Collins Ochieng Odhiambo

Mobile · (254) 702-344393· qollinsochieng@email.com

About Me

I’m a Computer Scientist from Kenya with a multidisciplinary skill set spanning data science, statistical programming, data management, database administration, and data analysis. My work centers on transforming how governments collect, analyze, and use health data—especially in the domains of mortality surveillance and Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS).

Over the years working with the Bloomberg Data for Health Initiative, I have led and supported Verbal Autopsy implementations in Kenya, Zambia, and Morocco, contributing to national documentation efforts and guidance materials to help other countries scale their VA programs. I’ve worked closely with the OpenVA team to test and deploy cause-of-death algorithms with in-country teams, and I’m proud to be a member of the WHO Verbal Autopsy Reference Group (VARG), where I continue to contribute to global standards and technical innovation.

My growing interest in CRVS and mortality systems improvement is deeply tied to community engagement and the integration of digital health applications. I focus on improving system interoperability, data sharing, and stakeholder collaboration—both within and across countries. These efforts have led me to spearhead the development of:

Whether I’m building dashboards, training national teams, or designing data pipelines, my goal is to create tools and systems that are technically sound, socially responsive, and globally impactful.

PERSONAL PROFILE
I am a dynamic, hardworking, results oriented and self-motivated person, capable of leading work and enhancing teamwork with minimum supervision but proper reporting to senior management. I believe in teamwork with a view of facing and solving challenges/problems that may arise to facilitate and ensure objectives are met.

What I do (Achievements)

Digital Health Systems

I lead the development, integration, and optimization of digital platforms for mortality surveillance and CRVS, ensuring they are scalable, interoperable, and responsive to public health needs.

System Automation & Evaluation: I’ve led CRVS modernization efforts in Zambia, Morocco, and Lesotho—streamlining registration processes and improving data completeness, timeliness, and quality.

Data Collection System Design: I’ve developed and implemented Web, SMS and Mobile (ODK)-based applications for data collection and data management for complex relational datasets.

Machine Learning for Mortality Tracking

I apply advanced methodologies to estimate excess mortality and improve detection of death occurrences—especially in low-resource settings.

Global Stakeholder collaboration

As co-lead of the IT workstream for the WHO Verbal Autopsy Reference Group, I support global standards and troubleshoot implementation challenges across countries.

I facilitate cross-sectoral collaboration to ensure systems integration aligns with national priorities and supports real-world decision-making.

Capacity Building & Training

I design and deliver training programs for government staff on statistical tools like R, SQL, and Power BI. I also develop and review training manuals, SOPs, and implementation guidelines to support sustainable data use.

I provide hands-on training, implementation support, and troubleshooting for WHO VA tools, reporting challenges and insights to the WHO Verbal Autopsy Reference Group.

Data Visualization & Dashboards

I build and refine interactive dashboards using R Shiny and Power BI to monitor data collection, assess data quality, and support supervisory workflows. These tools are actively used in Zambia and other countries to enhance real-time decision-making.

ETL & Data Quality Engineering

I design and deploy ETL pipelines using R and Python to perform automated data quality checks and ensure robust data integrity across systems.

Resource Hubs & Knowledge Platforms

I developed the Kenya Verbal Autopsy Resource Hub to centralize tools, guidelines, and training materials for national VA implementation.

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Education

University of Leeds UK

Masters in Data Science (Statistics)

Ongoing

Ongoing

Multimedia University of Kenya

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Second Class Upper

October 2016

Kabarnet High School

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)

A- (77)

December 2011

Skills and proficiency

Proficiency
  • Digital health systems development and integration
  • Web application development, API development for systems integration
  • Data visualization PowerBI PowerQuery
  • Business process mapping using Bizagi
  • Xmind software for creating mind maps for organizing and brainstorming ideas, tasks, or concepts around a central theme.
  • Proficient with MS Office (i.e. word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint)
SKILLS
  • Data Science and machine learning methodologies using statistical methods.
  • Software Development, implementation and integration of digital health and country systems i.e. DHIS2, CRVS Systems.
  • Data quality assurance and control methods
  • Expert in training and capacity building in data management, analysis, use and dissemination using statistical tools (R, Python, SQL, PowerBI)
  • Expert experience in database setup and database management using structured query language in Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL.
  • Installation, maintenance and training on Mobile data collection using KoboToolBox, ODK Central, Survey Solutions
  • Certified in Good clinical Practices and Ethical procedures
  • Digital health systems planning and implementation
  • Expert in implementation and integration of WHO Verbal Autopsy data systems and DORIS tool for Medical Cause of death coding.
  • Moderately skilled in networking and network troubleshooting

Interests

  • Data science and Machine learning topics
  • Participating in Digital health workshops and also workshops that enhance stakeholder engagement
  • Networking and digital health community engagement.
  • Strategic publication and knowledge dissemination in global health.
  • Listening to Music

Awards & Certifications

  • Machine learning - University of Stanford

    Completed foundational training in machine learning methodologies for data-driven decision-making.

  • Data Fluency: Exploring and Describing Data

    Certified in data quality assurance and statistical exploration techniques.

  • Good Clinical Practices & Ethical Procedures – NIDA

    Trained in international standards for ethical research and clinical data handling.

  • Verbal Autopsy Data Management & Automation Workshop – Ohio State University

    Participated in advanced training on VA data workflows and automation strategies

  • Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Systems – Basic Level

    Completed foundational CRVS systems training focused on structure, function, and global standards.

  • Verbal Autopsy & ODK Systems – Singapore

    Certified in mobile data collection and VA implementation using ODK platforms.

  • Secretary General – MMU CIT Club (2015/2016)

    Recognized for leadership and coordination of tech-focused student initiatives.

Publications

  • The role of digital systems in improving and strengthening routine Death Reporting in Civil Registration systems

    (JMIR,medRxiv )

  • Verbal Autopsy Manager (VMan3): A comprehensive software tool for managing and improving quality, availability and use of cause of death data from community deaths

    medRxiv

  • Assessment of Heat Exposure and Health Outcomes in Rural Populations of Western Kenya by Using Wearable Devices: Observational Case Study

    JMIR