Tobias Simiyu

Tobias is a former student leader at Kenyatta University where he earned his BA degree in Sociology and Psychology and a Master's Degree in Sociology. Presently, he works as a civil servant within criminal justice system. He mostly serves individuals from low socio-economic backgrounds. Hailing from Trans Nzoia County, he has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities.

He is an alumni of the Public Service Emerging Leaders Fellowship (PSELF) and the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) where has developed exemplary leadership skills and gained valuable insights into governance and public administration. With a strong commitment to promoting good governance and social justice. He actively advocates for these principles at work and in the community.

Furthermore, he is the founder and chairperson of the Badilisha Generation Community-Based Organization (CBO), an initiative aimed at empowering young people, women, and individuals living with disabilities by exposing them to socio-economic opportunities, enhance youth capacity, and facilitate their success.

Recognizing the crucial role of political leadership in driving positive change, Tobias expresses a keen interest in the Political Leadership and Governance Programme. By participating in this program, he aims to acquire the skills necessary to navigate the intricate political landscape effectively. This includes strategic decision-making, proficient communication, and adept policy implementation, enabling him to address the socio-political challenges that communities face.

WORK EXPERIENCE

January 2021 - To-Date: Public Service Commission

Position: Probation Officer

Duties:

• Supervising clients to ensure compliance with probation terms.
• Conducting assessments, developing case plans, and providing rehabilitation programs to ex-offenders.
• Writing social inquiry reports for the court to assist in pre-bail and presentence decisions.
• Acting as a liaison between clients and community programs, such as employment services.
• Engaging in community education and awareness efforts to prevent crime and promote public safety.

Political Leadership and Governance Programme (PLGP) Fellowship: Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung

Key Lessons:

• Enhanced leadership skills through interactive sessions, hands-on exercises, and discussions with industry experts.
• Gained insights into various aspects of governance, including policy development, decision-making processes, and public administration.
• Connected and collaborated with professionals in the field of political leadership and governance.
• Experienced personal growth and self-awareness through reflection, self-assessment, and continuous learning to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement as a leader.
• Developed an understanding of diverse perspectives and experiences by interacting with professionals from different backgrounds, cultures, and regions, fostering an inclusive and comprehensive approach to leadership.

February 2022 – February 2023: Public Service Emerging Leaders Fellowship

• Position: Fellow
• Description: The Emerging Leaders Fellowship Program is designed to develop the skills and expertise of young civil servants from different government departments. The program, facilitated by the Public Service Commission and run by the Emerging Leaders Foundation and Emerging Public Leaders, aims to equip participants with the necessary skills to meet the needs of 21st Century citizens.
• Achievements:
  • Acquired knowledge in governance, leadership values, and approaches to addressing community problems.
  • Enhanced leadership and problem-solving skills, effective communication, and driving innovation and change in respective fields.
  • Trained, mentored, and exposed to best practices in the private and public sectors.

Young African Leaders Initiative February 2023 – March 2023

• Position: Trainee
• Description:
  • Attended classes, completed assignments, and delivered presentations to gain knowledge and practical skills in bringing about positive change in communities.
  • Received tailored content and presentations that improved leadership abilities.
• Achievements:
  • Developed effective strategies for change and enhanced leadership skills.
  • Better equipped to make a meaningful impact in work and contribute to the betterment of society.

October 2020 – November 2020: Natural Resources Conflict Project

• Title of the Project: Livelihood Vulnerabilities and Oil-Induced Displacement of Households in Turkana County, Kenya.
• Position: Research Assistant
• Duties: Conducted literature reviews, collected and analyzed data, and assisted in the preparation of reports and presentations.
• Achievements: Contributed to the development of a new methodology for assessing conflict risks related to natural resource management. The methodology was well received by the project team and utilized in subsequent research.

August 2020 – September 2020: Food Security Project

• Title of the Project: Environmental Variability and Resource Conflicts on Food Insecurity in Kerio Valley, Kenya.
• Position: Research Assistant
• Duties: Collected and analyzed data on food insecurity and conflict, conducted literature reviews, and assisted in writing academic papers.
• Achievements: Identified key factors contributing to food insecurity in conflict-affected areas and developed recommendations for policymakers and humanitarian organizations to improve food security in such contexts.

December 2018 to 2020: Bonn International Center for Conflict Studies (BICC,) - Natural Resources Conflict in Turkana County, Kenya

• Position: Research Assistant
• Responsibilities: Conducted field research, collected and analyzed data, and assisted in the development of research reports.
• Achievements: Contributed to the development of recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders to enhance resource governance and conflict management in the region. Gained extensive knowledge of complex issues related to natural resources and conflict in Africa.

January 2020 - December 2020: Public Service Commission

• Position: Intern (Kasarani Constituency)
• Duties:
  • Educating and training young people, women, and individuals with disabilities about social, economic, and political opportunities to enhance their livelihoods.
  • Empowering and raising awareness among these groups by providing them with the necessary tools to improve their economic and social well-being. 

Teaching Assistant, Department of Sociology, Kenyatta University (2017-2023)

Units Taught:

• Introduction to Sociology
• Introduction to Social Anthropology
• Criminology
• Theories of Crime
• Introduction to Research Methods and Techniques in Social Sciences
• Social Policy and Analysis
• Introduction to Sociological Theory
• Rural Sociology
• Urban Sociology
• Political Sociology

2015 - To Date: Badilisha Generation CBO

• Position: Co-Founder and Chairman
• Duties:
  • Liaising with other NGOs to prepare, plan, and execute programs.
  • Drafting and reviewing proposals for funding and support purposes.
  • Coordinating the organization's programs.
  • Representing the organization in different forums.
  • Monitoring and evaluating program progress.
  • Ensuring compliance with donor requirements.
  • Reporting on the impact of programs.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

September 2017 – 21st July 2023: Kenyatta University

                                                            MA (Sociology)

May 2011 - July 2015:                        Kenyatta University

BA (Sociology, Psychology and Economics) Second class Upper Division

Jan 2005 - Nov 2009:                         Lunyu Secondary School

                                                            Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (B+)