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Peter Melara Karanja

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.

Experience

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.

Education

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.

Awards & Certificates

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.

Languages
English
Speak
Excellent
Read
Excellent
Write
Excellent
Skills

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.

Experience with financing agencies

0