Shekinah Muthoni

SHEKINAH MUTHONI Email:- Phone: - Location: Nairobi, Kenya SUMMARY Motivated Urban and Regional Planning graduate with a strong foundation in program implementation, advocacy, project management, and community development. Demonstrated success in empowering refugees, immigrants and other groups, securing funding, and delivering impactful programs. Passionate about promoting social inclusion, and minority advocacy while leveraging technical and leadership skills to drive meaningful change. EDUCATION Bachelor of Arts - Urban and Regional Planning- Sep 2018 - June 2022 University of Nairobi Urban and Regional Planning Department's List of Best students in the final year Development Project dissertation Research Project report selected to be entered into the 2022 Yearbook Dissertation: Enhancing the imageability of Eastleigh Commercial Center, Nairobi. WORK EXPERIENCE Program Manager, Somali Independent Business Alliance (SIBA) Jan 2023 - Present Directed initiatives empowering 50 BIPOC small businesses, driving economic impact and capacity-building efforts. Conducted market assessments for 86 small businesses using Kobo Collect, generating datadriven insights to inform sustainable business strategies. Authored successful grant applications, securing $455,700 in grant funding within 17 months, ensuring program sustainability. Designed and maintained 13 websites for small businesses, boosting their digital visibility. Contributed to clean energy and sustainable transportation policies by preparing a report on past pilot project and a comprehensive outreach plan for future statewide pilot projects on MHD transition to electric trucks. Spearheaded the design and creation of all organization flyers, brochures, business cards and other visual assets to enhance the organization’s brand. Promoted continuous improvement by evaluating program outcomes and refining strategies to align with organizational goals. Prepared detailed project reports and ensured timely communication with stakeholders. Assistant Planner, Supreme Plans Consultants Limited Aug 2021 - Oct 2021 Participating in preparation of Rarre Neighborhood zoning plan, base map and topographical maps using ArcGIS Site visits, site appraisals and preparation of planning reports for change of use and renewal/extension of lease Literature review on Affordable housing, Neighborhood planning, Blue Economy, Sustainability and Coastal towns planning Participating in review meetings for Malindi, Kilifi, Mtwapa and Mariakani Zoning Plans and regulations. Preparation of Land Subdivision and amalgamation schemes using Autocad Preparation of public notices and advertisements General office operations SKILLS Program Implementation: Workshop coordination, advocacy forums, logistical planning. Technical Tools: ArcGIS, AutoCAD, Kobo Collect, Canva, Adobe InDesign. Advocacy & Inclusion: Promoting meaningful participation of marginalized communities. Administrative Management: Report preparation, logistics coordination, office operations. Project Management: Monitoring, evaluation, and continuous improvement; Project Management using Monday.com and Notion Client Support: Case referrals and community engagement. LANGUAGES English (Fluent) Swahili (Fluent) REFERENCES 1. Dr. Arthur Munyua Mwaura Head of Department-Urban and Regional Planning UoN, Architect, Urban Planner, Lecturer, EIA Expert Metropolis Planning and Environment | The University of Nairobi (UoN)-|- Mentor, former professor and project supervisor at The University of Nairobi 2. Millie Muteti Software Engineer, Web Developer-|- Project collaborator on website development