Team Bios

Kaitlin Sandhaus studied Intercultural Communications and East African Studies at the University of Kansas. After working in Marketing for 5 years, Kaitlin worked for four years coordinating and managing healthcare related projects funded through the PEPFAR initiative. She has served as a senior manager for laboratory strengthening trainings, workshops and site assessments in Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Cote D’Ivoire and Tanzania. Kaitlin has secured over 5 million dollars in funding over the last 4 years to implement programs in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Egypt. She has managed the majority of the projects, workshops and meetings since the launch of GIS in 2009. Kaitlin is dedicated to building local-capacity in resource-limited settings through mentorship and coaching.

Sara Kephart has worked in non-profit administration for over 15 years, supporting the work of organizations from large institutions to community-based agencies by providing expertise in non-profit finance and development.  Toward that end, she has cultivated and maintained support from diverse funding sources including private foundations and local, state and federal agencies, insuring compliance at all levels through the successful design and implementation of systems to manage, monitor and report on resources.

Dr. Jack Nyamongo is a Pathologist and laboratory management expert with over 30 years of experience in Kenya strengthening health systems and managing laboratory and blood transfusion services. He has been involved in the establishment and management of the public health laboratory network in Kenya and the development of the National Public Health laboratory Policy and Strategic plan for laboratory services in Kenya and other African Countries. Before joining GIS, Dr. Nyamongo was the Director, National Public Health Laboratories and National Blood Transfusion Services, Ministry of Health, Kenya. He has consulted widely for many organizations including JICA, WHO/AFRO, APHL and FIND to support laboratory and blood transfusion services systems strengthening, policy and strategic plan development in many countries in Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia. The countries he has worked in include: Tanzania, Uganda, Mauritius, Angola, Belarus and Moldova, Nigeria, Namibia, Zambia, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Botswana and Lesotho.

Julius Mainye Anyega is a financial management expert with over 16 years of working experience in financial, grants management and operations. He has experience in various positions as Regional Director of Finance and Administration, Director of Finance, Grants Manager, and Development and Compliance Specialist. The countries Julius has worked in include: Uganda, Nigeria, Zambia, and Rwanda.

Kevin Omondi Jasper is a laboratory strategic planning and QMS implementation expert with over 14 years of experience in laboratory work. He has experience in various positions as a Technologist, Laboratory Quality Systems Supervisor, Laboratory Manager, Laboratory Specialist, Laboratory Quality Management Systems and SLMTA Trainer and Mentor. Kevin’s experience spans over the areas of laboratory quality management systems, ISO 15189 implementation, laboratory QMS auditing, laboratory commodity forecasting and quantification which he acquired through working within various organizations to strengthen the laboratories within and outside Kenya.

Pauline Nyaga has a wealth of experience in the health industry and specifically in the laboratory program for over 15 years.  Pauline is experienced in managing USG funded projects and knowledgeable in federal grants administration. She has a background in business studies, project management and is a recipient of numerous USG Mission Awards.

Rachel Ogembo Bonyo is a Human Resources Officer at GIS and has over 15 years of work experience in human resources and finance. She has worked for various organizations managing diverse groups and cadres of staff. Rachel has been recognized and has received an award for her efforts to promote staff welfare. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Human Resource and is also a member of the human resource professional body IHRM (K).

Samuel Omondi Ogutu has almost ten years of experience as a Business Administrator, Finance and Accounts Manager, Budget Specialist and an Operations advisor.  At the senior management level he supervises and oversees financial and operations functions in diverse organizations including Education Intuition, Business, Research and Non-Research NGOs. He holds a Diploma in Accounting and a bachelor’s degree with a double major in Finance and Accounting. Samuel is also a CPA and an MBA Finance option candidate.

Alfred Arot holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Systems Management and is currently pursuing a Masters of Health Informatics. He has progressive experience in sectorial and program monitoring and evaluation and needs assessment, as well as policy analysis. Alfred hase worked in both local and international non-governmental organizations. He has professional experience with international cooperation, emergencies, public health and epidemiology. Also qualitative and quantitative research,  statistics, sexual and reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, public health, OVC programs, childhood and youth, key population and vulnerable populations.

Alfred is a proactive, performance-driven professional with 7 years of expertise in health information systems, health informatics, ICT, disease surveillance, public health and epidemiology. A committed team player with strong leadership orientation, he has a strong focus on monitoring and evaluating of key populations, priority populations and general populations. Alfred is also skilled in research and analysis of data, project management, and developing M&E plans.

Everlyne Khalivinzwa Chimwani is a laboratory technologist and quality assurance expert with over 15 years of experience working with varied organizations within a laboratory. Everlyne is also experienced in commodity management and has worked in mentoring teams within the organizations she has worked in. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Medial Laboratory Sciences.

Vitus Omondi Achiando is a qualified and registered Medical Laboratory Technologist with over 15 years of experience in the field. He has vast skills in laboratory management, mentorship, training and is knowledgeable in HIV/AIDS and TB management. Vitus also has worked in continuous quality improvement, biosafety and good clinical laboratory practice. He is also trained in WHO AFRO Strengthening Laboratory Management towards Accreditation and ISO 15189:2012 Implementation and Audit. Vitus holds a Masters of Public health degree in  Epidemiology and a Bachelors of Medical Laboratory Science.

Alice Akoth June has worked for various organizations in the laboratory to implement best practices. She has managed teams to ensure quality and safety of blood transfusion within the laboratories. Alice completed a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Public Health.

Jacqueline Mukhaye Amira is a qualified and highly experienced Medical Laboratory Scientist and is well acquainted with laboratory services provision and quality assurance. Jacqueline has worked as a County Coordinator in biosafety and biosecurity where she has managed and trained large and varied teams. She promotes knowledge and management of HIV/AIDs within communities and has held the position of Secretary General for Butere Community Development Forum in HIV/AIDs (a registered community based organization). Jacqueline holds a Bachelor’s’ Degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences.

John Agata has over 25 years of experience working within a laboratory in parasitology, blood transfusion, histology, biochemistry, serology, microbiology and hematology. John is a motivational leader and has managed and trained various teams in numerous organizations on overall best laboratory practices. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science.

Phidelis Marabi Maruti has expertise in training and mentorship of laboratory personnel. He has worked in various hospitals where he was focused ensuring best practices for the laboratories. In his previous employment, Phidelis worked to ensure that his laboratory was ISO 1589-2012 accredited. He also elevated the laboratory score from zero to four stars. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences.

Moses has been actively involved in sustainable public health capacity building for the county governments of Kenya at both clinical laboratory diagnostic and management levels. He has over eight years of experience working in a laboratory. Moses holds a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Community Health and Development.

Elly Arthy Yongo is a self-motivated and focused Laboratory Scientist, with over eight years of work experience in clinical diagnostic and research laboratories. Elly completed a bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences and is knowledgeable in ISO 15189:2012, ISO 19011 Implementation, GCP, GCLP, WHO–AFRO Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA) and JCIA Accreditation.

Godfrey Adongo Ogulla studied Medical Laboratory Technology and will soon complete a master’s degree in Infectious Diseases from Kenyatta University, Kenya. He is a trained medical laboratory technologist with over 15 years of working experience. Previously, he has worked with World Vision and Comitato Collaboriazone Medica (CCM-Italy) as a laboratory consultant in South Sudan, America Society for Microbiology (ASM) in Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda as Microbiology/Laboratory Mentor. In addition, Godfrey has worked as a trainer at Kenya Methodist University and Kenya Medical training college.

Emily Akoth is a self-motivated and focused laboratory scientist with over 15 years of work experience in research and clinical laboratory undergoing accreditation.  She is also experienced in bio safety in laboratory and training/mentorship of students in referral laboratories. Emily holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Science.

Faith Mwende Mutungi is a Mentor at GIS and holds a degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences. She has previously worked with KEMRI- Eastern and Southern Africa Center for International Parasite Control( ESACIPAC) for 13 years, specializing in parasitology and molecular work. Faith has knowledge on Laboratory Quality Management systems and trained in ISO 15189.

Lydia Sirwaha is a qualified medical laboratory technologist. She worked with Health Strat before joining GIS and has vast knowledge in HIV/TB management in prisons. Lydia is trained in SLMTA and ISO 15189:2012 implementation. Lydia holds a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science.

George Odongo is a qualified and registered Medical Laboratory Scientist with over 15 years of work experience in clinical and research laboratories. He has a wealth of experience in Laboratory Quality Management Systems, GCP, Biosafety and Biosecurity and GCLP.

George previously worked with the US Army Medical Research Directorate-Kenya as Clinical Laboratory Supervisor and Laboratory Safety Officer where he was instrumental in the design and execution of several clinical trials and drug studies.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Science from the Kenya Methodist University.

Mercy Bosibori Nyachoti is a self-motivated laboratory scientist, with almost ten years of working experience in various clinical diagnostic laboratories as a laboratory technologist, laboratory in charge and now a laboratory mentor. Mercy holds a bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science.

Naureen Amondi Ouma is a medical laboratory technologist with 12 years of professional experience. Naureen is skilled in laboratory management and is knowledgeable in SLMTA implementation and HIV and TB diagnosis.  Naureen holds a bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences.

Veronica Akal is qualified laboratory scientist with over 10 years working experience in different health sectors. She is also experienced in implementation of QMS and left a legacy at her previous employment by ensuring and steering the laboratory to accreditation to ISO 15189:2012 by KENNAS.
Veronica holds a bachelor’s degree in MLS and HND in virology.

Charles Okendo is an accomplished medical laboratory technologist, as well as, psychological counsellor with Bachelor’s degree and Higher Diploma, respectively. He is in the final stage of completing a Master’s degree in Public Health at Pwani University. Charles has over 15 years of experience and has previously worked at Nyumbani Diagnostic Lab and Alfarooq Hospital. He was also a medical laboratory lecturer at Kenya Coast National Polytechnic for three years. Charles is a Kenas trained lab auditor, SLMTA and ISO 15189.

Simon Ogutu Oswago is a medical laboratory officer with almost 25 years of vast experience. He has enormous knowledge in both clinical diagnostic and clinical research laboratory capabilities including laboratory quality management systems operations, having worked over the years as a Medical Lab Technologist, Biosafety Officer and Lab Quality Systems Unit Supervisor and Manager in an ISO 15189 accredited laboratory.

Simon is a GCLP TOT (trainer of trainers) and has implemented  GCLP standards in support of many research protocols over the years. He is familiar and knowledgeable with ISO standards (15189, 17025, 17043, 14000, 19011 and 9001) and has also worked closely with bodies such as South African National accreditation System (SANAS), FHI360 and Patient Safety Monitoring and International Laboratory Evaluation (pSMILE) in the implementation of lab quality management systems. Simon is a transformational leader trained under the Kenyatta University Kenya, growing leader’s program initiative. Simon holds a Diploma and a Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences.

James Ochieng is a proactive and self-motivated laboratory practitioner with vast experience spanning almost 10 years in HIV programing and laboratory systems strengthening acquired from faith-based, private, MOH and PEPFAR funded organizations. Prior to joining GIS as Lab Mentor, James worked in the aforementioned institutions as a LAB Technologist and Lab program officer at Aga khan Hospital, Aids Relief and KEMRI-FACES. James holds a bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science and a Certificate in Leadership and Management in Health from the University of Washington. James has acquired trainings in various courses geared towards strengthening lab quality systems such as biosafety and biosecurity, ISO 15189 Internal Auditing, and disaster management, among others.

Mercy Ngonche has a wealth of experience working in the laboratory setup, commodity management and offering trainings for over 10 years. In her previous employment, she worked as a County Commodity Management Officer. Mercy has a diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences from KMTC and a bachelor’s degree in Medical Microbiology from JKUAT.

Paul Leakey Omolo has 20 years of experience supporting both clinical and research work. He joined GlS in May 2017 as a Laboratory Quality Systems Mentor. Before joining GIS, he worked with KEMRI/CDC supporting both HIV research as well as HIV program work. He played a key role in preparing KEMRI/CDC HIV research laboratory towards accreditation and maintaining it thereafter (for ten years). Paul holds a bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences.

Noah K. Chemweno is a medical laboratory professional with over 18 years of work experience in medical laboratory practice. He has worked in various organization including USAID APHIA TWO, Marie Stopes Kenya, and also at Ministry of Health. Noah has held various position including Laboratory Quality Officer, Laboratory Manager and DMLT. He also has experience in GCPL, Laboratory Biosafety and Biosecurity, TB EQA, Commodity Management and Forecasting, and IDSR. He holds HND in Haematology, and pursuing a Bsc in Medical Laboratory Science.

Juma Fred Owino has over seven years of working experience in clinical laboratories. He is highly skilled in Laboratory Management and Mentorship. He is knowledgeable in Biosafety and Biosecurity, GCLP and ISO 15189-2012 Implementation. He developed passion in championing for best practices in Safe Phlebotomy and Sample Networking. Juma had practical exposure to QMS mentorship from varied organizations before joining GIS as a Laboratory QMS Mentor. He is a team player with training skills in leadership and management.

Isaac Ndungu Mugo is a specialist in health systems strengthening and has led teams to develop the National Occupation Safety and Health guidelines and curriculum in Kenya. He has over 11 years work experience in mentoring and training groups in laboratory systems occupational health and safety. Isaac is a SLMTA Trainer-of-Trainers.  He holds a bachelor’s degree in Health Systems Management.

Elizabeth Akinyi Obar is KCHN,  KRCHN , KRPaedsN  qualified from the Kenya Medical Training Centre  in 1991 and 2009 respectively and  later at Gertrude’s Children Hospital School of Pediatric Nursing in 2010. She has worked as an Enrolled Community Health Nurse in various hospitals in Kenya.  Elizabeth served in various capacities from Deputy Nursing Officer to Officer In-Charge in the Pediatric Department including Neonatal Unit until 2016 and was involved in mentoring, monitoring, assessing and coordinating nursing care practices for MO and CO interns, qualified and student nurses in practice. Today, as the Blood Safety Officer she is involved in mentorship, conducting trainings and CMEs on safe blood transfusion practices and has also helped to establish and strengthen HTCs in the transfusing facilities in Western Kenya.

Elizabeth is a mother of two children and has one grandchild. She holds a National Higher Diploma and Diploma in Pediatric Nursing and was awarded the Best Overall Pediatric Nurse of the Year in 2010.

Evans Onyiego Asole is a motivated professional with over 10 years hands on experience in the IT sector in Systems support & Network Administration. His experience spans many years working in the same capacity in various NGO’s prior to joining GIS. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and several Microsoft training certificates.

Winfred Akech Oguta is a senior accountant with over years of experience in the finance sector. She joined GIS as an Accounts Officer in July 2016. In this capacity, she is responsible for assisting in budgeting and finance, developing work plans, monitoring funds, and preparation of financial reports, among others duties.

Winfred is a Certified Public Accountant of Kenya (CPA K) and holds a bachelor’s degree in Commerce (Finance option) . Winfred is also a member of Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK).

Hezekiah Mwaniki Njuguna has vast knowledge in administration and finance with over ten years of experience. He has been recognized for his efforts in coordinating activities that supported blood donation awareness. Hezekiah holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration as an Accounting Major with a post graduate diploma in Project Management.

Diana Atieno Odhiambo is a qualified Accountant who has previously worked as an Accounts Assistant in the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) sector. She has experience in financial reporting, cash management, document verification/processing in addition to other accounting duties. Her educational qualifications major in Accounting with a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce (Accounting Option) from Kenyatta University, Kenya. She is currently pursuing studies in Certified Public Accountants (CPA).

Angeline Koyo is self-motivated professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Information Science. Her competencies are in data analysis, data management, and information management. She is a specialist in digital library set up and maintenance, a competency she acquired while working at Strathmore University before joining Kenya School of Government, Inspiration Kenya-Youth program department working in the Information Technology department. Besides the day to day work engagement, Angeline is a life coach and motivational speaker.

Leila Raatkainen Omongo has over four years of experience working in office management. She has worked in various organizations within the health sector managing the office. Leila has studied information management and is currently studying business administration.

Collins Onyango Agolla has over five years work experience as a driver working with organizations in HIV/AIDs counseling. Collins has studied driving and information technology.

Elly Omondi Alaro has over five years of professional experience as a driver working with different organizations and companies within the Nyanza and Western regions. He is experienced in safe driving and holds an accident free driving record. Elly has completed several courses on driving.

William Ojwang’ Apudo has over ten years of experience working as a driver. He has received recognition for his safe driving and good customer handling skills. William has studied driving.

George Onyango Otieno has over seventeen years of work experience as a driver/mechanic. He has worked in various organizations promoting safe driving. George has studied driving and mechanics.