, environmental conservation
and climate resilience.
My work is guided by a commitment to applying data-driven approaches that create tangible impact, and I am eager to continue contributing to meaningful
solutions in these fields.
As for my background, I hold a bachelor's degree in Geospatial Engineering from the University of Nairobi in Kenya and a Master of Science in Data Science from the
University of Rwanda’s African Centre of Excellence for Data Science (ACE-DS), thanks to
the World Bank’s ACE II project scholarship program.
Over the past five years at Rainforest Alliance and IITA R&D, I have applied data science and remote sensing to agricultural research, focusing on crop mapping,
climate-related risk modeling for pests and diseases, diet quality, and decision support for crop management. I have also developed efficient ETL workflows and
designed intuitive dashboards to turn complex data into actionable insights.
When I am not immersed in algorithms and datasets, I enjoy mentoring, seeking new adventures, exploring the world, and tending to my little garden sanctuary.
See my CV for further information about me.
News
Successfully completed the intensive Technical Data Science Training, a collaborative bootcamp by AWARD and Moringa School. This specialized training focused on leveraging advanced data tools to tackle the most pressing challenges in agri-food systems and climate resilience across Africa.
Proud to have completed the Women’s Leadership and Management Course (WLMC) by African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) . This intensive certification has sharpened my strategic leadership and management skills to better lead data-driven impact across the continent!
Beyond thrilled to be part of the, The African Women in Data Science Fellowship by African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD). Representing one of 5 African countries in this Gates Foundation-funded cohort is a dream come true!
Swapping folders for forests! I’ve joined the Rainforest Alliance as a GIS Data Scientist, working at the vital intersection of tech, sustainability, and global conservation.
Ending the year on a high note with an Award of Excellence from IITA. Being recognized as an Outstanding Support/ Specialist , two years (2023 and 2024) in a row is a huge motivation!
Our latest work, Validation Analytics Guideline for the Excellence in Agronomy (EiA) initiative by CGIAR, now available on CGSpace. This guideline supports evidence-based decision-making in agronomy and contributes to advancing sustainable agricultural practices.
I will be showcasing and providing training on some of the agronomic digital tools I developed, at the TRANSFORM Workshop for the Excellence in Agronomy initiative (EiA) by CGIAR in Nairobi, Kenya.
I am presenting our poster, Climate-related risk modelling of banana xanthomonas wilt (BXW) disease incidence within cropland area of Rwanda at 2023 Tropentag Conference: Competing pathways for equitable food systems transformation: trade-offs and synergies, held in Berlin, under the theme "climate change"
Our paper on Climate-Related Risk Modeling of Banana Xanthomonas Wilt Disease Incidence in the Cropland Area of Rwanda just got published to Plant Disease Journal!
Exciting news! our work was featured on Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies (IAMO) newsletter.
I am thrilled to announce that I have started a new position as a Senior Data Analyst with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) under the the Excellence in Agronomy initiative (EiA) in Nairobi, Kenya!
Critical insights into diet quality disparities — highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions to combat nutrition insecurity. Published to Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems! Check it out here: Leveraging Digital Tools and Crowdsourcing Approaches to Generate High-Frequency Data for Diet Quality Monitoring at Population Scale in Rwanda.
Exciting news: my first publication! How can mapping banana farmlands in Rwanda with UAV imagery and machine learning prioritize resources to combat Banana Xanthomonas Wilt disease? Check out our publication in Remote Sensing Journal here: UAV-Based Mapping of Banana Land Area for Village-Level Decision-Support in Rwanda .
2019-12: I will present our work at the IAMO Forum (2020) under "Digitalisation and ICT for the prevention and control of plant diseases in small holder farming: lessons from Rwanda".