Celestine Khalembi

Dedicated and results-driven Sales and marketing specialist with over a decade of experience in the agricultural industry, specializing in commercial sales of vegetable seeds. Proven track record of building and maintaining strong relationships with customers to boost sales through collaboration. Adept at strategically planning market profiling and executing field activities to drive product demand and increase market share.

Experienced in conducting market research and providing valuable market intelligence to support business growth and stability. Skilled in collaborating with governmental and non-governmental organizations to generate demand for agricultural products. Excels in customer service and customer engagement, contributing to increased loyalty and profitability.

Excellent networking exposure peer support gained through participation in agricultural development conferences & seminars.

Sales Representative North Rift, Western and Nyanza Regions | Commercial Sales Vegetables (Seminis) - Monsanto (K) Ltd - Bayer East Africa - Nairobi

(2014-05)

• Successfully planned and conducted sales calls and visits to growers and dealers in designated regions.
• Developed and executed strategic field activities to create product demand and promote Seminis hybrid adoption.
• Maintained expertise in agronomy and product knowledge, specializing in onions, tomatoes, and cabbages.
• Provided exceptional post-sales customer service to enhance customer loyalty.
• Led the development and improvement of both short and long-range plans to increase customer engagement, market share, and profitability.
• Collaborated with Field Technical Officers to optimize resource allocation for strategic plans.
• Gathered and provided valuable market intelligence to support business growth.
• Established partnerships and synergies with county governments and NGOs to drive demand for Seminis Hybrids.
• Contributed to the sustainability of the tomato value chain through collaboration with county governments and interest groups.

Research Assistant | Water efficient maize for Africa project - Monsanto Kenya Ltd - Nairobi

(2020-02 - 2020-02)

• Played a pivotal role in site selection for large-scale trial fields in marginal areas.
• Maintained strong relationships with trial cooperators.
• Managed and assisted in all planting operations, including irrigation, seeding, crop management, pollination, data collection, and harvesting.
• Conducted trial evaluations on the yield vs. stress of hybrid maize.
• Assisted in technical activities, including nursery and inventory management, data collection using handheld computers, and utilization of research equipment.
• Provided training on environmental health and safety to staff and casual workers, registration and general administrative duties during the event.

Intern (Technology Development) | Seminis Division - Monsanto Kenya LTD - Nairobi

(2009-10 - 2010-09)

• Evaluated new varieties of assorted vegetables for agronomic potential and adaptability.
• Selected suitable trial sites and maintained relationships with contractors and partners.
• Implemented a site safety program to ensure a safe working environment.
• Prepared product articles for the company's marketing and dissemination materials, including Seed Time magazine and the Tomato handbook.

MGA - Project Planning & Management - University of Nairobi (2021)

BSC - Horticulture - Egerton University (2005 - 2009)

KCSE - Butere Girls High School (2000 - 2003)