Dr. Jesse O. Owino

Resume photo

Dr. Jesse O. Owino

Deputy Regional Director, Rift Valley Eco-Region Forestry Research Programme
E-mail : jowino@kefri.org
Researcher ID : 0000-0003-0872-1200
Designation : Senior Research Scientist
Expertise : Natural Resource Management/ Climate Change.

Journal Papers

  1. Jesse Owino, Jackline Kemboi and Gabriel Muturi. " Rangeland rehabilitation using micro-catchments and native species in Turkana County, Kenya." Journal of Ecology and The Natural Environment 13, no. 2 (2021): 30-40. DOI: 10.5897/JENE2020.0833
  2. Jesse Owino, Daniel Olago, Shem O. Wandiga and Asaah Ndambi. "A cluster analysis of variables essential for climate change adaptation of smallholder dairy farmers of Nandi County, Kenya." African Journal of Agricultural Research 16, no. 7 (2020): 1007-1014. https://doi.org/10.5897/AJAR2020.14965
  3. Jesse Owino, Daniel Olago, Shem O. Wandiga and Asaah Ndambi. "Constraints limiting the improvement of manure management as climate smart technology for smallholder dairy farmers." African Journal of Agricultural Research 16, no. 8 (2020): 1155-1168. https://doi.org/10.5897/AJAR2020.15018
  4. Owino, Jesse, Peter Murithi Angaine, Alice Adongo Onyango, Samson Okoth Ojunga, and John Otuoma. "Evaluating Variation in Seed Quality Attributes in Pinus Patula Clonal Orchards using Cone Cluster Analysis." Journal of Forests 7, no. 1 (2020): 1-8.
  5. Owino, J., J. J. Kemboi, P. M. Mwanje, K. C. Ibuya, G. A. Enyang, F. E. Emanikor, J. M. Wachira et al. "Ecological Assessment Of Performance Of Tree Species Used In Rehabilitating Degraded Areas Of Turkana County, Kenya." Academia Journal of Environmetal Science (2019): 8(4): 064-070, April 2020.
  6. Owino, J., Lomekuya, F., Kemboi, J., Malala, J., Orina, A., Ang’elei, I., Njeru, M., Lukwendah, A., Nyambati, R., Amwatta, J., Cheboiwo, J., Muturi, G. M. and Chikamai, B. (2020). Sustainable management of the natural vegetation cover and fish breeding grounds in the western shores of Lake Turkana. Academia Journal of Environmetal Science, 8(June), 96–102. https://doi.org/10.15413/ajes.2020.010
  7. Owino J.O. Olago D, Wandiga, S. 2020. Manure management for climate change mitigation and nutrient retention policy brief for University of Nairobi, Policy Guide.
  8. Jesse Owino, David Pelster, Klaus Butterbach-Bahl, Oghaiki Asaah Ndambi, Shem Wandiga, Daniel Olago, Mariana Rufino, Lutz Merbold. 2018. Improved Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Nutrient Losses Estimates from Manure of Kenyan Smallholder Dairy Farmers Presented in Improved Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Nutrient Losses Estimates from Manure of Kenyan Smallholder Dairy Farmers. https://cgspace.cgiar.org/bitstream/handle/10568/98383/improved_ghg_emissions.pdf
  9. Owino J.O, Sharmake A, and Muturi G, 2017. Rangeland Rehabilitation using selected trees in Turkana County, Kenya presented during the 6th International Conference on Drylands, Deserts and Desertification, Sede Boqer, Israel Nov, 2017.
  10. Owino J.O, Sharmake A, and Muturi G, 2016. Rangeland Rehabilitation using Micro-catchments in Turkana County, Kenya. Academia Journal of Scientific Research 4(6): 000-000, September 2016. DOI: 10.15413/ajsr.2016.0614. ISSN: 2315-7712
  11. Owino Jesse. 2013. Ecological Response of Chloris Roxburghiana to Wildlife and Livestock Grazing in Chyulu Hills National Park and Environs, Kenya. M.Sc. Natural Resources Management Thesis at Egerton University Library
  12. Everlyne Ejore, Roxventa Ongugo, Jackline Kemboi, Samson Ojunga, Patrick Mwenja, Jesse Owino. “Plant species and their importance to housing in the Turkana community, Kenya” Journal of Horticulture and Forestry 12 no 3 (2020): pp. 101-108. https://doi.org/10.5897/JHF2020.0634
  13. Onyango, Alice Adongo, Peter Murithi Angaine, Shadrack Kinyua Inoti, and Jesse Owino. "Patula pine (Pinus patula) cones opening under different treatments for rapid seed extraction in Londiani, Kenya." Journal of Horticulture and Forestry 12, no. 2 (2020): 63-69.
  14. Angaine, Peter Murithi, Alice Adongo Onyango, and Jesse Owino. "Morphometrics of Pinus patula crown and its effect on cone characteristics and seed yield in Kenya." Journal of Horticulture and Forestry 12, no. 3 (2020): 94-100.
  15. Ndambi, Oghaiki Asaah, David Everett Pelster, Jesse Owino, Fridtjof De Buisonje, and Theun Vellinga. "Manure management practices and policies in sub-Saharan Africa: implications on manure quality as a fertilizer." Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems 3 (2019): 29. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2019.00029 https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsufs.2019.00029/full
  16. Enyang’, G. A., Kemboi, J. and Owino, J. (2020). Seed germination , seedling growth and biomass prediction on pre treated seeds of Acacia senegal. Academia Journal of Agricultural Research, 8(June), 187–192. https://doi.org/10.15413/ajar.2020.0115
  17. Emanikor, F., Kemboi, J., Mwenje, P., Wachira, J. and Owino, J. (2017). Seed germination, early growth and biomass prediction of locally sourced Terminalia brownii in Turkana County, Kenya. Academia Journal of Agricultural Research, 8(May), 156–160. https://doi.org/10.15413/ajar.2020.0111
  18. Waweru F.K and Owino J.O. 2013. Ecological Response of Chloris Roxburghiana to Wildlife and Livestock Grazing in Chyulu Hills National Park and Environs, Kenya. In International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT), Vol. 2 Issue 12, December 2013
  19. Mengich, E.K., Cheboiwo, J.K., Mulatya, J., Owino J. and Ongugo P. 2017. Guidelines for Integrating Trees in Irrigated Agriculture Landscapes of Kenya. KEFRI, Nairobi.

Technical Notes /Protocols/Guidelines

  1. Leitner, S., Pelster, D., Owino, J., Marquardt, S. and Merbold, L. 2020. Protocol for generating regionspecific Tier 2 emission factors for methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from cattle manure. ILRI Manual 36. Nairobi, Kenya: International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI).
  2. Lutz Merbold, Klaus Butterbach-Bahl, Polly Ericksen, John P. Goopy, Daniel Korir, Sonja Leitner, Paul Mutuo, Phyllis Ndung’u, Alice Onyango, Jesse Owino, David E. Pelster, George Wanyama (2018). Opportu ities in LED agriculture in East Africa: A regional perspective. https://www.slideshare.net/cgiarclimate/opportunities-for-led-in-agriculture-in-east-africaa- regional-perspective
  3. Owino J.O. Olago D, Wandiga, S. 2020 http://uonresearch.org/sfdc/article/improving-manuremanagement- practices-towards-nutrient-retention-and-ghg-emissions-reduction-for-smallholderdairy- farmers-in-nandi-county-kenya/
  4. Jesse Owino, David Pelster, Klaus Butterbach-Bahl, Oghaiki Asaah Ndambi, Shem Wandiga, Daniel Olago, Mariana Rufino, Lutz Merbold. 2018. Improved Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Nutrient Losses Estimates from Manure of Kenyan Smallholder Dairy Farmers Presented in Improved Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Nutrient Losses Estimates from Manure of Kenyan Smallholder Dairy Farmers. https://cgspace.cgiar.org/bitstream/handle/10568/98383/improved_ghg_emissions.pdf
  5. Mengich, E.K., Cheboiwo, J.K., Mulatya, J., Owino J. and Ongugo P. 2017. Guidelines for Integrating Trees in Irrigated Agriculture Landscapes of Kenya. KEFRI, Nairobi.
  6. Owino J.O, Sharmake A, and Muturi G, 2017. Rangeland Rehabilitation using selected trees in Turkana County, Kenya presented during the 6th International Conference on Drylands, Deserts and Desertification, Sede Boqer, Israel Nov, 2017.

Policy Briefs

  1. Owino J.O. Olago D, Wandiga, S. 2020. Manure management for climate change mitigation and nutrient retention policy brief for University of Nairobi, Policy Guide.

Completed Research Grants

  1. Newton Grants (2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2021) Innovations for increasing water availability for plant and domestic requirements. University of Edinburgh, Strathmore University, Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization, Kenya Water Institute, Kenya Forestry Research Institute-Turkana Forestry Research Sub-Region.
  2. GIZ-Kenya - Drought Resilience Program I-Turkana 2016-2017
  3. GIZ-Kenya - Food and Nutrition Service- Turkana 2017-2018
  4. GIZ-Kenya - Drought Resilience Program II Turkana 2018-2019
  5. GIZ-Kenya - Technical Cooperation Facility -Turkana 2018-2019
  6. FAO-Kenya - Sustainable Land Management- Turkana 2018-2019

Ongoing Research

  1. Component lead investigator in research on rehabilitation of the Turkwel riparian ecosystem.
  2. Component lead investigator in research on rehabilitation and restoration of the degraded Loima ecosystem.
  3. Component lead investigator in research on identification and formulation of fodder from select species in Turkana.
  4. Component lead investigator in research on acacia senegal and the gum value chain in Turkana.

Consultancies

  1. 2017: Conducting feasibility study on utilizing prosopis juliflora for Turkana County Government
  2. 2016-2019: Conducting feasibilities for siting and strategies for implementation for development projects in turkana and West Pokot Counties in Kenys for GIZ-Kenya
  3. 2015: Conducting feasibility for siting community agriculture project for NGO (AICHM) in Turkana County

Mentorship and Supervision

  1. Jackline Jemutai Kemboi (A56/89367/2016-University of Nairobi) “Evaluation of the potential of proposis based products in combination with grass and Vachellia tortilis pods as animal feed in Turkana County”

Innovations and Patent (Intellectual Property

  1. Owino, Jesse Omondi, Peter Murithi Angaine, Alice Adongo Onyango, Samson Okoth Ojunga, and John Otuoma. "Evaluating Variation in Seed Quality Attributes in Pinus Patula Clonal Orchards using Cone Cluster Analysis." Journal of Forests 7, no. 1 (2020): 1-8.

Conferences/ Seminars and Workshops

Presentationn of Papers at Academic and Proffessional Conference

  1. Owino Jesse, Kemboi Jackline, 2019. Germination of various dryland tree species important to the Turkana Community. presented on XXV IUFRO Congress in Curitiba, Brazil
  2. Edward Mengich and Jesse Owino "The role of eco-physiology in enhancing livelihoods resilience among Pastoralists in Eastern Africa: a review of recent research in the eco-physiology of useful trees, crops and pastures in the drylands of Kenya" Presented in regional conference on recent research, and policy options to be held between 21st and 23rd May 2019 in Moroto, Uganda.
  3. Muturi, G.M, and Owino, J. 2018. Land Degradation, Desertification, Land Degradation Neutrality and Land Invasibility. presented TURKANA COUNTY LIVESTOCK DEPARTMENT-PASTORAL ECONOMY CONFERENCE: 2018, "Future of Pastoralism in Changing Dynamics of Turkana County". https://futureofpastoralismturkana2018.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/land-degradationdesertification- land-degradation-neutrality-and-land-invasibility-dr-gabriel-muturi.pdf.
  4. Muga M., Luvanda A.M, Oriwo V, Chikamai B.N. and Owino J. 2018. Untapped natural resource potential for livelihood improvement in Turkana County, Kenya: Case study of Gum Arabic. presented TURKANA COUNTY LIVESTOCK DEPARTMENT-PASTORAL ECONOMY CONFERENCE: 2018, "Future of Pastoralism in Changing Dynamics of Turkana County". https://futureofpastoralismturkana2018.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/untapped-natural-resourcepotential- for-livelihood-improvement-in-turkana-county-kenya-case-study-of-gum-arabic-albertluvanda- makee.pdf.
  5. Owino Jesse, Olago Daniel, Wandiga Shem and Asaah Ndambi, 2018. Improving manure management practices towards nutrient retention and GHG emissions reduction for smallholder dairy farmers in Nandi County, Kenya, presented during the 1st Conference on Science for Development, to be held at the University of Nairobi’s College of Biological and Physical Sciences (CBPS) between 24th - 25th October, 2018.
  6. Owino Jesse, Olago Daniel, Wandiga Shem and Asaah Ndambi, 2018. Greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient losses from manure heaps of smallholder dairy farmers in Nandi County, Kenya presented during the 1st Conference on Science for Development, to be held at the University of Nairobi’s College of Biological and Physical Sciences (CBPS) between 24th - 25th October, 2018.
  7. Owino Jesse, Kemboi Jackline and Muturi Gabriel. 2018. Water harvesting infrastructure and selected tree performance in dryland of Turkana County, Kenya. presented during 5th KEFRI international Conference. 2018.
  8. Owino J.O, Sharmake A, and Muturi G, 2017. Rangeland Rehabilitation using selected trees in Turkana County, Kenya presented during the 6th International Conference on Drylands, Deserts and Desertification, Sede Boqer, Israel Nov, 2017.
  9. Owino Jesse. 2016. Innovative community-based rangeland practices presented during the 2nd National conference on Sustainable Land Management, Elementaita, Kenya.
  10. Owino Jesse. 2013. Suitable rangeland practices using pasture to rehabilitate rangelands. presented during the 1st National conference on Sustainable Land Management, Naivasha, Kenya.

Participation in Workshops/ Conference Coordination

  1. Resource person in TURKANA COUNTY LIVESTOCK DEPARTMENT-PASTORAL ECONOMY CONFERENCE: 2018, "Future of Pastoralism in Changing Dynamics of Turkana County". https://futureofpastoralismturkana2018.files.wordpress.com.
  2. Chief rapporteur: in TURKANA COUNTY LIVESTOCK DEPARTMENT-PASTORAL ECONOMY CONFERENCE: 2018, "Future of Pastoralism in Changing Dynamics of Turkana County". https://futureofpastoralismturkana2018.wordpress.com.

Experience

  • July 2018 to Date : Senior Research Scientist (Drylands Forestry)- Natural Resources Management/Ecology, Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), P.O. Box 382 – 2023, Londiani, Kenya.
  • June 2014-June 2018 : Research Scientist 1 (Drylands Forestry) - Natural Resources Management/Ecology, Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), P.O. Box 382 – 2023, Londiani, Kenya.
  • February 2011-May 2014 : Senior Facilities Management Officer SB 5-State Corporation under Ministry of Sports, Culture and the Arts. With key tasks water and land resources. Nairobi, Kenya.
  • August 2008-December 2012 : Research Scientist on Human-Wildlife ecology study for Egerton University, Kenya.
  • September 2007-April 2008 : Research IT and Data officer in KEMRI-UCSF Kisumu, Kenya.
  • May 2007-September 2007 : Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Agriculture and Environment Program- Catholic Diocese of Homabay’s Resources Development, Kenya.
  • August 2003-August 2007 : Participated in various gender conscious activities countrywide courtesy of Egerton University, as a leader of the student body and resource person on resources. Activities involved running a girl child fund, mentorship program for high schools and student counselling.
  • August 2002-June 2003 : Enumerator in various baseline surveys by World Food Program (WFP), KEMRIWELLCOME TRUST and Kenya Government Departments.
  • February 2002-October 2002 : Research Assistant on a post-doctoral study.
  • January 2002-August 2003 : Communication and ICT at the Western Region Community Communications Service for the Anglican Church.

Administrative Responsibility

  • June 2019 to Date : Deputy Regional Director- Rift Valley Eco-Region Research Program
  • June 2013 to May 2019 : Assistant Regional Director- Turkana Forestry Research Sub-Centre
  • May 2009 to May 2013 : Senior Facilities Management Officer- Sports Kenya

Proffessional Engagement

Training

  1. Sept 2019: Essential Biodiversity variables and Ecosystems Valuation- JRS-biodiversity Foundation
  2. Jan- Feb 2019: Senior Management Course- Kenya School of Government
  3. Sept 2014: Rapid Carbon Stock Appraisal and Development of Project Idea Note and Project Design Document -KEFRI/AFF
  4. May 2014-July 2014: UNCC Introductory E-course on Climate Change-UN
  5. May 2012-July 2012: Mainstreaming Climate Change in Development Planning and Implementation-UN
  6. June 2011: Trained as an auditor in ISO 14001-2004 EMS and ISO 9001-2008 QMS
  7. April 2011: Trained on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation and Conserving and Enhancing forest Carbon Stocks (REDD+)
  8. March 2011: Trained on Government and Civil Society organizations Partnerships Successful Cross-Sectoral Collaboration – Making it Happen.
  9. Feb 2011: Trained on Strategic Planning for management. Performance Target Setting, Performance Contracting, Midterm Review, Monitoring and Evaluation of Performance

Local, Regional and International Appointments

  1. Regional (Africa) representative for Biodiversity Informatics and Ecosystems functions and representing Africa in JRS (Biodiversity foundation).

Academic Qualification

  • 2015-2020 : PhD in Climate Change and Adaptation, University of Nairobi, Kenya.
  • 2008-2012 : MSc in Natural Resources Management, Egerton University, Kenya.
  • 2003-2007 : BSc in Natural Resources Management, Egerton University, Kenya.

Key Competencies

  1. Climate change: Expert in greenhouse gas emissions measurements from biological sources. Expert in smallholder farmers characterization with data entry using ODK, expert in characterization of areas based on biophysical classification using QGIS and open-source data sources. Expert in designing and implementing climate change mitigation and adaptation programs. Expert in big data analytics
  2. Natural resources: Expert in natural resources management science and research, Skill in integrating projects with rural communities. Expert in implementing programs in arid and semi-arid lands. Forestry and allied natural resources expert in developing, designing, and implementing programs of these nature.
  3. Resource mobilization: Immense experience with successes in resource mobilization and partnership building to implement joint programs across many areas. I have long-term networks with global institutions that useful in building capacity.
  4. Information Technology: Expert Level on Networks and advanced level Database. I have skills in programming (using C++) use of Database analysis software such as SPSS, STATA, EPI Info, SARS, R, Operating Systems; Android, Linux, Symbian, Mac OS and Microsoft Based Software. Presentations using PowerPoint, Adobe suites and CorelDraw. Ecological Niche Modelling Software: Maxent, Garp, QGIS, Estimate, SAM and Zonation. Instructor for MS Projects and other technical software. Expert in data analysis using ecological protocols.
  5. ISO Standards: Trained as an auditor for ISO 9001: 2008, ISO 14001-:2004, ISO 17025:2005, ISO 22000, ISO 15189:2007
  6. Life skills: Trained in ICS- Incident Command Systems, advanced first aid, and Medical laboratory protocols.

Other Courses

  1. 2015-2017: Graduate Fellow (PHD)-Affiliation- GHG emissions, Sustainable Livestock and Environment Systems. International Livestock Research Institute
  2. 2013: Biodiversity Informatics Data Analysis The University of Kansas.
  3. 2013: Ecological Niche Modelling. The University of Kansas
  4. 2012: Fellowship- Adaptive Management of Natural Resources. Centre for Development Innovation (CDI) of the Wageningen University in the Netherlands

Awards and Recognition

  1. 2019-Oxford University/ University of Rwanda- course Fellowship
  2. ILRI-DAAD-in country PhD scholarship 2015-2017
  3. Kansas University course fellowships 2012-2013
  4. Wageningen University course fellowship 2011-2012

Contribution to KEFRI's Advancement

  1. National Principal Investigator for Sustainable Water and Irrigation in Drylands- KEFRI/KALRO/KEWI/Strathmore University/Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology/ University of Edinburgh

Membership to Proffesional Bodies

  1. Member Africa Forest Forum
  2. Member Forestry Society of Kenya
  3. Member British Ecological Society
  4. National Environment Management Authority listed Expert: ID Number NEMA/EIA/ER/2930
  5. Active member of Ecological Society of East Africa: Ordinary Member No: 267
  6. Member Nature Kenya and East Africa Natural History Society: Full Member-3081