Elijah Gathondu

Results-driven Commercial Banking and Business Development Specialist with a robust background in finance and a dedicated specialization in agri-financing. Adept at using data-driven, analytical strategies to solve complex financial challenges, manage market risks, and unlock investment opportunities. Passionate about transforming the agricultural sector, with demonstrated success in expanding access to capital, sustainable agribusiness management, and optimizing supply chains from high-quality inputs to post-harvest value addition.

Commercial Officer - Avenews KE LTD

(2026-01)

• Driving Ecosystem Partnerships- Onboarding and activating partnerships in Nairobi and Mt. Kenya Region.
• Expanding and Localizing Market Presence through Regional Field Development- Already built 7 active partnerships in my region ranging from Input Distributors, Dairy Cooperatives, Millers and Processors.
• Deepening Reach Across Value Chains through Specialized Engagement- driving portfolio diversification in at least 5 value chains (Inputs, Poultry, Horticulture, Dairy, Livestock)
• Strengthening GTM Integration and Partnership Accountability- Partner conversion ≥70%, Partner retention ≥80%

Account Manager - Avenews KE LTD

(2025-01 - 2025-12)

• Generating new Agri-business financing leads, assisting the applicant both during application and post application and repayment follow ups.
• Conducting physical visits regarding collections and Clients KYC verification where necessary.
• Gathering market intelligence on competition or market trends and advise Avenews accordingly.
• Ensuring loan repayments are paid on time & Push for Refinance applications upon clients fully repaying their existing loans.
• Maintaining strong relationships with new and existing customers to ensure the user experience is positive and recurring.
• Promptly identifying and resolving problems directly impacting the client and escalating accordingly where required.

Relationship Officer-Agribusiness - Caritas Microfinance Bank

(2024-07 - 2024-12)

• Driving and implementing solutions for the Agribusiness branch portfolio based on the Bank’s strategy.
• Increasing bank deposits for the Agribusiness portfolio and the bank.
• Driving the Agribusiness portfolio while fostering & growing relationships within the Agribusiness customer base.
• Driving to increase interest and non-interest income from Agribusiness banking.
• Conducting market intelligence and surveys in respect to competitor products and market trends.
• Appraisal and evaluation of all new Agribusiness credit facilities generated from Branch staff and recommendation to credit department for approval.
• Maintaining a high quality-lending book, through prudent and effective management thereof.
• Ensuring that allocated work is processed within the set TAT, therefore meeting monthly targets.
• Cross-selling of all bank services and marketing for new business.
• Collection of market intelligence information, local competition, products, and levels of service.
• Performing any other duty as assigned in line with the Organizational goals and objectives.

Relationship Officer- Food and Agriculture - Equity Bank (Kenya) LTD

(2022-11 - 2023-11)

• Credit Analysis: Conducted in-depth analysis of loan payments, approved credit checks for new customers and determine the suitability of applicants for payment plans.
• Client Relations: Developed and maintained positive relationships with customers, providing guidance, answering queries and ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction.
• Documentation: Ensured all required documentation, including contract addendums and credit reports are complete and accurate.
• Risk management: Monitored existing loan portfolio to identify and mitigate potential risks and recommend appropriate actions.
• Compliance: Staying up to date with industry regulations and internal policies, ensuring all credit activities comply with legal and organizational standards.
• Collection: Oversee the collection process, coordinating with borrowers to ensure timely repayment of loans.
• Field visits: Conducted on-site customer visits to push for delayed payments

Sales Officer - Simbi Roses LTD

(2021-06 - 2022-07)

• Client relations
• Order Management & Customisation: Receive, confirm, and process daily orders from international buyers, while addressing specific stem-length and color preferences.
• Retention & Dispute Resolution: Manage customer feedback regarding cold-chain arrival quality, propose constructive solutions or alternatives for rejected stems, and minimize order cancellations.
• B2B Relationship Management: Maintain continuous contact with global floriculture buyers, consolidator-exporters, and agents to secure long-term purchase agreements.
• Brand Representation: Represent the flower farm at major sector trade shows—such as the International Floriculture Trade Exhibition (IFTEX) in Nairobi—to showcase new corporate varieties and capture broader market share.
• Logistical planning
• Export Documentation: Generate accurate packing lists, commercial invoices, and phytosanitary declarations required by the Kenya Flower Council and customs authorizations for smooth shipping.
• Cold-Chain Management Collaboration: Coordinate directly with post-harvest and clearing teams at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to ensure stems remain within strict temperature thresholds during transit.
• Inventory and farm sales
• Harvest-to-Sales Alignment: Liaise daily with production managers to match real-time greenhouse yields (flush cycles, stem counts, and grade availability) against outstanding customer orders.
• Acted as reliever to Sales Manager when on off/leave

Packhouse Administrator/IT support assistant - Red Lands Roses LTD

(2018-11 - 2019-07)

• Correspondence and Documentation: Prepared replies to official communication subject to approval by line manager.
• Records Management: Ensured that files were kept in good condition and updated monthly to ensure all records are up to date.
• Audits and Committees: Participated and supported audits for KFC while assisting line manager in the audit process as required.
• Helpdesk and User Support: Provided first-line support for hardware, software, printers, scanners, and network connectivity, set-up and maintaining end-user devices.
• Infrastructure & Connectivity: Maintained and supported hardware, servers and networking equipment across all sites, ensuring 24/7 uptime of servers, network infrastructure, firewalls, access points and emails.
• Acted as reliever of IT Manager when on off/leave

Agribusiness Management - Miramar International College (2020-11 - 2021-02)

Bachelor of Science - Horticulture - University of Nairobi (2014 - 2018)

International Computer Driving License (ICDL) - Nanyuki ICT & Business Hub (2014-05 - 2014-07)