Basil Otieno

Results-driven Farm and Operations Management Professional with over 12 years of progressive experience in agricultural and processing operations, advancing from Management Trainee to Farm Manager and Operations Lead. Demonstrated expertise in crop production (macadamia, avocado & coffee), staff supervision, budgeting, operational planning, and productivity optimization. Proven track record of improving yields, reducing operational costs, and maintaining full compliance with agricultural, food safety, and occupational safety regulations.

Operations Lead - Pearl of Africa Oils and Nuts Company

(2026-06 - 2026-09)

• Macadamia and Avocado Agronomic Management: Directing end-to-end agronomic operations for macadamia and avocado orchards, including soil fertility and nutrition programs, irrigation scheduling, integrated pest and disease management, pruning and canopy management, flowering and fruit-set monitoring, and harvest planning to maximize yield, fruit quality, and grade-out rates while upholding Global GAP and other certification standards.
• Labor Management: Recruiting, deploying, and supervising permanent and seasonal farm labor across agronomic, harvesting, and support functions; developing work schedules and task allocations, monitoring productivity and attendance, conducting performance appraisals, coordinating training, and enforcing occupational health and safety practices and disciplinary procedures in line with labor regulations.
• Farm Input Management: Planning, budgeting, and sourcing farm inputs including fertilizers, agrochemicals, planting materials, and consumables; negotiating with suppliers, managing input inventories and stores, ensuring correct application rates and safe storage and handling, and maintaining accurate usage records to control costs and safeguard produce quality.
• Fleet and Other Farm Facilities Management: Overseeing the farm vehicle and machinery fleet, irrigation infrastructure, packhouse, stores, and other farm facilities; scheduling preventive maintenance and repairs, tracking fuel consumption and running costs, ensuring equipment availability for planting, spraying, and harvesting operations, and maintaining facilities in compliance with safety and operational standards.
• Stakeholder Management: Serving as the primary liaison between the farm and company management, regulatory and certification bodies, input and service suppliers, transporters, neighboring communities, and local administration, ensuring transparent communication, timely resolution of concerns, and alignment of farm operations with company and regulatory expectations.
• General Farm Operations Management: Developing and managing annual production plans, operational budgets, and cost-control measures; maintaining accurate agronomic, financial, and operational records; monitoring key performance indicators; and driving continuous improvement, sustainability, and risk-management initiatives across all farm operations.

Farm Manager - Kenya Nut Company Ltd.

(2020-08 - 2026-05)

• Oversaw full farm operations including crop and livestock production, maintenance, and logistics.
• Developed and implemented annual production plans and operational budgets.
• Managed and supervised a team of 167 farm employees across all departments.
• Ensured full compliance with agricultural regulations, environmental guidelines, and occupational safety standards.
• Coordinated procurement of farm inputs including seeds, feeds, fertilizers, and equipment.
• Reviewed and maintained accurate production, financial, and operational records.
• Liaised with relevant stakeholders and regulatory bodies on farm performance and compliance matters.

Assistant Farm Manager - Kenya Nut Company Ltd.

(2016-06 - 2020-08)

• Assisted the Farm Manager in daily operations and production planning.
• Supervised field activities including planting, harvesting, feeding routines, and equipment maintenance.
• Managed staff schedules and ensured timely completion of all assigned tasks.
• Monitored inventory levels and coordinated supply orders to prevent operational disruptions.
• Maintained accurate production records and financial reports for management review.

Management Trainee (Agriculture) - Kenya Nut Company Ltd.

(2014-02 - 2016-06)

• Rotated across farm departments to gain comprehensive, hands-on operational experience.

Direct Sales Representative - Co-operative Bank of Kenya

(2013-08 - 2014-01)

• Marketed and sold bank products with a focus on personal loans and credit cards.
• Conducted cross-selling of various bank products including account opening services.
• Appraised customers for loan and credit card eligibility in line with bank policies.
• Acted as a liaison between customers and the bank, relaying feedback, complaints, and compliments.
• Enhanced customer relations to support business growth and client retention.

Intern - International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI)

(2012-07 - 2012-10)

• Participated in field experiments to determine economically and environmentally friendly soil fertility management approaches.
• Collected agronomic and yield data to assess the response of maize to various fertilizer rates and soil amendment methods.
• Analyzed and interpreted dry weight data from which agronomic recommendations were derived.
• Compiled and submitted field trip reports to the Programme Director in a timely manner.

Behavior Change Communication Group Facilitator - I Choose Life Africa

(2012-04 - 2012-05)

• Formed and facilitated a Behavior Change Communication Group (BCCG).
• Ensured full participation of all members in discussions, case studies, plays, and skits.
• Managed distribution and completion of handouts and training materials during BCCG meetings.
• Developed a comprehensive checklist of all BCCG materials for accountability purposes.
• Mobilized peers to promote HIV status awareness during BCCG campaigns.
• Monitored BCCG activities and compiled weekly progress reports.
• Maintained the blitz database and participated in distribution of Information Education Communication (IEC) materials.

Bachelor of Science - Agriculture - University of Nairobi (2009-10 - 2013-08)

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) - Otieno Oyoo High School (2004 - 2007)