Winnie Nyakerario Akara
P o Box 2877-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
• (+254) 706711848• winnieakara@gmail.com
WNyakerario@Safaricom.co.ke
Personal statement
BSc graduate from the University of Botswana specialising in Microbiology, Molecular Biology and
Zoology. Knowledgeable in Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology and Cell Biology techniques. Hard
working, versatile, motivated individual with excellent communication and administrative skills. Research
oriented and eager to learn and share what I have learnt. Have administrative experience from working as an
intern in the Safaricom Lipa na M-Pesa department.
Education
Okavango Research Institute, University of Botswana, Maun Campus
(June – July 2014)
Certificate in Research methods
Worked on a project titled ‘Herbivory as a regulating factor in Methane emission from the Okavango Delta’
where we looked at the exposure of the aerenchyma of aquatic plants through the activity of herbivory;
here simulated by the cutting of the plant stem to expose these tissues. This thus creating a pathway for
Methane gas produced in the sediment into the external atmosphere, contributing to the overall build up
of this greenhouse gas in the atmosphere.
Key Skills gained:




Formulation of a viable proposal for the experiment
Collection of data and analysis of data via Gas chromatography
Communication of results observed from the experiment in report form
Communication and presentation skills heightened through the numerous presentations carried
out throughout the duration of the course.
University of Botswana, Gaborone
(August 2010 – May 2014)
BSc. Biological Sciences
My final year undergraduate thesis over at the University of Botswana focused on insecticide resistance in
the German cockroach population (Blatella germanica) in Gaborone, Botswana. The control of these
household pests tends to be a menace as these pests have over the years developed a resistance to
commonly used insecticides. An investigation was therefore carried out in order to determine the level of
resistance to Chlopyrifos; an Organophosphate commonly used in the treatment of roach infestations in
and around Gaborone.
Key Skills gained:
In the Laboratory and throughout the general course;
 How to analytically prepare serial dilutions from a stock solution
 Extraction and isolation of viruses
 Virus quantification and cultivation systems
 Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
 Isolation and culturing different bacterial strains
 DNA extraction and quantification
 Gel electrophoresis
 Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
 Identification and classification of bacteria
 Chromatography techniques
 Protein purification
 Western blotting
 Accomplished communication skills, both written and verbal, developed through numerous essays
and presentations.
 Proficiency in various areas of Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
Notable Modules – Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular biology & Zoology.
Swaneng Hill School, Serowe, Botswana
(2008 – 2009)
O-levels:
 Mathematics
 English
 Biology
 Chemistry
 Physics
A
A
B
B
B
Boipelego Junior School, Serowe, Botswana
(2005 - 2007)
Gained an overall grade ‘B’ with;

Integrated Science
B
 Mathematics
A
 English
A
Work Experience
Administrative Intern, Lipa Na M-Pesa, Safaricom House, Nairobi
(August 2015 to Present)
Key results:
 Aiding in the creation of Lipa Na M-pesa tills in the G2 system
 Proficient in M-Pesa and Merchant Settlement Systems and their general uses
 Maintained vital communication with Merchants to enable smooth running of business between
the two parties
Part-time tutor and volunteer, Reaching Out with Compassion in Kibera (ROCK),
Kibera, Nairobi
(May 2015 to Present)
Duties include:
 Helping students understand concepts they learnt in school
 Subjects tutored included: Mathematics, Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics in the case of
KCSE students) and English.
 Assistant Librarian, assisting in the arrangement and stock taking of the learning materials at the
ROCK library
 Organizing activities and building relations with other organizations to help keep the kids of
ROCK involved and active in their communities
 Training the youth of ROCK on basic computer skills necessary to excel in the workplace
Laboratory Assistant, University of Botswana.
(December 2013)
Key results:
 Assisted in organising lab stocks and cultures
 Generation of clones used in the plant vaccine project
 Serological assays to determine candidate vaccines
 Care of laboratory animals used in the study
Languages
English (Excellent), Swahili (Good), Setswana (Very Good)
Hobbies & Interests
I have a keen interest in reading motivational books and the occasional journal. A good read is always
welcome. I also have a strong passion for empowering and working with young girls (teenagers mostly),
to help them through the struggles they would face as teens in this generation. General knowledge; I’m
quite interested in history as well as current technology but any good bit of information will always be
appreciated. I also enjoy baking for birthdays and preparing a vast array of Kenyan dishes, all recipes
courtesy of my beloved Mother.
Referees
Mr. Francis Muema
Manager - Merchant Support, Merchant Channels
Safaricom Limited
Cell (+254) 722659041
Fmuema@Safaricom.co.ke
Mr. Kenneth Matonya
Business Advisor
TechnoServe
Cell: (+254) 722706636
kmatonya@yahoo.com
Mr. Allan Muchugure
Senior Manager
Customer Experience Enterprise Business Division
Safaricom House
Cell: (+254) 722961961
Amuchugure@Safaricom.co.ke