Speakers

Ms. Sharon Cherobon is a dedicated farmer and community leader deeply rooted in the sugar industry. Although she does not work directly with any sugar mill, her passion for agriculture and commitment to sustainable solutions have positioned her as a proactive advocate for change. Holding a sugarcane production handbook for field staff, Sharon exemplifies her drive to bridge knowledge gaps and empower her community. With over two years of hands-on experience in sugarcane cultivation, Sharon has developed expertise in optimizing crop yields, implementing sustainable farming practices, and navigating the complexities of market dynamics. Her commitment to continuous learning has led her to adopt emerging technologies, such as precision agriculture and climate-resilient farming techniques, to combat the socio-economic and environmental challenges faced by her community, including land degradation and the impacts of climate change. In her role as a community leader, Sharon has initiated programs to empower youth in agriculture, foster knowledge exchange, and advocate for inclusive growth. Her efforts aim to inspire a new generation of agricultural innovators who can contribute to the resilience and sustainability of the sugar industry. Ms. Cherobon has been invited to make a special presentation at the Sugar Industry Innovation Symposium 2024 on the thematic area of Youth Advocacy for Policy Reforms in the Sugar Industry. Her practical insights and leadership experience will provide valuable perspectives to drive policy reforms and innovation in the sector.

Ms. Joyce Opondo is a seasoned Economist with extensive experience in development planning, policy formulation, and project management. Her expertise spans project identification, appraisal, proposal writing, monitoring and evaluation, and environmental impact assessments and audits. As a NEMA-registered Environmental Impact Assessment/Environmental Audit (EIA/EA) Lead Expert, she has successfully conducted over 100 EIAs and EAs over the past nine years. Currently serving as the Group Corporate Affairs Manager at Kibos Sugar and Allied Industries Ltd, Joyce heads the Occupational Health, Safety, and Environment Department. Her role involves leading resource efficiency and cleaner production initiatives, earning her numerous awards as a Cleaner Production Expert. She also oversees corporate social responsibility and corporate affairs for the Chatthe Group of Companies. In addition to her corporate roles, Joyce is an active contributor to public policy and governance. She is a member of the Budget Economic Forum for Kisumu County, appointed by the Governor, where she represents Non-State Actors. She also serves on the County Security Committee, chaired by the County Commissioner of Kisumu. Joyce brings strong leadership, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, along with a proven ability to lead multidisciplinary and multicultural teams. Her spiritual grounding as a member of Kingdom Restoration Church, Kisumu, adds a holistic dimension to her contributions. At the Sugar Industry Innovation Symposium and Expo 2024, Ms. Opondo will deliver a special presentation on the thematic area of Circular Economy within the Sugar Industry, sharing her wealth of knowledge and practical experience in promoting sustainability and resource efficiency.

G.S.N. Murty is the General Manager of Kibos Sugar and Allied Industries Limited (KSAIL), a prominent sugar manufacturing company in Kenya. Under his leadership, KSAIL has advanced in sugar production and diversified into allied industries, contributing significantly to the country's sugar sector. KSAIL operates a modern sugar factory with a substantial milling capacity, sourcing sugarcane from both small and large-scale farmers. The company produces both white and brown sugar and engages in cogeneration, producing electricity for internal use from bagasse, a byproduct of sugarcane processing. Murty's extensive experience in the sugar industry encompasses strategic management, operational efficiency, and the implementation of innovative processing techniques. His commitment to sustainable practices and community engagement has been instrumental in enhancing KSAIL's contributions to Kenya's sugar sector. At the Sugar Industry Innovation Symposium 2024, G.S.N. Murty will address the thematic area of Empowering the Youth in Innovative Sugar Processing, sharing his insights on fostering youth involvement and innovation within the industry.

Dr. Jacob Omollo is a distinguished researcher at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) - Sugar Research Institute (SRI). With extensive expertise in integrated soil fertility management, Dr. Omollo’s work focuses on improving soil health, enhancing crop nutrition, and increasing agricultural yields. His research is pivotal in addressing the challenges of soil degradation and nutrient deficiencies in agriculture. Dr. Omollo is dedicated to promoting sustainable agricultural practices by sensitizing stakeholders on the best management practices for chemical fertilizers. His efforts aim to optimize fertilizer use, minimize environmental impact, and ensure long-term productivity for farmers. Beyond research, Dr. Omollo is actively involved in capacity building and farmer outreach programs, empowering youth and local communities with knowledge and skills to adopt agroecological and climate-smart practices. His work supports environmentally sustainable solutions that align with global efforts to combat climate change while enhancing food security. At the Sugar Industry Innovation Symposium 2024, Dr. Omollo will contribute as a panelist on the thematic area of Agroecological, Climate-Smart, and Environmentally Sustainable Practices Through Youth-Led Initiatives (Panel by Platinum Sponsor). His insights will inspire and guide participants in embracing innovative and sustainable approaches to agriculture within the sugar industry and beyond.

Lytha Mayanja is a passionate food innovation enthusiast and scientist dedicated to enhancing quality, sustainability, and innovation across various sectors of the food and beverage industry. With a strong academic foundation in Food Science and Technology and extensive hands-on experience, Lytha has consistently demonstrated her commitment to advancing food safety, compliance, and product development standards. With her expertise in innovation, regulatory compliance and technical knowledge across diverse food industries—from tea, sugar, alcohol and nutraceuticals—she seeks to innovate at the intersection of traditional practices and modern food science. Her work reflects a deep commitment to fostering a sustainable food industry that meets the evolving needs of consumers while adhering to the highest standards of quality and safety. Today, Lytha continues to leverage her food science expertise and industry experience to lead projects that promote sustainability, quality assurance, and innovation. Her hands-on approach and dedication make her an asset in the fields of food technology and product development.

Ashington Ngigi is a development expert with over 20 years of experience spanning the corporate and public sectors, specializing in agriculture, energy, health, and communications. His work focuses on designing and implementing sustainable, citizen-oriented solutions that enhance access, market efficiency, and incomes. A skilled project manager and capacity builder, Ashington is a seasoned facilitator, trainer, and expert discussant. He has contributed to numerous high-impact projects for international development institutions, donor agencies, and governments. Ashington is the co-founder of Yakazi Network (www.yakazi.com), a digital ecosystem providing work and business opportunities. The platform integrates the Fululizo Multi-Media Channel, which develops and hosts podcasts focused on personal development and business growth across various value chains. By utilizing both web and USSD technologies, Fululizo makes these resources accessible via smart and feature phones, with or without internet access. Recently, the platform has created business idea boards and enterprise podcasts in the sugar value chain and is working towards establishing a digital academy to support youth-led enterprise initiatives in collaboration with partners. At the Sugar Industry Innovation Symposium 2024, Ashington will speak on the thematic area of Facilitating Market Access for Youth-Led Initiatives, leveraging his extensive expertise to inspire and guide participants.

Alice Coulson is a Producer and Project Manager at The Mediae Company, where she focuses on developing impactful media content. Having grown up in Kenya, Alice brings a deep understanding of the local context to her work and is a passionate advocate for sustainable food systems. She holds a degree in Sustainable Food Production from Cambridge University, which complements her expertise as a chef and nutritionist. Alice’s work bridges the gap between media, food systems, and education, emphasizing the importance of accessible and sustainable solutions. At the Sugar Industry Innovation Symposium 2024, Alice will speak on the thematic area of Harnessing Digital Solutions for Youth-Led Advancements, drawing from her multidisciplinary experience to inspire and engage participants.

Nancy Cheruiyot is the Managing Trustee and CEO at the Commodities Fund-Kenya, a state corporation dedicated to providing affordable credit and market linkages to farmers and traders in the commodities sector. With over a decade of experience, she has established herself as a strategic leader in the industry. Currently pursuing a PhD in Business Administration with a specialization in Public Finance at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nancy combines academic rigor with practical expertise. Previously, she served as the Executive Director and CEO of the Africa Fine Coffees Association, where she worked to elevate the profile and interests of African coffee producers and exporters. Nancy brings a diverse skill set that includes fluency in French, certified mediation, and expertise in public policy. These skills have enabled her to navigate and influence regional and global markets effectively. Her core competencies include strategic leadership, financial management, stakeholder engagement, and driving innovation in the commodities sector. At the Sugar Industry Innovation Symposium 2024, Nancy will speak on the thematic area of Nurturing Financial Opportunities for Youth in the Sugar Value Chain, sharing insights on empowering the youth, enthusiasts, farmers and traders with access to finance and opportunities for growth.

Prof. Francis Angawa Okere, born on October 20, 1959, hails from Wagoma Village in Bondo Sub-County, Sayan County. He holds a Bachelor of Education (Science) and a Master of Science from the University of Nairobi. Prof. Angawa earned his PhD from Newcastle University in the UK. With over two decades of teaching experience at Maseno University, Prof. Angawa has made significant contributions to academia. For the past 14 years, he has served at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), where he currently holds the position of Director of Kisumu Campus. Prof. Angawa has supervised numerous postgraduate students and has a robust publication record. His career includes leading several research projects and serving in various senior management roles within the university. Prof. Angawa will contribute his expertise as a speaker at the Sugar Industry Innovation Symposium 2024, addressing the thematic area of Youth Involvement in Revolutionizing Sugarcane Production.