Karwirwa Laura

I am a licensed Nutritionist and Dietitian with a passion for wholesome, empowered, healthy living for all. I am experienced in providing compassionate patient-centred nutrition care spanning from paediatrics to geriatrics, during clinical routine check-ups and community health programmes. In my experience working in facilities and communities within various parts of Kenya, I gained skills in providing contextualized and people-oriented nutrition assessment and counselling services, health education, interdisciplinary collaboration and teamwork working within health systems and communication. This fueled my aspiration to broaden my skills and expertise by pursuing a Masters in Public Health at Oxford Brookes University through which I have developed a further understanding of public health policy, advocacy and health promotion which pique my interest.  I am also skilled in data collection and analysis using ODK and SPSS and am proficient in report writing in English (Microsoft Office).

My overall professional aim is to contribute to the empowerment of individuals and communities that I work with to take charge of their health and develop knowledge and skills that will support healthy living.

Working in various other contexts/industries such as music and content production, digital marketing and live television over the years, I have further sharpened my written and oral communication skills, interpersonal skills, time management, creativity and innovation and adaptability.

I am currently pursuing work opportunities in Public Health where I aim to apply and enhance my skills for the betterment of societies and the world around me.

Public Health Nutrition Intern at Kenya Nutritionists                             Mar 2021 – Nov 2021

& Dietitians Institute, Stationed at Gachororo Health Centre 

Reporting to the Juja Sub-County nutritionist, clinically assessed patients in this 6,000-person catchment area facility. Coordinated all phases of patients’ nutrition care, nutrition assessment, nutrition diagnosis, intervention, monitoring and evaluation.  Delivered patient-centered medical nutrition therapy, diet modification and nutrition education, ensuring the assigned patients’ nutritional needs are met.

Community Health Nutritionist Intern at Red Cross Kenya                                       Jul 2019 – Sep 2019

Thika Branch     

Conducted community nutrition surveillance, ran health awareness campaigns and provided diet therapy, nutrition education and counseling to community members. Trained in performing first aid during emergency responses. Identified patients at high nutritional risk within the community, assessed their health needs and developed nutrition care plans to ensure optimum care. 

Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Intern at Thika Level 5 Hospital           Apr 2019 – Jun 2019

As the clinical dietician, provided nutritional assessment, education and planning for 

infants, pediatrics, adults and geriatrics patients under the general supervision of the Kiambu County nutritionist. Rotated in the maternity, pediatric, surgical and medical wards, nutrition rehabilitation and renal clinics, comprehensive care center (HIV/AIDS), adult outpatient department and the hospital kitchen. 

Oxford Brookes University, United Kingdom                                                       Sept 2022 – Sept 2023

Masters in Public Health (MPH)

Relevant Modules: Epidemiology, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Foundations in Public Health, Advanced Health Promotion, Public Health Policy, Applied Research Methods, Leadership in Health and Social Care

Dissertation: “In what ways are social marketing benchmarks being applied to reduce problematic drinking among university students in the UK: a systematic review and thematic analysis”

Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya                                                                       Sept 2015 – Dec 2020   

Bachelor of Science (BSc.) Degree in Food, Nutrition & Dietetics       

Grade Attained: Second Class Honors Upper Division