Denis Marangu - Founder & CEO, Kulamawe poultry industries ltd

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Work Background

Kulamawe Poultry Industries LtdResearch and Development Director

Oct. 2023Isiolo, Kenya🌱 Research Consultant | Agriculture & Livelihoods Specialist Supported Market Share Associates and East African Market Development Associates, to implement a SPARC Program-commissioned study focused on animal health-seeking practices among pastoralists in Kenya's ASAL regions. Conducted discussions with community members, leaders, and officials to explore gender-inclusive delivery of animal health services. 🚀 Championing Sustainable Poultry Development Established the Kulamawe Poultry Field Research and Development School for testing sustainable solutions for ASAL region poultry sectors. The mandate is to promote organic farming, agroecology, and indigenous poultry varieties. Promote innovative black soldier fly farming and vermi-culture for an insects-for-feed program, integrating waste management into organic farming. Advocating for drought-resistant crops in poultry feed formulation for climate adaptation. 🌟 Empowering Communities & Entrepreneurship Developing the indigenous poultry sector as an alternative livelihood for vulnerable communities impacted by livestock losses due to drought cycles. Building robust supply chains for the Kulamawe poultry slaughterhouse to provide affordable, healthy, and nutritious products to the bottom-of-the-pyramid market. Creating opportunities for youth and women entrepreneurs. Passionate about driving sustainable agriculture and inclusive development. Let's connect for collaboration!

USAID's Kenya Investment MechanismBASPs Coordinator

Mar. 2023 - Jun. 2023Isiolo, KenyaSupported the exit strategy of USAID KIM's BASPs activities and managed the execution of a pilot executive training program tailored for Business Advisory Service Providers (BASPs) at the Strathmore Business School and funded by the USAID's Kenya Investment Mechanisms Activity. This initiative entailed the training of an initial pilot cohort of 25 BASPS. Spearheaded the formation of the Small Business Capitalization Advisors’ Association (SBCAA), advocating for a possible collaboration with the Capital Markets Authority to pilot Kenya's inaugural licensed crowdfunding platform. This innovative idea promises an invaluable opportunity for Kenyan SMEs to access capital through equity stakes from retail investors, fostering economic growth and empowerment within the local business community.

USAID's Kenya Investment MechanismRegional Coordinator Northern and Eastern Kenya

Feb. 2022 - Feb. 2023Isiolo, KenyaManaged the relationship with 40 Business Advisory Service Providers (BASPs) within USAID KIM's pay-for-results scheme, facilitating the successful mobilization of USD $64 million and $13 million in financing for women-owned and youth-owned enterprises in the agricultural sector. Supported the Women Economic Empowerment Program at Strathmore Business School that was supported by USAID's Kenya Investment Mechanisms by refining the pitch skills of 50 women-owned SMEs. Empowering women entrepreneurs to succeed in the competitive business landscape. Played a pivotal role in the founding of the Small Business Capitalization Advisors' Association, with an insight towards revolutionizing networking and capacity-building opportunities for BASPs interested in facilitating SME capitalization in Kenya. Supported policy development in Northern Kenya by closely supporting the Isiolo County Government's technical working group, specifically in drafting the Isiolo Trade and Market Bill 2022 by supporting key relationships with KPMG, the lead consultant on the project. This bill promises a progressive legal framework to support SME growth and improved engagement with government in the future for a robust private sector. Engaged with USAID's PREG and SEK coordination platforms with collaborative efforts spanning across eight counties, including Turkana, Marsabit, Isiolo, Garissa, Wajir, Kitui, Makueni, and Taita Taveta, navigating a complex multi-partner projects while driving impactful policy initiatives.

Kulamawe Poultry Industries Ltd & Kulamawe Poultry FarmManaging Director

Jan. 2016 - Jan. 2022IsioloSuccessfully spearheaded the development of a proposal to raise capital and managed USAID Regal-AG grantee guidelines, securing additional investments to establish the first poultry slaughter and processing facility in Northern Kenya. Orchestrated engagements with the Kenya Veterinary Board and the Kenya Bureau of Standards to ensure proper licensing of the facility pre-launch, guaranteeing the delivery of safe and inspected poultry meat products to the Bottom of the Pyramid (BoP) market segment in Northern Kenya. Additionally, secured and managed a technical assistance grant facility from the GAIN Marketplace for Nutritious Foods Program, overseeing the development of quality assurance and quality control protocols, thereby enhancing its operational standards. Further obtained support from the KCIC to develop a waste management strategy for the slaughterhouse, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Pioneered a holistic farm-to-fork farmer outreach program, offering training and support to over 500 smallholder poultry farmers, with an emphasis on empowering women and youth. This initiative played a pivotal role in establishing a sustainable poultry supply chain in Northern Kenya, while also advocating for the poultry sector as a viable livelihood alternative and a climate mitigation tool for vulnerable pastoralist communities. Instrumental in crafting a robust marketing strategy for the enterprise, resulting in the expansion of its market reach to at least five counties in Kenya, driving business growth and market penetration. Led the product development team at Kulamawe Poultry Industries Ltd., fostering innovation that garnered recognition with the Growth Africa Award at the 2018 Nutrition Africa Investment Forum SUN Business Pitch Competition. This accolade underscores our dedication to driving innovation and excellence in the poultry industry, positioning Kulamawe Poultry Industries Ltd. as a frontrunner in the field.

Northern Flexi Energy EnterprisesDirector

Dec. 2012 - Dec. 2019Mt. Kenya Region and Northern KenyaI am a founder and entrepreneur with a proven track record in spearheading impactful partnerships and initiatives within the renewable energy sector. At Northern Flexi Energy Enterprises, I successfully secured and managed a key agency deal with Biogas International Ltd, driving fruitful collaborations for the marketing, installation, and after-sales support of flexi-biogas systems and solar products across the Mt. Kenya and Northern Kenya regions. Key Achievements: Led the enterprise in its initial market penetration success and orchestrated a lucrative agency deal between Northern Flexi Energy Enterprises and Biogas International Ltd, resulting in a 200% surge in sales volume within the Mt. Kenya region. Led the implementation of the Louise Dreyfus Foundation-sponsored flexi-biogas program in Meru County, achieving a 100% target and installing 100 flexi-biogas systems for low-income households. Pioneered a biogas credit financing facility in collaboration with Capital Sacco Society, benefiting 20,000 registered dairy farmers in Meru County. Established flexi-biogas field demo sites in partnership with the Meru Dairy Cooperative Union, showcasing the technology's potential across 15 selected producer dairy cooperative societies. Collaborated with the BOMA project to introduce biogas solutions to pastoralist households in Marsabit County, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts and empowering local communities. I am passionate about leveraging innovative solutions to address energy challenges and contribute to sustainable development goals. Let's connect to explore opportunities for collaboration and positive impact in the renewable energy sector.

World Vision KenyaGraduate Intern

Oct. 2010 - Sep. 2011Narok, Kenya