CLICK TO READ PROFILES OF 2021 JUDGES
Dr. Julian Rowa
Chief Executive Officer, Shajuls Consulting Ltd and Associate - BSD (Group)
Dr. Julian Rowa
Chief Executive Officer, Shajuls Consulting Ltd and Associate - BSD (Group)
Dr. Julian Rowa boasts of 20+ years’ success leading diverse innovation for high-growth multinational banking and non-profit organizations. His development has seen him evolve from a transactional resource person to a tactical intervener advancing into the strategic space. A Pan-African talent, his stint in Uganda and Rwanda has heightened his multi-faceted approach to problem solving. He facilitated the development of the strategic plan for ESADA (East & Southern Africa Dairy Association) involving 14 countries in Africa, funded and commissioned by the Africa Union (IBAR). Dr. Rowa also developed the strategic plan for Kenya Tea Development Agency Foundation and is a Lecturer at the International Leadership University in the faculty of Leadership.
As a consultant, Dr. Rowa emphasizes self-leadership and is passionate about driving change. He thrives in a state of chaos and subscribes to rapid results. Guided by the dictum “why do we…” and “what if…” saw him featured as the “Personality of the Week” in the Daily Nation Newspaper in May 2021. His expertise is in organizational analysis, strategy development, strategic human resource management, business development, research, development of new business ventures, operational excellence, facilitation, moderation and public speaking. Dr. Julian Rowa is a stickler for operational rigor and business excellence.
He holds a doctorate in Business Administration from University of Liverpool (England) and an MBA in Management from Oxford Brookes University, Oxford.
Nerima Wako
Executive Director, SIASA PLACE
Nerima Wako
Executive Director, SIASA PLACE
Nerima Wako-Ojiwa is the Executive Director of Siasa Place, a youth organization dedicated to collaboratively create an environment that enables the youth of Kenya to directly engage with the political mainstream in a meaningful way.
She is a political analyst, and served as the president of the International Student’s Organization, Jacksonville State University. Ms. Nerima is a 2018 Obama Fellow. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Sociology from Jacksonville State University 2010 and her Master’s in Public Administration in 2012. She is a former columnist with The East African. In 2019, she was the keynote speaker at the Mandela Washington Fellowship Regional Convening in Rwanda.
She recently led her team to launch the State of the Youth in Governance in Kenya report 2021. “Change is demanded. The change that we constantly plea for will not appear one day. It comes with persistence, perseverance and unity,” Ms. Nerima Wako-Ojiwa.
Gichuki Francis
Youth Mentor & Life Coach
Gichuki Francis
Youth Mentor & Life Coach
Mr. Gichuki Francis is a nurturer of young dreams and ambition. He is the Founder of Transforming Young Stars of Africa (TYSA), a non-profit organization in Kenya, committed to facilitating life-changing opportunities at local and global level for young people, their communities and organizations. He is also the Founder of Tabasamu Afrika Hub and has dedicated his life to youth empowerment. Tabasamu Afrika Hub is a social innovation enterprise that trusts, invests and journeys with young people supporting them to design their pathways to prosperity. As a growth mentor, he connects policy to practice in youth and sports for development, laying emphasis on “young people as a resource”.
He has extensive experiences in Africa, Europe, America, Latin America and Asia on youth leadership and development. He is a life-coach facilitator and social innovation management expert. Mr. Gichuki is a Board Member of Streetfootballworld; a Germany based global network of organizations working with young people in the football for good sector. He is also a Consultant Trainer in Positive youth development at International Sports Alliance (ISA); a Dutch based international youth empowering organization. He is the author of “A Gem in the Rift Valley” a journey inspired by passion for sports.
He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Kenyatta University and a postgraduate in Social Innovation Management from Amani Institute. He is a global resource person who combines Development Education Leadership and Team in Action (DELTA). Mr. Gichuki is a change maker who has passionately dedicated his life to youth transformation through youth leadership, mentorship and policy dialogues.
Sally Kahiu
Head of Corporate Communications and Marketing, Kenya Association of Manufacturers
Sally Kahiu
Head of Corporate Communications and Marketing, Kenya Association of Manufacturers
Ms. Sally Kahiu is a Strategic Communications and Brand Development Advisor. She has 13+ years of experience in developing and elevating brands, advocacy communications, stakeholder engagement and knowledge management.
She currently works as the Head of Corporate Communications and Marketing at Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) where she contributes intellectual and technical expertise to the strategic and operational development of the Association, informing its fundamental policy advocacy mandate. She serves as the Lead Coordinator for the Association’s Women In Manufacturing (WIM) Programme and; the sustainability Advisor on USAID’s WASHPaLS Programme, on Menstrual Health Management (MHM) in the Workplace. She is also a key contributor to the Unstereotype Alliance – Kenya Chapter.
She holds a Master of Arts -Global Media and Communications from Coventry University, UK (MA). Sally Kahiu is a proficient researcher and was among 12 researchers, world-wide, recruited under the Andrew Mellon Trust Foundation Scholarship. In 2019, she received the UN-Women Recognition Award for her work in championing women’s empowerment, and in 2020 received East Africa’s Women Leadership Award from World Women Congress and CMO Asia. Ms. Kahiu serves as a Board Member (Treasurer) at EmpServe Kenya – a non-profit focusing on youth empowerment through skills development.
Evalin Karijo
Director – Youth & Adolescents Hub (Global), Amref Health Africa
Evalin Karijo
Director – Youth & Adolescents Hub (Global), Amref Health Africa
Ms. Evalin Karijo is a global health specialist and a strong promoter of youth leadership in Africa. She recently won the Top 35 Under 35 2020 award under the Health Services Category for her leadership role in the health sector. Ms. Karijo is currently the Director – Youth & Adolescents Hub (Global) at Amref Health Africa, and has led multiple teams steering impactful health initiatives focusing on women, adolescents and youth. She led Y-ACT Youth in Action at Amref, from inception to becoming one of the most influential youth advocacy movements in Africa. She also oversaw the process of developing Amref Health Africa’s first Global Youth and Adolescent Strategy (2021-2022).
Ms. Karijo currently serves on the Advisory Group of the Civil Society Engagement Mechanism for UHC2030, as the Global South Alternate Representative to the UHC2030 Steering Committee. She has received various recognition, including the Management Africa Magazine (September 2018) ‘Top Woman’ feature for her rise as a young leader in the health sector. She has also served as the Chairperson of the Youth Pre-conference - Africa Health Agenda International Conference 2019 which saw over 400 youth from 23 countries launch the Youth4UHC movement.
Ms. Karijo holds a Masters’ degree in International Public Health (University of Liverpool) and a Global Executive MBA in Health Leadership and Management (USIU-Africa).
Joe Bonga
Chief Executive Officer, Africa For SDGs
Joe Bonga
Chief Executive Officer, Africa For SDGs
Mr. Joe Bonga is a Pan-Africanist at heart, loaded with the dream to transform Africa through intergenerational mentorship glazed with African solutions for African Problems. He believes that the Africa we Want can only be established by the Africans for the Africans.
Mr. Joe is the Chief Executive Officer of the Africa For SDGs. He is the Founder of Africa for SDGs Fellows Program, which offers a platform to young people across the region to incubate their innovative, implementable, scalable and transferable ideas that meet the urgent challenges facing Africa for localization. He serves as the Regional Director for Africa of ICY Africa that operates in more than 30 countries. As a consultant, Joe's passion is reflected on his emphasis on Good Governance, Leadership and Sustainability.
Mr. Joe Bonga possesses extensive experiences in Africa and beyond. He is a mentor and a life-coach with greater prowess in strategic thinking and programing on community led change plan. With a passion for Sustainable Education, Mr. Joe in partnership with the Kenya Education Management Institute advocates and champions for the implementation of the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) policy and models for learning institutions to be agencies of sustainable development.
Maureen Mutai
Focal Point on Youth & Governance, United Nations Youth Association (Kenya)
Maureen Mutai
Focal Point on Youth & Governance, United Nations Youth Association (Kenya)
Ms. Maureen Chepkoech is a multi-skilled social advocate. She has over 10 years working experience in government and private sector organizations. She serves as the Focal Point on Youth & Governance at the United Nations Youth Association (Kenya Chapter) and the Governmental relations & liaison Consultant at Ada Labs Africa, an Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence.
Ms. Chepkoech is an ardent champion for youth economic empowerment and has amplified young people’s voices both at the national and international forums. Her quest to ensure that young people’s voices influence decision-making at the Policy level has seen her tenacious contributions at the High-Level Political Forum, United Nations Climate Summit and the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) as the Kenya Youth Representative. She also supports the African Union through the Special Envoy on Youth. Ms. Chepkoech previously served as an Advisor to Kenya’s Youth Programs Director in the Office of the President where she successfully championed for the designation of the President of Kenya as the Global Champion for the Young peoples’ agenda under Generation Unlimited program.
Ms. Maureen Chepkoech also served as the Focal Point on Youth at the Council of Governors, where she provided a platform for the amplification of youth voices and co-creating solutions for sustainable development. She is a member of the Youth Peace and Security Sector Working Group, a program under the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and a member of Kenya Green Building Society.
Denis Kioko
Policy, Advocacy & Communications Adviser,Trocaire.
Denis Kioko
Policy, Advocacy & Communications Adviser,Trocaire.
Denis Kioko is a Pan African, social scientist adept in National, Regional and Global Public Policy & Advocacy work with over 12 years of experience. He is a skilled negotiator and passionate human rights advocate with a deep appreciation of the intersection between socio-economic challenges, policy gaps and systems failures. His enormous experience in policy and advocacy has enabled him to be a “knowledge producer” in Policy & Advocacy area by conceptualising and developing an advocacy theory i.e. “Theory of the Will.”
He is currently the Policy, Advocacy & Communication adviser at Trocaire. He brings to new spaces proven capacity to conceptualize and manage issue-based partnerships, provide strategic direction and framing capabilities to institutions and campaigns, and catalyse demand and supply side civic and policy action by key stakeholders.
He holds a degree in Community Resource Management (CRM), Professional Certificate on Strategic Leadership and Management from Kenya Institute of Management (KIM), Political Inclusivity from Swedish International Centre for Local Democracy (ICLD) and is currently pursuing Masters in Public Policy and Administration in Kenyatta University.
Deogratius Magero
Founder and CEO, The Border Hub, Kenya
Deogratius Magero
Founder and CEO, The Border Hub, Kenya
Mr. Deogratius J. Magero is an Alumni of the YGAP Accelerator program. He is the Founder & CEO at The Border Hub; an award-winning Innovation Hub and Digital Resource Centre enabling young people acquire the Skills, Confidence and Connections they need to prosper in Career, Life and Business. He is also the Co-founder at African Start-Up Campus and the Program & Partnerships Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa on Youth Employment at Sustainable Hospitality Alliance.
With background in Education, Strategy and Business Development, Deogratius is an Entrepreneur, Impact Investor and a seasoned Youth Development Expert experienced in building Innovative Strategies, Programs and Partnerships to enable young people to access opportunities for Education, Work and Business.
Deo is a passionate mentor at YALI East Africa Regional Centre and the Co-Chair at TVET Values & Life Skills (VaLi) Working Group, an alliance of Civil Society actors, NGOs, government
Lynette Mwende
Executive Director and founder,Ujana Afrika
Lynette Mwende
Executive Director and founder,Ujana Afrika
Ms. Lynette Mwende is a passionate social and youth policy practitioner, with over eight years working experience in project management and Education sector-Youth & TVET Policy. In 2014, she was the project lead of Africa Tech Challenge (ATC) under the Ministry of Education- State department of Vocational and Technical Training in Kenya. This was a re-skilling TVET program that saw the participation of youth from Cote D’Ivoire, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia. The annual skills contest trained approximately 1000 youth to get re-skilled and up-skilled. In 2018, she founded Ujana Afrika, a youth serving organization aimed at championing TVET, lobbying for better policy action and increased funding for programs towards youth skills development.
Her interests lie in the role of public policy in shaping the development of economies, specifically in developing countries. She has taken a keen focus on advocating for the socio-economic development of youth through TVET. Her TVET advocacy and championing efforts have been recognized by the Government of Kenya and in 2018, the Ministry of Education appointed her to serve as a member of the Board of Governors at Machakos Technical Institute for the blind. She serves in the Board’s Finance Committee having a special interest in prudent public finance management. She is currently a consultant for the East Africa Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP) at the World Bank.
She pursued her undergraduate degree in aeronautical engineering and flight design from the Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics. She was also elected as the President of the Kenyan Students in Beijing Association (KENSAB). She holds a master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from The Strathmore University Business School (SBS).
Roy Sasaka
CHRP(K), MCIPS, MKISM CEO National Youth Council of Kenya
Roy Sasaka
CHRP(K), MCIPS, MKISM CEO National Youth Council of Kenya
Roy Sasaka Telewa is the Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Council (NYC) Kenya. The National Youth Council of Kenya is a state corporation domiciled in the Ministry of ICT,Innovation and Youth Affairs. Under his leadership, he has transformed the State Corporation into a vibrant organization that builds & enhances the capacity of Kenyan Youth through strategic consultations, engagements and partnerships.
In 2020, in the midst of Covid-19, he launched the #FursaVsVirus Challenge Campaign which sought tech and non-tech solutions to challenges posed by the novel coronavirus pandemic to provide post Covid-19 economic recovery in Kenya. In 2021, he launched the “Hunters hunt” to help actualize youth’s ideas into viable businesses by providing financial boost. His determination to increase 10% forest cover in Kenya saw the launch of “Greening Kenya with NYC“ initiative.
Mr. Roy Sasaka serves as a Board of Director at the Youth Enterprise Development Fund. He is a graduate of the University of Nairobi with an MBA in Operations Management, a Bachelor of Commerce in Procurement and Supply Chains Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Political Science. He is currently pursuing a PhD with a focus on Operations Optimization from the University of Nairobi. Additionally, he holds full Professional Membership to the Chartered institute of Procurement and Supplies (CIPS-UK), the Kenya Institute of Supplies and Management (KISM) and the Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM-Kenya).
Nancy Amunga
Founder and CEO, Dana Communications LTD
Nancy Amunga
Founder and CEO, Dana Communications LTD
Ms. Nancy Amunga is the Founder and CEO of Dana Logistics which offers corporate delivery, transportation, clearing and forwarding services for both imports and exports. She was honored at the House of Commons in the UK with the African Achievers Award under the social impact Category. She recently served as an official member of the adjudication panel for the Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development work, 2021 organized by the Commonwealth Secretariat.
Ms. Amunga is an International speaker who has boldly represented issues around women empowerment, trade and emerging technologies in International Forums such as the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) 2020, the World Investment Forum (WIF) and at the UNCTAD 1st African E-commerce week. She has also represented UNCTAD in the World Export Development forum at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to address the issues affecting the youth and young women in trade and the opportunities provided by the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCTA).
Her dedication to youth in business has seen her receive the Dedication and Excellence Certificate from the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KNCCI). She founded The Sprout Agenda and writes in her blog – www.nancyamunga.com - to mentor young people in business. Her mantle, "Live for yourself and you will in vain. Live for others and you will live again." has seen her expand her wings to impact as many youths as possible.
Susan Kariuki-Mwongera
Programmes Coordinator Generation Unlimited Kenya Partnership Secretariat Executive Office of the President
Susan Kariuki-Mwongera
Programmes Coordinator Generation Unlimited Kenya Partnership Secretariat Executive Office of the President
Ms. Susan Kariuki-Mwongera is a social development practitioner with 18 years extensive experience in youth and gender programming in Kenya and across Africa. She has specialized in youth, governance & leadership, economic empowerment, education & training, peace & conflict management, policy work, research, strategic planning, partnership building and institutional strengthening.
Ms. Mwongera serves as the Generation Unlimited Programmes Coordinator at the Executive Office of the President, Policy and Strategy Unit. Generation Unlimited Partnership is a unifying strategic framework that acts as an enabler for strengthening the interconnectedness of education, training, employment and young people by creating and deepening a public-private-youth partnership to catalyze smooth transitions of young people from learning to the world of work. She was a member of the Technical Committee that developed the Kenya Youth Development Policy, 2019.
In 2018, Ms. Mwongera received the NAB Nexus Youth Summit Collaborators Award opened to two or more delegates who attended the NEXUS Australia 2018 Youth Summit and collaborated to create an innovative and sustainable social enterprise or not-for-profit concept that fosters positive social change and impact in the broader Australian community and beyond. Ms. Mwongera holds an MBA - Strategic Management from Kenya Methodist University.
Constant Cap
Senior Product Manager Code For Africa/sensors.AFRICA
Constant Cap
Senior Product Manager Code For Africa/sensors.AFRICA
Mr. Constant Cap is a ‘City Shaper’ who’s passionate about the planning issues facing African Cities. Far from it, he is a researcher, a cyclist, a blogger and a renowned World Rugby Level 3 rugby referee & Educator of over 18 years’ experience both at local and continental level with over 100 first class Kenya Cup matches. Mr. Constant is currently the Senior Product Manager at Code for Africa’s ‘Sensors Africa, a citizen science environmental monitoring program. He is the director and convener at Naipolitans, a ‘think and do’ tank within the urban planning space
Mr. Constant writes about urban planning issues on his blog - africancityplanner.com . He has a deep interest in sustainable and inclusive mobility, urban resilience and people driven urbanism. He is a Graduate Member of the Town and County Planners Association of Kenya and a member of the International Society of Urban and Regional Planners (ISOCARP).
He holds a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Nairobi. Mr. Constant is a member of “Sauti ya Nairobi” a coalition that advocates for participation, accountability and transparency in the physical planning of the City.
Irene Otieno
National Coordinator, National Taxpayers Association
Irene Otieno
National Coordinator, National Taxpayers Association
Ms. Irene Otieno is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya and the National Coordinator at the National Taxpayers Association (NTA), an organization whose mission is to advocate for government accountability in delivering services. She has more than a decade of experience in public sector management, governance and public sector reform management.
Ms. Irene Otieno steadfastly seeks to have the ordinary Kenyan’s voice feature prominently in national conversations revolving around taxes and service delivery. In a sense, to have citizens demand better services because they dutifully pay their taxes. She resolutely underscores her passion for advocacy programs to facilitate a prosperous environment with”TAX WORKING FOR THE PEOPLE”.
She actively participated in CHAMBUA; a citizen led reading party of the Auditor General’s reports that put the spotlight on the level of wastage of public funds and its impact on the morale of tax-paying youth. She has also been featured among “Women in Tax'' for her contributions in the tax arena.
Areba Omwoyo Samba
Senior Partner, Omwanza & Areba Associates Advocates
Areba Omwoyo Samba
Senior Partner, Omwanza & Areba Associates Advocates
Mr. Areba Omwoyo is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya. He is a senior partner at Omwanza & Areba Associates Advocates. Mr. Areba serves as an associate at 'Run for Office' which supports young people vying for elective seats in Kenya to win and lead.
Mr. Areba holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from Moi University and a postgraduate diploma from Kenya School of Law. He is passionate about youth affairs especially in the leadership and governance spaces where he has actively participated in different youth initiatives at the County, National & International Level.
Fred Sadia
National Coordinator, Volunteer Involving Organizations (VIO) Society
Fred Sadia
National Coordinator, Volunteer Involving Organizations (VIO) Society
Mr. Fred Sadia serves as the Secretary and National Coordinator at the Volunteer Involving Organizations (VIO) Society in Kenya. He is passionate about inclusion and loves working with young people hence building a great generation of versatile volunteers ready for change to make the world a better place. He previously served as a judge and unveiled the Top 35 under 35 2020 Awardees.
Mr. Fred is the Kenya Representative at Good Deeds Day. He works to strengthen national partnerships in the Voluntary Sector and the Government to develop Volunteering Enabling Infrastructures. He champions volunteering as a cross-cutting means of implementation in realizing sustainable peace and development.
He coordinated the drafting of the Volunteerism Bill 2019 of Kenya and was the first, globally to endorse The Global Standards for volunteering at IVCO 2019 in Kigali, Rwanda.
Jacqueline Ingutiah
Regional Coordinator, Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR)
Jacqueline Ingutiah
Regional Coordinator, Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR)
Ms. Jacqueline Ingutiah is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a renowned human rights enthusiast. She successfully designed and implemented programmes supported by the Government of Kenya, United Nations Agencies and Development Agencies i.e. USAID, DFID, SIDA and DANIDA aimed at promoting and protecting human rights in Kenya and other parts of Africa.
Ms. Jacqueline is widely trained and experienced in Human Rights Based Approach in programming. She serves as the Regional Coordinator at the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) where she undertakes investigations, strategic litigation and ADR to protect human rights. She engages the Judiciary, Parliament and Government Ministries, Independent Offices and Agencies in the promotion of human rights. She is passionate and experienced in supporting initiatives that promote rights with and for young people.
Ms. Jacqueline holds an MA from Coventry University and LLB from Moi University. She is a member of the Law Society of Kenya, ICJ-Kenya, FIDA Kenya and Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
Kenny Kaburu
Executive Director, Straight Talk Foundation Kenya
Kenny Kaburu
Executive Director, Straight Talk Foundation Kenya
Mr. Kenny Kaburu possesses over 15 years’ experience in communications, media monitoring and reporting, media management, fine art and has worked extensively with leading media houses in Kenya as an illustrator and visual creative. Mr. Kenny serves as a Communications and Capacity Building Consultant for the Africa region at- She Decides, a global advocacy movement based in the Netherlands.
He is the Executive Director of the Straight Talk Foundation Kenya, an NGO which focuses on youth and adolescent advocacy and behavior change communication through school clubs, publishing of Straight Talk and Young Talk newspapers, advocacy magazines, edutainment comics and media campaigns. His Foundation offers a platform for girls and young people to amplify their voices about their issues through annual youth events such as Youth Health Camps, Dada Fest and Dada Summit.
Mr. Kenny is a YALI alumnus currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies at the Mount Kenya University. He is also a Founding member of the OLX Social Media Awards (SOMA) and has honed his skills with corporates such as Transparency International, Safaricom for their magazine, ‘Option’, and the University of Greenwich, as their creative consultant for their projects in Kenya.
Susan Limisi
Gender Coordinator, Fairtrade Africa -FTA
Susan Limisi
Gender Coordinator, Fairtrade Africa -FTA
Ms. Susan Limisi serves as the Gender Coordinator for Fairtrade Africa (FTA) where she leads on gender equality and women empowerment. As the Gender Coordinator, she oversees programmes that empower women farmers and workers across the Agriculture value chain in 33 countries in Africa and Middle East.
Ms. Susan possesses over 10 years of gender experience in governance, education, Natural Resource Management, WASH and Resilience in Kenya and in the Fragile States. As a Monitoring & learning Coordinator, she has spearheaded Evaluations, Assessments and Gender mainstreaming for CARE International Somalia. Her diverse skill set was an asset when implementing peacebuilding and transformational conflict projects in the complex contexts of the informal settlements in the Northern part of Kenya and Somalia thus impacting lives positively.
She holds a Master’s Degree in Education Psychology. She is an Associate Member of Kenya Counselling and Psychological Association.
Vivianne Wachanga
Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, Partner, J.M Njenga Company & Advocates
Vivianne Wachanga
Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, Partner, J.M Njenga Company & Advocates
Ms. Vivianne Wachanga is a highly experienced, versatile Lawyer and an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya. She possesses over a decade of experience as a partner at the J.M Njenga Company & Advocates offering clients an array of services. Her success stems from creativity, a can-do attitude, and a pragmatic approach to situations in helping a wide range of clients.
Ms. Vivianne is passionate about the law and she loves what she does. She is a volunteer member of legal Resources Foundation Trust, a Board Member of One girl Can Society and a Member of the alumni chapter of the Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies. She is particularly interested in the area of conflict resolution and serves as a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
Ms. Vivianne has earned a reputation as a “quiet achiever” which reflects her capacity to pursue organizational objectives, maintain focus and partner with others to meet a common goal. She is currently pursuing a Master’s of Arts in Conflict Management at the University of Nairobi. She holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Moi University – Eldoret and a Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.
Noah Nasiali
Founder and CEO, AFarmerz
Noah Nasiali
Founder and CEO, AFarmerz
Mr. Noah Nasiali is a self-taught agribusiness specialist with over 10 years of experience. He is a Multi-Award winning farmer and an Agribusiness Consultant. Mr. Noah is a Product & Service Design specialist with a background in building tech solutions which has seen him successfully built a community and network of over 200,000 farmers across 8 African Cities. He is a mentor and a life skills coach.
Mr. Noah Nasiali is the Founder and CEO of AFarmers Training & Resource Center which is a social enterprise that aims at empowering African farmers through practical training methods to transform their farms into businesses. He serves as the Executive Director of AFarmers Media whose mission is to “Tell the Story of African Farmers to the world”.
Caren Atieno Otieno
Director of Communications, County Government of Kisumu
Caren Atieno Otieno
Director of Communications, County Government of Kisumu
Ms. Atieno Otieno is a multi-media and communications specialist with over 15 years’ experience working with local and international media companies. She currently serves as the County Director of Communications in the County Government of Kisumu.
Ms. Atieno was named one of 100 French-African Young Leaders of 2021 by a French-African Foundation programme. She has led production crews to produce high quality multimedia content for dissemination by local and international media companies notably Citizen TV, Dutch TV VPRO, ARD German TV and content for organizations such Plan International, UNCC; Learn and the FAO. She’s a DW-Akademie Media Viability Consultant – a programme that aims to strengthen small and medium media houses to be able to exist and flourish independently despite a myriad of challenges facing the industry.
Her productions have received accolades at renowned festivals notably the International Emmy Awards (NYC), the Prix Jeunnesse Festival (Germany) and the Movies that Matter Festival (Netherlands).
Patrick Korir
Chief Executive Officer, Nairobi City Stars
Patrick Korir
Chief Executive Officer, Nairobi City Stars
Mr. Patrick Korir is a sports mogul and a great content writer in sports news. He quit his 10-year IT career to follow his passion for online sports journalism. He currently serves as the CEO of Nairobi City Stars. He is the Co-Founder and General Manager at Soka.co.ke, a leading Football site that releases bi-monthly fully-featured Soka Magazine. Mr. Patrick is the Founder and Director of fostats.com, Kenya’s exclusive football database with all statistics, results and analysis from 1926 to date.
Mr. Patrick Korir is the Co-Founder and Director of ragahouse.com, a rugby news site that gives Kenyan rugby a holistic dimension from ‘mashinani’ all the way up to Africa Rugby and Super Rugby Aotearoa. The rugby site covers the Kenya Cup, National 7s Circuit, Kenya 7s, Kenya 15s, ESS, School games & Prescott Cup all in equal magnitude.
In 2012, Mr. Patrick was recognized as Top 40 Under 40 in Kenya. He is the Assistant Tournament Director at “Chapa Dimba na Safaricom” an age-grade tournament that targets boys and girls aged 16-20, sponsored by Safaricom PLC in partnership with Football Kenya Federation (FKF).
Jacob Ndambuki Ngumi
Founder & Director, Young Professionals for Development (YPD)
Jacob Ndambuki Ngumi
Founder & Director, Young Professionals for Development (YPD)
Mr. Jacob Ndambuki Ngumi is a youth development expert who has spent over 25 years empowering the youth on employability skills. He currently serves as the Regional Coordinator of Health NGOs Network (HENNET), for South Eastern Economic Block (SEKEB) covering Machakos, Kitui and Makueni Counties.
Mr. Jacob Ngumi has majored in Entrepreneurship and Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET). He possesses extensive experience in policy review especially Youth Policy, Advocacy on Adolescent and Youth Sexual Reproductive Health, HIV/AIDs, Budget formulation and review, Governance and devolution process. In 2008, he founded Young Professionals for Development (YPD).
Mr. Jacob currently runs a consulting firm called Professionals Partnership Services (PPS). He previously served as a Board Member of National AIDS Control Council (NACC-2012-2015), Executive Committee Member (EXCOM) of the National Council of NGOs (2011-2015) and Executive Committee Member and Treasurer of Elimu Yetu Coalition (EYC). Mr. Jacob holds a Degree in Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from the University of Nairobi, Diploma in HIV/AIDS (Galilee College -Israel) and is currently pursuing Master’s Degree in Project Planning and Management at UON.
Akinyi Odongo
Creative Director Akinyi Odongo KENYA™
Akinyi Odongo
Creative Director Akinyi Odongo KENYA™
Ms. Akinyi Odongo is an international award winning haute couture designer. She is the creative genius behind the MEFA Creations brand whose slogan is “For That Sharp Look”. Ms. Akinyi has received several accolades for her immense contribution to the African fashion Industry. She serves as the Director of MEFA Institute of Design, a training facility that offers certificate and diploma courses in fashion and design. She also founded WANA WATINDO, an after school fashion classes for kids which nurtures talents at an early stage of life.
In 2014, Ms. Akinyi launched Akinyi Odongo KENYA™ brand whose vision is to be The Iconic African Fashion House with a mission to create elegant, African Inspired haute couture. She was awarded the prestigious ELNET Business Leader Award for exemplary ethical standards in business and in person. She founded Fashion Agenda Africa (FAA), whose aim is to give platform to upcoming fashion entrepreneurs and other players in the creative space. She is a Founding Director and Chairperson of KENYA FASHION COUNCIL (KFCO)
Ms. Akinyi is raising the bar in the fashion industry and is committed to maintaining a positive outlook in an industry that is still in its infancy in Africa. She is working on WHAT IS IN YOUR HAND derived from Exodus 4:1-2 to encourage people to use what God has given them. She strives to be a good steward of what God has bestowed upon her.
Victor Mugo
Regional Coordinator, Nourishing Africa.
Victor Mugo
Regional Coordinator, Nourishing Africa.
Mr Victor Mugo is a climate smart agriculture, agribusiness development & Youth engagement specialist whose work has enabled the youth transition to climate resilient agriculture and agricultural entrepreneurship. Mr. Victor is the Regional Coordinator (EA) for Nourishing Africa. He is also the Director for the Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network (CSAYN).
Mr. Victor serves as the Co-Chair to the Youth Liaisons Group of the historic UN Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) where he works to build meaningful youth engagement, representation and participation in transforming global food systems. He is a regular columnist for the Business Daily and the lead author of UNEP's Global Environmental Outlook - GEO for Youth, Africa.
In 2020, Mr. Victor Mugo was recognized as the Youth of the Year - Agribusiness category in the Top 35 Under 35 Awards. He is a Borlaug-Adesina Fellow as well as a YALI Alumnus. He is currently pursuing his Masters in Development Finance from the Strathmore Business School.
Elizabeth Mang’eni
Senior Trade Development Officer, Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development
Elizabeth Mang’eni
Senior Trade Development Officer, Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development
Ms. Elizabeth Mang'eni serves as the Senior Trade Development Officer at the Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development in Kenya. She is passionate about entrepreneurship as it gives her the risk to see the development and change she seeks to have in her society. She has dedicated her career to empower women and girls with disabilities by promoting entrepreneurship, inclusive job skills training and programs that educate Persons with Disabilities on business management and savings.
She is the Co-Founder of You4She Initiative, which sensitizes and empowers the community on the rights of Persons with Disabilities. She is also the Co- Founder of Mama Farm Foundation, an initiative which empowers rural women and women with disabilities on agricultural skills to become financially sustainable in 2018. Ms. Elizabeth has been featured on USAID Education news as a female mentor at Kibera Community Empowerment Organization (KCEO).
Ms. Elizabeth serves as a Board Member at Echo Network Africa, formerly known as Kenya Women Holding. She is an alumnus of several programs: 2019 US Professional Fellow Program on Inclusive Disability Employment, 2018 Australian Awards African Fellowship Program, Young African Leadership Initiative and the 2017 Mandela Washington Fellowship. These programs have enabled her to expand her work in inclusive employment and reproductive health support for young women with disabilities.
Jeffrey Okundi
Founder Achu’s Spice and Achu’s Kitchen
Jeffrey Okundi
Founder Achu’s Spice and Achu’s Kitchen
Dr. Jeffrey Okundi is an invasive ecologist and bio control specialist by profession with significant experience in Invasive Ecology, Environmental Impact Assessment, Allelopathy, biomass data, environmental auditing, climate change, bioremediation and conservation. He is the Founder of Achu’s Spice and Achu’s Kitchen, a household spice name both in Kenya and abroad.
From an early age, Dr. Okundi carried out research projects to find out the major causes of introduction and naturalization of invasive plant species, carrying out his latest research on the Effect of aqueous leaf extract of Parthenium hysterophorus and synthetic phenolic compounds on selected Kenyan cultivated crops to help find a solution to the invasive menace in Kenya.
His work has been published in SCI journals. He is a judge and provides mentorship at Young Scientist Kenya. He is a photographer and the former Captain of Wuhan football Team (Kenya).
Banice Mbuki Mburu
Mbuki Mburu
Banice Mbuki Mburu
Mbuki Mburu
Ms. Mbuki Mburu is a public policy and youth development advocate with significant experience in participatory development strategies, public policy research and analysis underpinned by a deep commitment to social justice. Ms. Mbuki currently serves as the National Coordinator “Sauti Sasa Campaign” at AMREF Health Africa. The campaign aims at reducing the alarming numbers of teenage pregnancies in Kenya.
Ms. Mbuki has worked at National, Regional and International levels. She has addressed the United Nations General assembly (UNGA) during the International Conference on Population and Development; and was a speaker at the High-Level Political Forum during the review of the SDGs and UN 75th Commemoration at the United Nations Headquarters. Ms. Mbuki was among the 15 young people selected across Africa to lead in the finalization of the Model African Union Toolkit to enhance youth participation in the Africa Region. Locally, she has co-founded youth initiatives, participated in the development and review of policies affecting young people and championed Public Interest Litigation in favor of young people’s interests.
In 2020, Ms. Mbuki received the Africa 35:35 Award under the Advocacy and Community Action category by Africa Kitoko. She is a Political Leadership and Governance Programme 2019 Fellow, Binti Ungozini 2020 Fellow, One Campaign East Africa Champion and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Political Mentorship Program. She is a Board Member at Siasa Place and Co-Convener of Youth-Serving Organizations consortium.
Brian Waswala
Wildlife & Landscape Ecologist Environmental Education & Training Specialist
Brian Waswala
Wildlife & Landscape Ecologist Environmental Education & Training Specialist
Mr. Brian Waswala is wildlife ecologist, environmental education specialist and public sustainable development policymaker. With over 11 years working experience, he currently serves as a Biodiversity (Wildlife, Forest and Tourism) and Natural Resource Management Lecturer at the Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Maasai Mara University.
Mr. Waswala co-authored the UNEP’s Africa Global Environmental Outlook (GEO-6) Youth Edition and the African Environmental Education and Training Action Plan (2015-2024). He served as a Research Scientist at Kenya Wildlife Service contributing to the development of the Kenya Wetland Atlas and the gazettement of Tana River Delta as Kenya's sixth Ramsar site (Wetland of International importance). Mr. Waswala is a member of the IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management (CEM).
Mr. Waswala holds an MSc. In Environment and Natural Resource Management degree from Makerere University (Uganda) and BSc. Degree in Wildlife Management and Conservation from the University of Nairobi(Kenya).
Rosemary Kinuthia
Founder & Director African Boy Child Network
Rosemary Kinuthia
Founder & Director African Boy Child Network
Ms. Rosemary Kinuthia possesses over 15 years’ experience in the ICT sector. She is an advocate for human rights, gender equality and equity for all. She is the Founder and Director of African Boy Child Network which seeks to strengthen the capacity of ABNet beneficiaries and the public to spread sustainable transformation of the boychild (Savetheboychild, Protectfatherhood)
She serves in the Secretariat of Nairobi Action Plan on Preventive and Countering Violent Extremism. She is a Board member of Social Enterprise Society of Kenya representing the organisation on Sports, Gender and Youth at KEPSA.
Raymond Mutai
Founder & CEO MindGames Productions LLC
Raymond Mutai
Founder & CEO MindGames Productions LLC
Mr. Raymond Mutai is a media professional with experience spanning over 14 years working in various media houses in Kenya including The Standard Media Group, Royal Media Services and Family Media among others. He is the Founder and CEO of MindGames Productions LLC, a media production company. He was awarded Founder of the Year Award 2020 #FOYA2020EA
Mr. Raymond Mutai is also the Co-founder at Diaspora Radio. Over the years, he has specialized in radio production, programming, creative, traffic, technical, commercial, marketing and branding. He served in the Production Department at Royal Media Services and Programmes Department at Radio Maisha.
He pursued Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and Media Technology (Electronic media) at Maseno University. He writes about the radio and issues around it via www.raymutai.wordpress.com
