Prof. Raphael Munavu

Chairperson

Prof. Munavu is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Nairobi, Chairman of the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms in Kenya (September 2022 – present), and a Director at NACOSTI (October 2021 – present).

He studied at Kalamazoo College (B.A. 1967-1970), Wayne State University (M.Sc. 1970-1972), and the University of Detroit (Ph.D. 1972-1975) in the USA, specializing in Organic, Environmental, and Industrial Chemistry.

Prof. Munavu has had a distinguished 35-year career in academia and public service. He served as Chairman of the Kenya National Academy of Sciences (KNAS) for 19 years (2002-2021), Chancellor of Laikipia University for five years (February 2013 – February 2018), and Commissioner at the Constitutional Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) for six years (December 2010 – December 2016).

He held various leadership roles, including Dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of Nairobi (1987-1990), founding Principal of Laikipia College (1990-1992), Vice-Chancellor of Egerton University (1992-1994), Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration and Finance) at the University of Nairobi (1994-1998), and Vice-Chancellor of Moi University (1998-2002). Prof. Munavu was instrumental in establishing International Programs Offices at the University of Nairobi (1995) and Moi University (1999) and the Privately Sponsored Students Program at Moi University (1998).

He has published over 90 refereed and commissioned papers and supervised 21 postgraduate students. He has written extensively on the role of higher education, chemistry, science, technology, and innovation in socioeconomic development and has consulted on the environmental impacts of natural resource utilization.

Prof. Munavu’s experience includes management and public service leadership. He served as Chairman of the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) for 10 years (2000-2010) and held leadership roles in several other educational and public institutions.

He has received national honors, including the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW, 1994) and Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS, 2001) for his contributions to higher education. In 2001, Kalamazoo College awarded him an honorary doctorate for his role in fostering inter-university linkages, and in 2013, Laikipia University awarded him an honorary Doctor of Science degree.

Prof. Munavu’s vision is to serve society by promoting initiatives in education, national heritage, indigenous knowledge, science, and technology, while advocating for value-adding enterprises based on Kenya’s natural resources and human capacities.

John Paul Okwiri, OGW, MBA, MCIPS

Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Okwiri is the CEO of Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) and a highly accomplished executive with over 20 years of experience in procurement, supply chain management, and investment strategies. Under his leadership, KoTDA has become a leading innovation and technology hub, advancing Kenya’s knowledge economy.

He has led significant projects, including delivering Konza Phase 1 infrastructure, establishing the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, and constructing a Tier 3 National Data Center, transforming Kenya’s cloud infrastructure.

Mr. Okwiri also secured the 2024 International Association of Science Parks (IASP) Conference for Konza Technopolis, showcasing global innovation and technology leaders.

He holds an MBA in Procurement & Supply Chain Management and a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from the University of Nairobi. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (MCIPS-UK) and the Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (MKISM). Additionally, he is a certified FIDIC Dispute Adjudication Board (DAB) expert.

Bertha Dena 

Member

Ms. Dena holds two MBAs from Maastricht School of Management and ESAMI, a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) from the University of Nairobi, and certifications as a CPA (K) and CPS (K).

With over 30 years of experience in finance and academia, Ms. Dena has served in various roles, including Auditor, Chief Accountant, Company Secretary, and Finance Manager. She is currently a lecturer at USIU-Africa.

Ms. Dena has served as a board member at numerous institutions, including Kenya Ports Authority, Kenya Women Finance Trust, Rural Electrification Authority, Kenya Maritime Authority, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology, Information Communication Technology Authority and Eco Bank Kenya Ltd.

Pacifica Chepkosgei

Member

Dr. Chepkosgei is a highly experienced academician specializing in environmental and sustainable development, socioeconomic livelihoods, gender mainstreaming, management, and organizational development. She holds a PhD in Environmental Studies (Human Ecology) from the University of Eldoret and a Master’s Degree in Development Studies from Moi University.

She currently serves as a Senior Lecturer in Development Studies at the University of Eldoret, is a Senate Representative for the School of Arts & Social Sciences, and the Program Leader for the Master of Arts in Development Studies at the same school.

Dr. Chepkosgei is dedicated to providing leadership in academic and administrative management in tertiary education. Throughout her career, she has held key positions, including Head of the Department of Development Studies at the University of Eldoret and Moi University, Diploma Coordinator at Moi University’s School of Human Resource, and Board Member of the Moi University HIV/AIDS Control Unit (MUHACU).

As an expert in Environmental Studies, Dr. Chepkosgei has led the development of Local Physical and Land Use Plans for various areas, including the Uasin Gishu County Special Economic Zone (2018-2028), Eldoret Referral Hospital (2019-2029), and several municipalities and towns from 2019 to 2030.

She has published over twenty journals and conference papers recognized both regionally and internationally and has taught, supervised, and mentored countless PhD, Master’s, and undergraduate students in Development Studies.

Dr. Chepkosgei is a member of several professional bodies, including the Environmental Institute of Kenya (EIK), the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM), the Environmental Impact Assessment/Audit Expert Association, the Weitz Center Friends’ Network, and is a promoter of the Rehovot Approach of Integrated Development.

Charles Kilonzo

Member

Mr. Kilonzo is a governance, strategic leadership, marketing, and corporate communications expert with over 20 years of experience in media, public relations, advocacy, marketing, management, and governance. He has worked in public relations, corporate affairs, and resource mobilization at various institutions such as St. Paul’s University, Daystar University, and Bible Translation and Literacy (BTL).

In 2015, he founded Live Studios Media Ltd, a communication, marketing, and media production firm, where he currently serves as Managing Director. Mr. Kilonzo has interviewed national and international leaders, including former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria. He also chaired the Publicity, Media, and Communications Committee for a fundraising event led by Deputy President (now President) Dr. William Ruto to support marginalized communities in Kenya.

From 2015-2018, Mr. Kilonzo served as a member of the Board of Directors at the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC) and was elected Chair of its Education Committee. Under his leadership, KIMC overhauled its training curriculum to include digital media technologies, green screen productions, and the role of social media in news dissemination.

He holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) with a major in Strategic Management from Moi University, a Post-graduate Diploma in Public Relations Management from KIM, and a BSc in Horticulture from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

Jackie Kiaraho

Member

Ms. Kiaraho holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce (Marketing major) from the University of Nairobi and is a member of the Marketing Society of Kenya (MSK).

She has extensive corporate experience, having worked in marketing and PR roles at organizations such as Diners Club Africa, the Institute of Advanced Technology (IAT), Cooperative Bank, and Caltex Oil. Jackie later ventured into private practice, managing successful real estate and hospitality firms, as well as running several farms.

She is known for her leadership and motivation, having founded multiple organizations that support women and youth, including the National Assembly Lady Spouses Association of Kenya (NALSA-K) and Runda Women’s Association (RWA). Ms. Kiaraho also founded the Ol Kalou Witeithie Women Empowerment Network (OLWWEN), which supports over 5,000 women, and Alpha Self Help Group, a high-profile investment group.

In addition, she is an ordained elder at P.C.E.A. St. Andrew’s Church, Nairobi, and serves as the Patron of the Parish’s Procurement Committee. She enjoys singing, landscaping, farming, golf, and traveling and attributes her success to God’s faithfulness.

Abdul Bahari Ali

Member

Mr. Ali holds a BA in Economics & Government from the University of Nairobi and an Executive Master’s Degree in Public Policy & Administration from Kenyatta University.

He began his career at Kenya Airways in the human resources department, playing a key role in the airline’s turnaround through restructuring. He later moved to Firestone East Africa as the Human Resources Manager, where he led union negotiations and concluded several Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs).

Mr. Ali served as the Member of Parliament for Isiolo South from 2003-2013, during which time he held positions on various committees including Public Investment, Pensions, Budget, and Local Authorities. He also represented Kenya in the Pan-African Parliament, serving as Vice-Chair of the Finance and Monetary Affairs Committee.

In 2013, he was appointed Chair of the Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority (TARDA) Board, and in 2018, he was appointed Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS), serving in the State Departments of Labor, Social Protection, Devolution, and Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL).

Peter Muchendu

Member

Mr. Muchendu is a governance expert and political analyst with over 10 years of experience. He frequently appears on major TV shows across national media, offering insights on governance and current affairs.

As a political strategist, Mr. Muchendu excels at ensuring campaign objectives are achieved through well-managed strategies. His extensive media presence has helped shape public opinion on political issues in Kenya.

He is also a businessman, farmer, and philanthropist. Through the Love for the Child Association, which he founded, Mr. Muchendu provides scholarships to needy students, visits children’s homes, and runs street feeding programs. He is also a strong advocate for the boy child through his organization, ADOPT A BOY.

Mr. Muchendu holds a Diploma in Leadership and Management from Apeiro Institute, Sydney, and is currently pursuing a degree in the same field at the same institution.

Samwell O. Okello

Member

Samuel O. Okello is a visionary public leader and accomplished businessman with a strong background in sustainable urban development. He was the last mayor of Kisumu City before Kenya’s devolved government system and played a pivotal role as a founding member of the Kisumu City Board. His leadership with the Kisumu Action Team (KAT), UN-Habitat, and international development partners secured funding for transformative projects like the Kisumu Urban Project (KUP) from the French government (AFD) and educational facility development from Germany’s KFW.

Currently, Samuel focuses on agribusiness development in Kisumu, driving improvements in the food value chain to enhance regional food security and economic growth.

He is an active member and former country chair of Rotary International’s Kenyan chapter, reflecting his commitment to service. Samuel also chairs SWIFE Limited, specializing in warehousing and logistics, and UMANI Trading Company Limited. An accomplished speaker, he has presented at international forums on urban redevelopment, environmental sustainability, and city health.

Grace Wanderi

Alternate to Cabinet Secretary, The National Treasury

Grace Wanderi is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience spanning over two decades in the public sector. She holds a Bachelor of Business in Information Technology (BBIT) from the prestigious University of Greenwich, United Kingdom.

Her extensive career has been dedicated to advancing public sector initiatives, with a focus on leveraging technology for improved governance and efficiency. Currently, Grace serves as Assistant Director Information Communication and Technology Officer at the National Treasury administrating Public Investment Management Information System (PIMIS) having extensive knowledge in Project Management from various institutions and also trained in Program on Investment Appraisal and Risk Analysis (PIAR) at the Queen’s University; Canada.

Grace is also a member of board of Directors for PCEA Langata school. In her free time, Grace enjoys travelling, Networking, Farming, Mentorship and community service.

Benard Kipngeno Rotich

Alternate to PS,  State Department of ICT & Digital Economy

Bernard Kipngeno Rotich is an ICT executive with over 20 years of experience in driving digital transformation within Kenya’s public sector. Currently serving as the Director of Systems Audit and Control at the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy, he is instrumental in developing and implementing ICT governance policies, risk management frameworks, and secure IT systems that align with national development goals. Bernard’s expertise spans systems audit, compliance, and project management, complemented by a robust academic background that includes an MBA in Management Information Systems from Unicaf University and an MSc in Information Sciences from Moi University. He has successfully spearheaded impactful projects such as the Kenya Education Cloud and the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS), which have revolutionized education and governance processes.

An accomplished leader and innovator, Bernard is dedicated to leveraging technology to enhance efficiency, transparency, and service delivery in government. His technical expertise, certifications like ITIL and Prince2 Agile Practitioner, and leadership acumen have enabled him to mentor teams and collaborate effectively across departments. Passionate about innovation, Bernard has a proven track record of delivering citizen-centric e-Government solutions while ensuring system resilience and security. Outside work, he enjoys traveling, mentorship, networking, and community service, reflecting his commitment to personal growth and societal development.