Benson Maina

Benson Maina is a Product Research & Development Professional from Nairobi, Kenya. He holds a Master of Science degree in Horticulture and a Master in Business Administration from the University of Nairobi and the Power Business School respectively. With over seven years of experience, Benson is a talented leader in guiding all functions relating to research studies, analysis, and reporting, known for ensuring that project plans are interconnected and properly organized in compliance with organizational visions, goals, project principles, standards, and techniques. Benson has excellent communication skills, is flexible, quick-witted, and proactive with a proven ability to provide logical and practical solutions.

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Benson has worked as a Scientist II at Apeel Sciences since 2018, where he led research and product development in the industrial application of Apeel technology in Kenya and South Africa. He successfully registered Apeel products in Kenya and conducted ten test trials and two commercial trials, partnered with BioFarms Ltd to conduct the WFP avocado accelerator program, and recruited five scientists who supported product development and new product introduction projects in Kenya and South Africa. Benson has also served as a Collaborative Researcher at MIT, where he upgraded five low-cost cold storage in three counties in Kenya to preserve fruits and vegetables.

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Benson has authored several publications, including "The effect of waxing options on shelf life and postharvest quality of ‘ngowe’ mango fruits under different storage conditions" and "Assessment of the Use and Barriers of Evaporative Cooling Technologies by Small Holder Farmers in Kenya." He has won several awards, including the Best employee of the year 2021 - Apeel Sciences, and attended various workshops and seminars focusing on innovations and technologies that can be harnessed to boost agricultural production and postharvest management.

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