The Team – AfriTrade Consulting Group

Meet The Team:

Our team of seasoned professionals brings together decades of experience in fields such as investment facilitation, business strategy, legal compliance, and sustainability, among many others. Each consultant brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success, ensuring that our clients receive the highest level of support and guidance.

Dr Caroline Saroni, PhD

Executive Director

Dr Caroline Saroni

Experience: Over 18 years in law, policy, international trade and investment advisory, mining advisory, and organizational leadership.
Education: Doctor of Law from the University of Cologne; Master of Laws (LL.M) from the University of Western Cape; Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from the University of Nairobi; Certified Professional Mediator.
Expertise: International trade and investment, mining, legal advisory, policy analysis and development, governance frameworks, research, training, arbitration and mediation.
Professional Highlights:
• Instrumental in drafting and implementing key legislative reforms in Kenya.
• Published multiple research papers on international trade and investment, regional integration, mining, governance and policy development.
• Frequently sought after as a keynote speaker at international trade and investment law and policy conferences.
Affiliations: Law Society of Kenya, McCabe Center for Law and Cancer, Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance (Women Influence Power Programme).

Dr. Joseph Mwangi Ng’aru, PhD

Dr Joseph Mwangi Ng'aru

Expertise: Over 8 years’ experience in marine engineering, shipping, decarbonization and green transitioning eco-friendly maritime transport, maritime education, maritime policy formulation and analysis.
Education: PhD in Engineering from Korea Maritime and Ocean University; Master in Engineering from Korea Maritime and Ocean University; BSc in Maritime Engineering from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
Expertise: Marine Engineering, Shipping, Offshore Technical Skills and Project Advisory, Maritime Business Development and Risk Anaslysis
Professional Highlights:
• Established a regional headquarters in Kenya for a Africa mid-sized Korean Shipping Company;
• Undertook feasible investment opportunities in Africa as a Marine Consultant Africa for Korean-based companies;
• Provided technical expertise in the development of the National Maritime Transport Policy;
• Provided technical expertise in the development of the National Maritime Education and Training Policy;
• Contributed as a stakeholder in the drafting of the Strategic Plan (2023-2027) for the State Department for Maritime, Shipping and Maritime affairs.

Affiliations:
Institute of Engineers of Kenya (IEK), Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), Kenyan Society of Engineers (KSE)

Dr. Alice Karuri

Senior Consultant

Dr Alice Karuri

Experience: Over 14 years of experience in the non-profit sector, research and academia specializing in development studies and international affairs.
Education: PhD in Development Studies from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology; M.A in International Affairs from George Washington University; Bachelor’s in Economics, with a minor in Political Science from Morgan State University.
Expertise: Policy analysis, impact assessment, evaluation of development interventions, institutional arrangements, global commodity chains, and economic justice.
Professional Highlights:

Principal Investigator in the HESTIA Project working towards enabling farmers to reduce their environmental impact through innovative solutions.
AfOx Trade Fellow researching within the UKRI GCRF Trade, Environment and Development Hub, on sustainability in the coffee sector in Kenya.
Conducted policy analysis, impact assessment and evaluations of development interventions.

Affiliations: Development Studies Association, Interdisciplinary Centre for Conservation Science, University of Oxford

Eng. Rajiv Sharma

Experience: Over 20 years’ experience as an infrastructure, climate change and urban development specialist working on technical assistance and capacity building support to national and sub-national governments, the private sector and communities.

Education: Master in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland (5Year program)

Expertise: Infrastructure Planning, Urban Economic and Industrial Development Climate Resilience, and Adaptation.

Professional Highlights:

Led 14 Tanzanian Municipal Green Infrastructure PPP viability studies in light of the economic, legal, financial, market, socio/environmental, affordability and value for money factors. For each project, conducted a project due diligence, project viability and PPP option analysis for a World Bank supported project.
Supported Global UN Capital with independent risk management services, which included environmental, to identify and assess ant project uncertainties and, as a result, define optimum risk responses that assure the successful delivery of project specific objectives.
Oversaw the design and introduction of new railway technologies as well as a new fleet of trains to improve passenger transport capacity while working with Network Rail Infrastructure (UK).

Affiliation: Council of Engineers (UK)

Eng. Jeremiah Kiragu

Senior Consultant

Eng. Jeremiah Kiragu

Experience: Over 10 years’ experience in project and design management, audit and evaluation of projects in transportation engineering, specifically construction of roads, water and waste water systems.
Education: Master of Science in Construction Engineering and Management (Ongoing); Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology (JKUAT).
Expertise: Design, Supervision and Project Management of Civil and Structural Projects.
Professional Highlights:
• Assistant Resident Engineer supervising the survey and construction of Naiberi – moiben and Junction – Marula – Koitoror loop Roads Project. Contract sum KShs. 2,406,703,315.50; Contract period 3 years; Contract length 58km.
• Assistant Resident Engineer supervising the survey and construction of Limo Hospital- Illula- Elgeyo Border Moim and Tendwo-Bombo Roads Project. Contract sum KShs. 2,158,708,496.00: Contract period 2.5 years; Contract length 34km
Affiliations: Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK), Institute of Engineers (IEK)

Gathua Kimani

Experience: Over 15 years of experience in architectural project design, management and urban planning,
Education: MPhil Urban Infrastructure (Design and Management) from the University of Cape Town (UCT); Bachelor of Architecture from Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology (JKUAT).
Expertise: Developing Cities Issues & Strategies, Sustainable Ubarn Systems, Advanced Infrastructure Management, Local Area Transport Ploanning.
Professional Highlights:
• Designed and Managed the Master Plan for Two Rivers Lifestyle Centre; Vipingo, Kilifi Kenya; Pearl Marina Uganda; Two Rivers Luxury Apartments; Two Rivers Amphitheatre and Convection Dome; Two Rivers Public Art; Maiyan Holiday Homes, Nanyuki; Le Mistraal Holiday Homes, Naivasha.
• Undertook the Environmental Impact Assessment for Two Rivers Apartments; Naivasha Holiday Homes – Le Mistraal and Vipingo City.
• Project Architecture for Protea Select Hotel, Owerri, Nigeria; Kingsway Tower, Ikoyi, Nigeria; Nasrec Train Station, Johannesburg, South Africa; Khayelitsha District Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Renovation and Refurbishment; 5 no. Domestic Airports, Nigeria; Skipper Mixed Use Development, Abuja, Nigeria_Bayelsa Oxbow Lake Mixed Urban Development.
• Lecturer in ICT for Architecture and Year 4 studio lecturer, Architectural Practice and Management at Kenyatta University.
Affiliations: Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK), Environmental Institute of Kenya (EIK), Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA), National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA).

Wairimu Kireri

Experience: Career human resources (HR) management practitioner with over 20 years’ experience in Human Resources, and over 10 years in Leadership and Management.
Education: Bachelor of Commerce in Business Administration and Management (Econ. Minor)
Expertise: Organization Development, Skills Gap Analysis, Resource Planning Recruitment, Talent Management, Job Evaluation, Performance Management, Reward Management, Employee Relations.
Professional Highlights;
• Set up HR function of TradeMark East Africa (TMEA) while working with KPMG and PricewaterhouseCoopers with the support of the Department for International Development (DFID), in partnership with Denmark, the Netherlands, Canada and Belgium.
• Managed 4 organizational reviews for TradeMark East Africa (TMEA) which covered organizational restructuring, job evaluation, skill analysis, reward structuring, performance management and a review of ways of working (including a complex matrix management structure).
Affiliations: Institute of Human Resource Management (Kenya), CIPD (London, UK).

Eng. Brian Abala

Experience: Over 12 teras of experience in Civil and Structural Engineering Projects in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda.
Education: Master of Science in Structural Engineering and Materials from the University of Cape Town (UCT); Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (First Class) from the University of Nairobi.
Expertise: Design, Supervision and Project Management of Civil and Structural Projects.
Professional Highlights:
• Responsible for design, supervision and project management for the Boulevard and Tunnel structures, roads, sewer, storm water and surface water management scope at the Uhuru Gardens National Museum and Monument.
• Responsible for the design review and structural supervision for the seven-storey University Centre, a nine-storey student housing building and a hospital at the Aga Khan University, Kampala.
• Responsible for structural design of reinforced concrete and structural steel building elements as well as civil design of the access and circulatory roads, parking yar4ds/bays, storm water and sewer design for a Data Centre in Kigali Innovation City (Kigali, Rwanda).
Affiliations: Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK), Institute of Engineers (IEK)

Mwiti Marwa

Experience: Over 5 years’ experience in the field of quantity surveying and project management.
Education: Bachelor of Quantity Surveying from Technical University of Kenya.
Expertise: Project Feasibility Studies; Preparation of Bills of Quantities; Cost Analysis, Cost Control and Cost Evaluation; Valuation Works.
Professional Highlights:
Senior quantity surveyor and contracts manager (cost control department) for the following projects:
• Proposed APARTMENTS IN Eastleigh for JSB Holdings Limited-287 Million
• Proposed Mansion for Mr. and Mrs. Klauz in Gilgil=68 Million
• Proposed Mutara Orchards Laikipia Kenya-147 Million
• Proposed construction of Rongo Dam for Rongo Municipality for LVBD. -387 Million
• Proposed upgrading to Bitumen Standard of the Migori-Kombe-Nyabisawa-Mapera Kerra Roads -2.2 Billion.
Affiliations: Institute od Quantity Surveyors of Kenya

Eng. Catherine Maina

Experience: Over 15 years’ experience in project design, management, audit and evaluation of projects in traffic and transportation engineering.
Education: Master in Civil Engineering (Transportation Option) from Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology (Project Ongoing); Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University on Nairobi.
Expertise: Traffic Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Design Engineering, Material Engineering.

John Mwangi Kariuki

Senior Consultant

John Mwangi Kariuki

Experience: Over 20 years in business development and strategic planning.
Education: MSc in Management & Organization Development from United States International University-Africa; Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from African Nazarene University.
Expertise: Business strategy, market entry strategies, stakeholder engagement, project management.
Professional Highlights:
• Led multiple successful market entry projects for international firms in East Africa.
• Developed strategic plans that significantly boosted client revenue and market presence.
• Recognized for outstanding leadership and innovative solutions in complex business environments.
Affiliations: Member of the Kenya Institute of Management, Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Kenneth Kigo Kinyua

Senior Consultant

Kenneth Kigo Kinyua

Experience: Over a decade in international trade and finance.
Education: Bachelor’s in International Relations and Diplomatic Studies from United States International University-Africa.
Expertise: International trade policies, finance, market analysis, cross-border transactions.
Professional Highlights:
• Negotiated and facilitated international trade deals worth millions of dollars.
• Conducted in-depth market analyses that informed strategic trade decisions for clients.
• Recognized for contributions to enhancing trade relations between East Africa and global markets.
Affiliations: International Trade Centre, East African Business Council.

Pamela Gathua

Experience: Over 15 years of experience specializing in program management, policy development, Risk, information security, and compliance training.
Education: MPhil in Public Policy and Administration from the University of
Cape Town; Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Computer Science from the Catholic University of
Eastern Africa.
Professional Certifications: ISO 27001 LI and LA(ISMS), ISO 31000(Lead risk manager), ISO 22301 LI (BCMS), ISO 27701 LI (PIMS)
Expertise: Program management, policy development, regulatory compliance, risk management and training, strategic planning.
Professional Highlights:
• Led multiple high-impact development programs in East Africa.
• Developed and implemented policies that improved organizational compliance and efficiency.
• Commended for strategic insights and effective management of complex projects.
Affiliations: PECB-certified trainer

Daniel Muondu

Experience: Over 21 years’ risk management and audit experience.

Education and any professional certifications:
• Bcomm, Finance
• LLB (on-going)
• Certified Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Risk Management (on-going)
• Certified in Sustainability and Climate Risk Management
• Certified Internal Auditor
• Certified Public Accountant
• Certified Fraud Examiner
• Certified Information Systems Auditor
• Certified Internal Audit Quality Assessor
• ACL Certified

Expertise: Governance, Strategy, Internal Audit and Risk Management. Review/development of instruments in relation to these areas and also capacity building for Board, Management and Staff.

Professional Highlights: Conducted risk management consultancies for private sector, public sector and non-governmental organizations in various countries including Botswana, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, South Sudan, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe

Affiliation:
• Global Association of Risk Professionals
• Institute of Internal Auditors
• Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
• Information Systems Audit and Control Association
• Member of the Institute for the Management of Information Systems

Caroline Mwangi Maragwa

Organizational Development Consultant

Caroline Mwangi Maragwa

Experience: Over 21 years in organizational development, strategic planning, and change management.
Education: MBA in Strategic Management from the University of Nairobi; Bachelor’s in Administration and Accounting from Kenyatta University.
Expertise: Organizational development, change management, performance improvement, strategic planning.
Professional Highlights:
• Spearheaded organizational change initiatives that led to significant performance improvements.
• Developed strategic plans that aligned with organizational goals and fostered sustainable growth.
• Recognized for expertise in enhancing organizational culture and employee engagement.
Affiliations: International Society for Performance Improvement, Organization Development Network.

Jean Kambuni

Consultant

Jean Kambuni

Experience: Over ten years in program design, strategy development, monitoring, and evaluation.
Education: Master of Laws (LL.M) in International Business Law from the University of Cumbria; Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from Moi University.
Expertise: Program design, strategy development, monitoring and evaluation, impact assessment.
Professional Highlights:
• Designed and implemented impactful development programs across East Africa.
• Developed robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks that enhanced program effectiveness.
• Awarded for excellence in program management and strategic development.
Affiliations: African Evaluation Association, International Development Evaluation Association.

Rosa Kihara

Senior Consultant

Rosa Kihara

Position: Senior Consultant
Experience: Over 15 years in gender and climate change, disability mainstreaming, and research and analysis.
Education: Master’s in Gender and Development from the University of Nairobi; Bachelor’s in Bible and Theology from Pan African Christian University.
Expertise: Gender and climate change, disability mainstreaming, research methodologies, policy analysis.
Professional Highlights:
• Led groundbreaking research on the intersection of gender and climate change in East Africa.
• Developed policies that promoted disability inclusion and environmental sustainability.
• Recognized for contributions to advancing gender equality and climate resilience.
Affiliations: Gender and Climate Change Network, African Disability Forum.

Janet Ruto

Sustainability Professional

Janet Ruto

Experience: Over 14 years guiding organizations toward sustainable growth.
Education: MBA (Global Business Management) from the United States International University-Africa; Bachelor’s in Finance and Management Science from Strathmore University.
Expertise: Sustainability strategies, environmental management, corporate social responsibility, sustainable development.
Professional Highlights:
• Developed sustainability strategies that reduced environmental impact and enhanced corporate responsibility.
• Implemented environmental management systems that achieved international certification.
• Recognized for leadership in promoting sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
Affiliations: International Society of Sustainability Professionals, Global Reporting Initiative.

Emily Kemunto Ogonyo

Research Fellow

Emily Kemunto Ogonyo

Experience: 2 years’ experience as both a research and legal assistant
Education: Bachelor of Law Degree from Kenyatta University School of Law; Currently enrolling at the Kenya School of Law.
Expertise: – Research and policy making.
Professional Highlights: –
• Trade & Investment Law: – Experienced in real estate, company secretarial, and banking law, focusing on facilitating international trade and investment.
• Research Expertise: Strong research skills in trade, investment, and policy making.
• Consultancy & Advocacy: -Skilled in providing legal insights and consultancy, committed to supporting trade and investment.

Mr. Abdirizak Ali Musa

Experience: Over 25 years’ experience and expertise on international trade negotiations, African regional integration agenda and trade capacity development.
Education: Master in Development Finance from the University of London; Certificate in International Economic Law from the University of Geneva; Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Nairobi.
Professional Highlights:
• Consulted for United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) on the introduction of the UNCTAD Productive Capacities Index (PCI) Methodology in diagnosing Kenya’s development trajectory typified by reverse structural transformation.
• Coordinated the launching of the Kenya Holistic Productive Capacities Development programme through an all-inclusive multi-stakeholder consultative process
• Provided advisory services to the US-Kenya Trade & investment Working Group (TIWG)
• Monitored the implementation of the US-EAC Trade & Investment Framework and contributed to the consideration of the post-AGOA trading arrangements.
Affiliations:
African Union, World Trade Organization, UNDP-Africa

Meet Our Tanzania Team:

AfriTrade Group boasts a team of highly experienced consultants with diverse expertise in various fields, including Investment facilitation, Business development, Legal and compliance, Tax, Immigration, Logistics, Project monitoring and evaluation, Human resources, Sustainability & Corporate Social Responsibility, among many others. Each consultant brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success, ensuring that our clients receive the highest level of support and guidance.

Dr. Grace Gervase Kamugisha

Experience: Over 15 years’ experience trade and investment law, intellectual property, policy, governance and research.
Education: PhD in Law from the University of Dar es Salaam; Master of Laws (LL.M) from the University of Pretoria; Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from the University of Dar es Salaam.
Expertise: Governance Frameworks, Development Research and Legal Research, Strategy Development.
Professional Highlights:
• Undertook a countrywide assessment of gender equitable land investment and governance in Tanzania for the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) and Tanzania Women Lawyers Association (TAWLA).
• Undertook a needs assessment and developed a National Tobacco Control Strategy for the United Republic of Tanzania supported by WHO FCTC.
• Undertook an assessment of barriers to women’s land ownership and tenure security and key land administration institutions capacity gaps in the context of Covid-19 and other shocks in Tanzania.
Affiliations:
Tanganyika Law Society, African Human Rights Law Journal (AHRLJ), Journal of Finance and Business Studies

Jeremiah Mhada

Experience: Over 10 years’ experience in agriculture financing and corporate banking.
Education: Master’s in Business Administration (Finance) from the University of Dar es Salaam; Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences in Geography from the University of Dar es Salaam.
Expertise: Product and Project design and management, Portfolio management, Strategic planning and analysis.
Professional Highlights:
• Designing and developing value chain financing projects in maize and paddy, linking the primary producers to off-takers.
• Designing and developing value chain financing projects in the meat sector around the Eastern Zone in Tanzania.
• Implementation of the Value Chain Financing Model, connecting and linking Producers, Aggregators, Agro-Processors, Logistics and Markets in collaboration with Partners such as Research centers, LGAs, Project Managers, Project Administrators and Input/technology suppliers.
Affiliations: Institute of Risk Management-Tanzania

Chris Makyao

Experience: Over 10 years experience in banking, technology and telecommunications.
Education: Bachelor of Commerce – Information Systems from the University of Cape Town.
Expertise: Agri Project Development, Transaction Advisory, Financial Investment Advisory, Project and Program Management, Private Sector Development and Research.
Professional Highlights:
• Coordination of Innovation Inclusive Growth & Sustainable Livelihoods (UNDP) and established MoUs with key BDS providers, Ministry (EST, F&P, Agri, Industry & Trade) and other Government stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across public and private sectors, streamline processes, drive product/service commercialization, and successfully implement large-scale transformative projects.
Affiliations: Institute of Bankers in South Africa (IOBSA), Institute of Directors Tanzania (IoDT), Tanzania Institute of Bankers (TIOB)

Ready to work with our team of experts?

Schedule a Consultation

Meet The Team:

Dr Caroline Saroni, PhD

Dr. Joseph Mwangi Ng’aru, PhD

Dr. Alice Karuri

Eng. Rajiv Sharma

Eng. Jeremiah Kiragu

Gathua Kimani

Wairimu Kireri

Eng. Brian Abala

Mwiti Marwa

Eng. Catherine Maina

John Mwangi Kariuki

Kenneth Kigo Kinyua

Pamela Gathua

Daniel Muondu

Caroline Mwangi Maragwa

Jean Kambuni

Rosa Kihara

Janet Ruto

Emily Kemunto Ogonyo

Mr. Abdirizak Ali Musa

Meet Our Tanzania Team:

Dr. Grace Gervase Kamugisha

Jeremiah Mhada

Chris Makyao

Ready to work with our team of experts?

AfriTrade Group is the answer to all your investment needs!
Try Us Today…

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Reach Us

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Meet The Team:

Dr Caroline Saroni, PhD

Dr. Joseph Mwangi Ng’aru, PhD

Dr. Alice Karuri

Eng. Rajiv Sharma

Eng. Jeremiah Kiragu

Gathua Kimani

Wairimu Kireri

Eng. Brian Abala

Mwiti Marwa

Eng. Catherine Maina

John Mwangi Kariuki

Kenneth Kigo Kinyua

Pamela Gathua

Daniel Muondu

Caroline Mwangi Maragwa

Jean Kambuni

Rosa Kihara

Janet Ruto

Emily Kemunto Ogonyo

Mr. Abdirizak Ali Musa

Meet Our Tanzania Team:

Dr. Grace Gervase Kamugisha

Jeremiah Mhada

Chris Makyao

Ready to work with our team of experts?

AfriTrade Group is the answer to all your investment needs!Try Us Today…

Useful Links

Subscribe Now

Useful Links

Reach Us

Subscribe Now

AfriTrade Group is the answer to all your investment needs!
Try Us Today…