NAPHIS MOKAYA BITANGE

Naphis Bitange is a PhD. (Agronomy) Msc. (Agronomy) and Bsc (Agricultural Education and Extension) from The University of Nairobi. Naphis has previously worked with Syngenta-KEPO Ltd as an Agronomist before joining Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) as a management trainee where he is working an Assistant production Manager. His Msc research was on: Effect of varying rates of organic and inorganic fertilizers on growth, yield and nutrient use efficiency of clonal tea (Camellia sinensis L [o] Kuntze) “An agronomist produces to bridge yield gaps but should be conscious of the quality of the ultimate produce”. This was the drive that propelled him to undertake a PhD. research on: Effect of calcium nutrition on yield, jelly seed and postharvest quality of mango fruits. This research aimed at bridging the yield gap in mango fruits through increased production and reduced post harvest losses while taking a keen interest on the effect of calcium on the fruits’ biochemical and organoleptic attributes. This research was funded by the Rockefeller Foundation (Yield wise initiative). Mr. Bitange has published in peer reviewed journals and presented in various international conferences. His research and professional interests include but not limited to Agronomy, food science and post harvest losses. Naphis has been hailed by his University advisors as a self driven mentee who was able to carry on his studies as an ODeL Msc. student and later as PhD candidate without difficulties while going on with his work and meeting his obligations as a father and husband.