Peter Melara Karanja
Data Manager
Highest degree :
Bachelors
Field of study :
. Computer Science
Location :
kenya
Citizenships :
Kenyan
Experience :
19 Year(s)
Countries :
Kenya
Gender :
Male
Sectors :
Digital ICT Expert | Data Scientist (AI/ML) | Digital Healthcare Technologist | Cloud & Data Center Specialist
Peter Melara Karanja is a Kenyan by birth, seasoned Data and Health Informatics Specialist from Kenya with over 19 years of experience in public health data systems, HIV programme monitoring, and child protection information management. He has led the rollout of Medical Records System-OpenMRS‑based platforms, Child Protection Information Management System-CPIMS, and Electronic Case Management System-eCMS, ensuring data integrity, confidentiality, and compliance with donor and government standards. Peter has extensive experience working with financing agencies including USAID and PEPFAR, producing donor‑compliant reports and liaising with ministries of health to harmonize data flows. He has trained and mentored over 200 Community Health Volunteers and 15+ Data Assistants, embedding child safeguarding and protection principles into data collection and reporting processes. He is proficient in SQL, REDCap, OpenMRS, CPIMS, and advanced Microsoft Office tools, with recent certifications in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Environmental Health, Public Health, Health Information Systems Security, and HIV Case‑Based Surveillance. Fluent in English and French, Peter is fully prepared for international deployment in humanitarian contexts, bringing resilience, collaboration, and a commitment to UK‑Med’s values of Excellence, Determination, Compassion, Learning, and Collaboration.
Data Assistant
KENYA
AMPATHUZIMA
November 2005
-Present
Experience at AMPATH (2005–Present), I have over 19 years of experience with AMPATH Kenya, specializing in data management, health informatics. I have led the migration and rollout of health information systems (OpenMRS, CPIMS, eCMS), ensuring data integrity, confidentiality, and compliance with donor and government standards. His work has involved reporting to financing agencies such as USAIDand PEPFAR, producing donor‑compliant reports and aligning with WHO frameworks. In the Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) programme, I have embedded child safeguarding and protection principles into data collection and reporting, training over 200 Community Health Volunteers and 15+ Data Assistants on confidentiality and ethical handling of records. He conducted Routine Data Quality Assessments (RDQA), supported HIV programme monitoring, and strengthened accountability across multiple counties. My AMPATH experience demonstrates the core competencies UK‑Med seeks in a Data Manager: technical expertise in health data systems, safeguarding and confidentiality, donor compliance, stakeholder collaboration, and the ability to deliver accurate, timely data in complex humanitarian contexts.
COMPUTER SCIENCE
KENYA
MOI UNIVERSITY
March 2008
-December 2012
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (2008–2012) – Moi University Completed a comprehensive four‑year programme covering the theory and practice of computing, software development, and information systems. The course provided a strong foundation in: Programming and Software Development: C, C++, Java, and web technologies, focusing on algorithm design and problem‑solving. Databases and Data Management: SQL, MS Access, and structured database design, preparing for advanced health informatics work. Systems Analysis and Design: Developing and evaluating information systems for organizational efficiency. Networking and Operating Systems: UNIX/Linux, Windows administration, and network configuration. Mathematics and Logic: Discrete mathematics, statistics, and computational theory to support analytical and data‑driven decision‑making. Project Work: Applied research and system development projects, integrating technical skills with practical problem‑solving.
Behavioral, Social, and Community Health
kenya
School of Public Health Bloomington- Indiana University
2024
The Behavioral, Social, and Community Health course at Indiana University’s School of Public Health – Bloomington focuses on understanding and addressing the social, cultural, and behavioral factors that influence health outcomes at the individual, community, and population levels
Epidemiology and Biostatistics
kenya
School of Public Health Bloomington- Indiana University
2024
This course provides advanced training in the principles of epidemiology and the application of bio statistical methods to public health research and practice. It equips learners with the ability to design, analyze, and interpret health studies, focusing on disease distribution, determinants, and prevention strategies
Environmental Health
kenya
School of Public Health Bloomington- Indiana University
2024
The Environmental Health course at Indiana University’s School of Public Health – Bloomington focuses on how environmental and occupational factors affect human health, preparing students to identify, prevent, and manage risks such as pollution, infectious disease transmission, food and water safety, and climate‑related health challenge
Introduction to Public Health
kenya
School of Public Health Bloomington- Indiana University
2024
This foundational course provides a broad overview of the principles, history, and practice of public health, preparing learners to understand how health is promoted and protected at the population level. It introduces the core disciplines of public health and equips students with the knowledge to analyze health challenges and design evidence‑based solutions.
Health Information Systems Security Management
kenya
Kenya Ministry of Health (MOH)/University of Nairobi
2024
This specialized course focuses on the protection, confidentiality, and integrity of health information systems. It equips learners with the knowledge and skills to secure sensitive patient and programme data, ensuring compliance with national and international standards.
Kenya EMR+ Level 1 Certificate
kenya
Kenya Ministry of Health (MOH)/University of Nairobi
2024
This certification provides foundational training in the Kenya Electronic Medical Records (KenyaEMR+) system, equipping health and data professionals with the skills to manage patient information securely and efficiently. It emphasizes the use of EMR technology to strengthen health service delivery, reporting, and compliance with national and donor standards.
Implementing HIV Case-Based Surveillance in Kenya
kenya
National AIDS & STI Control Program (NASCOP)
2024
This specialized training equips health and data professionals with the knowledge and skills to implement HIV Case‑Based Surveillance (CBS), a system designed to track individual HIV cases from diagnosis through treatment and viral suppression. The course emphasizes the integration of surveillance into national health information systems to strengthen HIV programme monitoring and epidemic control.
Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
kenya
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Clinical Trials Network
2023
This internationally recognized training provides a comprehensive understanding of ethical and scientific quality standards for designing, conducting, recording, and reporting clinical trials. It ensures that research involving human participants is conducted with integrity, transparency, and in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Tuberculosis Basics
kenya
Global Health eLearning centre
2023
The Tuberculosis Basics course from the Global Health eLearning Center (GHeL) introduces the essential concepts of TB, its global burden, transmission, diagnosis, treatment, and strategies for control. It is designed as a foundation for health professionals before advancing to more specialized TB courses
M&E Fundamentals
kenya
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
2019
This course provides essential training in the principles and practices of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) for public health programmes. It equips learners with the knowledge and tools to design, implement, and assess M&E frameworks that ensure accountability, improve programme performance, and demonstrate impact to stakeholders and financing agencies
Data Management Course
kenya
ampath center
2008
This intensive training programme focused on strengthening technical and analytical capacity in health data management and informatics. Delivered in collaboration with the Regenstrief Institute (USA), the course provided both foundational and advanced skills for managing large‑scale health information systems.
Comprehensive Care of HIV-Infected Patients with Emphasis on Antiretroviral Therapy
kenya
National AIDS & STI Control Program (NASCOP)
2006
This specialized training equips health professionals with the knowledge and skills to provide holistic care for people living with HIV, with a strong focus on the effective use of antiretroviral therapy (ART). It emphasizes patient‑centered approaches, adherence support, and integration of HIV services into broader health systems
International Continuing Medical Education (ICME)
kenya
Indiana University School of Medicine
2005
The ICME program is designed to provide global health professionals and clinicians with advanced, ongoing training in medical practice, research ethics, and health systems strengthening. It emphasizes lifelong learning, international collaboration, and evidence‑based approaches to improve patient care and public health outcomes.
Data Management & Health Informatics: Expert in designing, implementing, and maintaining health information systems including OpenMRS, CPIMS, eCMS, REDCap, and KenyaEMR. Skilled in SQL for data querying, cleaning, and analysis, ensuring accuracy and integrity across large datasets. Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E): Experienced in conducting Routine Data Quality Assessments (RDQA), developing SOPs, and producing donor‑compliant reports (PEPFAR indicators, household service tracking, HIV programme monitoring). Strong ability to translate data into actionable insights for programme improvement. Child Safeguarding & Confidentiality: Proven record of embedding safeguarding and child protection principles into data systems. Trained Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) and case workers on confidentiality protocols, ensuring ethical handling of sensitive child protection and HIV data. Capacity Building & Mentorship: Skilled trainer and mentor, having trained 200+ CHVs and onboarded 15+ Data Assistants, strengthening local capacity for sustainable data management and reporting. Technical & IT Support: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint) for advanced analysis, reporting, and presentations. Experienced in hardware/software installation, troubleshooting, and network configuration. Data Visualization & Reporting: Strong ability to present complex data clearly using Excel, PowerBI, and cohort builder tools, supporting evidence‑based decision‑making in health programmes. Stakeholder Engagement: Skilled in collaborating with government ministries, donor agencies (USAID, CDC, PEPFAR), and international partners, ensuring harmonized data flows and compliance with global standards. Languages & Communication: Fluent in English and French, with advanced professional writing and multicultural correspondence skills. Strong communicator able to operate effectively in bilingual and international environments.
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