Open to opportunities

Philister Abongo

@philisterabongo

Message

Business development professional skilled in client relations and debt recovery.

Kenya

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek a client-focused role in a collaborative organization where I can drive business growth, manage portfolios, and apply debt-recovery and communication skills while advancing professionally.

I am a resourceful, results-driven business development and client relations professional with hands-on experience across microfinance operations, collections, and public relations. I combine strong communication skills with proven abilities in portfolio management and debt recovery to drive organizational growth.

At Inuka Africa Microfinance I market products, evaluate loan applications, maintain asset portfolios, and manage arrears collection while ensuring excellent client retention through service and follow-up. My collections experience includes negotiating repayment terms, mediating disputes, and advising customers on debt clearance strategies.

Earlier roles as a receptionist, public relations intern, data entry clerk, and news attachment strengthened my customer service, administration, and information-management capabilities. I am proficient in MS Office, data entry, and producing communication materials, with experience working independently and in multicultural teams.

I hold a Bachelor's degree in Mass Media & Communication (Public Relations) and a Diploma in Journalism & Mass Communication, and I bring practical, client-focused problem solving, strong organizational skills, and a commitment to contributing immediately to team and organizational objectives.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Business Development Officer

Current

Inuka Africa Microfinance

Mar 2022 - Present (4 years)

Marketed financial products, recruited and registered clients, evaluated businesses and processed loan applications while maintaining portfolio quality and managing arrears collection to improve client retention.

Business Development Client Relations Portfolio Management Debt Recovery Customer Service Cash Handling MS Office

Call Agent

Collection Africa

Feb 2020 - Feb 2023 (3 years)

Contacted customers to advise on debt clearance, mediated disputes, negotiated repayment terms and maintained accurate client records to facilitate settlements.

Debt Collection Negotiation Record keeping Account Management MS Office

Receptionist

Dawafront Healthcare

Mar 2018 - Jan 2020 (1 year 10 months)

Managed front-desk operations, directed visitors and inquiries, maintained security logs and telecommunication systems to ensure smooth facility operations.

Reception Telecommunications Customer Service Administrative Support MS Office

Public Relations Intern

County Assembly of Siaya

Jul 2017 - Dec 2017 (5 months)

Supported customer relations and communication tasks, prepared minutes and documentation, and assisted event photography and documentation efforts.

Public Relations Communication Minute Taking event support Photography Documentation Stakeholder Engagement

Data Entry Clerk

Kenya National Bureau of Statistics

May 2014 - Dec 2014 (7 months)

Entered and managed datasets accurately, ensuring data completeness, security and confidentiality for national statistical records.

Data Entry Database Management Data Security Quality Assurance MS Excel Attention To Detail

Journalism Intern

Kenya News Agency

Jan 2014 - Apr 2014 (3 months)

Collected, wrote and edited news stories and produced feature articles for publication to support newsroom content production.

News Writing Editing Reporting Feature Writing Interviewing Content Production

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Mount Kenya University, Kisumu Campus

Bachelor's Degree, Mass Media & Communication (Public Relations)

2019 - 2023

Completed a Bachelor's degree in Mass Media & Communication with a focus on Public Relations, covering media practice, communication strategy, and public relations.