Brenda Ahoya

I have over 16 years’ experience first, with the Ministry of Health and subsequently with NGOs with expertise and understanding of health and nutrition programming and implementation in Kenya. At PATH Kenya, I supported Ministry of Health, Division of Nutrition and Dietetics to develop the Baby Friendly Community Initiative guidelines as a strategy to improve infant and young child feeding and was part of the team that supported the review of the MIYCN summary policy statement. Through collaboration with other line ministries such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Education in BFCI implementation and improving micronutrients in Kisumu, Kakamega and Migori Counties. In addition, I supported development of local complementary feeding recipes and an evidence-informed counselling guide based on data from a Trials of Improved Practices (TIPs) study in Western, Nyanza and Northeastern parts of Kenya through collaboration with other government line ministries. In addition to the NGOs, I have over five years’ experience in qualitative and quantitative research approaches in both development and humanitarian contexts. I co-led a study on the consumption of preserved foods among children aged 6 - 23 months, in Isiolo and Marsabit Counties, Kenya and led a study on the impact of COVID-19 on the diets of pregnant, lactating women, adolescents, and young children in Nairobi and Uasin Gishu counties, Kenya. I have excellent interpersonal and professionals’ skills in interacting with government and others. I am a team player, who works with minimal supervision, is highly motivated and committed as well as accountable. At all levels, I have excellent writing skills, in support of the development of proposals, reports, project documentation, publications including program and policy assessments.