Mary Yvonne Ododah

Executive Director, Nuru Trust Network

Mary Yvonne Ododah is a distinguished Development Specialist, Peacebuilder, and published author with over a decade of experience in project management, research, and resource mobilization. She is deeply committed to sustainable development, leveraging technology to empower underprivileged communities across Africa. Mary-Yvonne is the Executive Director at Nuru Trust Network, an organization founded in Kenya to build resilience and create opportunities for marginalized communities across Sub-Saharan Africa. Nuru Trust Network is dedicated to bridging the digital divide, improving access to quality education, and fostering economic empowerment, particularly for women and youth. Mary also co-founded Jarumi Ventures Africa, a women-led Pan-African strategy firm, which focuses on optimizing operations for startups and SMEs across diverse sectors.

Mary-Yvonne’s extensive international collaborations include partnerships with organizations such as Peace Child International (UK), Earth Day Network (USA), and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). As an ambassador at the Institute for Economics and Peace and One Young World, Mary-Yvonne has worked with global organizations and leaders who share her vision for a more inclusive and equitable world. Additionally, she is the Secretary of the UN Women Regional Civil Society Advisory Group for Eastern and Southern Africa.

Diana Ouma

Executive Director, Youth for SDGs Kenya

Diana Ouma is the Executive Director of Youth for SDGs Kenya, an organisation committed to facilitating youth engagement in policy and sustainable development work at national, regional, and global levels. She is also a co-founder and co-host of the ‘Perspective Podcast,’ a climate talk show that addresses various Sustainable Development Goals, climate action being one of them. Diana has over 5 years of experience in advocacy and program coordination having previously served as Program Coordinator at the Horn of Africa Youth Network, where she spearheaded the She Leads Africa Regional Program. A project that aims to empower girls and young women, enabling their meaningful participation and engagement in decision-making processes across Africa.

Elisenda Ballesté Buxó

Programme Manager, Global Democracy Coalition

Elisenda Ballesté Buxó is the Programme Manager of the Global Democracy Coalition, a strategic multi-stakeholder alliance of organizations to advance and protect democracy. The Coalition helps to amplify the voices of individual organizations, allows for dialogue across regions, themes and sectors, and enables individual organizations to have greater impact as part of a collective effort to advance and protect democracy. International IDEA is one of the co-coordinators of this initiative. Prior to this, Elisenda managed the EU co-funded Global Monitor of COVID-19´s impact on Democracy and Human Rights project, an online monitoring tool of Covid-19 measures adopted by the 165 countries covered in the Global State of Democracy Indices.

Hon. Fikirini Jakobs Katoi Kahindi

Principal Secretary, State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy

A Prominent Youth champion and leader with a passion for youth empowerment and social change; Mr. Fikirini was appointed as Principal Secretary at the age of 28 years on 17th April 2025, and entered the books of history as the youngest individual ever, to hold such a high-profile position in the government of Kenya. Fikirini Jacobs served as the Kilifi County Youth Leader for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), where his inspirational leadership abilities motivated many young people to participate in public affairs and Nation building. He served in the position of Director of the Governor’s service delivery Unit in Kilifi County under the stewardship of H.E Gideon Mung’aro.

Gloria Wawira

CEO, National Youth Council

Gloria Wawira is the Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Council (NYC) Kenya, the statutory body mandated to advocate for youth interests, coordinate youth programs, and strengthen young people’s participation in national development. In her role as CEO, she leads the Council’s strategic direction, oversees national youth engagement initiatives, and works closely with government institutions, civil society, and youth-led organizations to advance policies that empower Kenya’s young population. Under her leadership, the National Youth Council continues to champion youth inclusion in governance, economic empowerment, and civic participation.

Paloma Dallas

Senior Program Officer for Democracy around the Globe, Kettering Foundation

Paloma Dallas is senior program officer for Democracy around the Globe at the Charles F. Kettering Foundation. She leads the foundation’s international work at a time of rising authoritarianism and democratic backsliding, focusing on fostering democratic resilience, countering othering and identity-based attacks, and championing the development of inclusive democratic narratives. Dallas joined the foundation as an editor and writer and later became a program officer, where she helped pioneer work at the intersection of arts, culture, and civic life. She previously worked as a freelance journalist, a reporter for Reuters in Bogotá, Colombia, and a researcher for the Americas program at the Committee to Protect Journalists.

Daniel Shirima

Spoken Word Artist and Peacebuilder

Daniel Shirima is a Kenyan peacebuilder, public advocacy fellow, and communication strategist working at the intersection of youth agency, digital resilience, and governance reform. With over six years of experience mobilizing underserved communities through media, theatre, and storytelling, he leverages narrative as a tool to strengthen civic participation and democratic accountability. He currently serves as Public Advocacy Fellow with the International Youth Council on Gender Equality and as Youth Chair of the Board at Youth Alive Kenya. Daniel is also the Founder and Director of Peace Pulse Network and Jenga Lives, initiatives advancing peacebuilding, civic education, and youth empowerment in informal settlements.

Lilian Orieko

In-country Program Director, Lawyers Without Borders

Lilian Orieko is Lawyers Without Borders’ In-Country Program Manager in Kenya, where she focuses on initiatives to combat transnational organized crimes and implements cutting-edge legal technologies and capacity-building programs within the criminal justice sector. She has in the recent past run programs to counter wildlife trafficking, human trafficking, terrorism, child online sexual exploitation, and sexual and gender-based violence. Lilian’s career began in the corporate legal sector, where she undertook commercial litigation, securities documentation, and legal compliance in various law firms and at the National Bank of Kenya.

Tracey Osogo

Senior Program Officer, Centre for Multiparty Democracy Kenya

Tracey Osogo is a senior democracy and governance practitioner working at the intersection of data-driven academic research and field-based program implementation. With over 6 years in multiparty politics and 8+ years leading civic, education, and youth-focused programs, she designs and manages initiatives that strengthen political systems, foster inclusive governance, and empower youth voices across Kenya. Currently, she serves as the Senior Programs Officer at the Centre for Multiparty Democracy Kenya (CMD-Kenya), providing strategic oversight for a portfolio of donor-funded programs, including the FCDO-supported Kenya Institutional Strengthening Program (KISP) and The People Dialogue Festival (PDF), Kenya’s largest multi-actor democracy platform.

Daniel Iberi

Communications Coordinator for East Africa, Afrobarometer

Daniel Iberi is the Communications coordinator for East Africa at Afrobarometer and a Strategic Communications Specialist with more than 10 years of experience in the field of communication as a consultant, trainer, and academic. Iberi’s proficiency lies in designing and implementing communication strategies, crafting impactful narratives, writing and editing, training, managing digital communication channels, overseeing websites, and coordinating projects. Prior to his current role, he was the Associate Director, Communications and Outreach at the HORN International Institute for Strategic Studies.

Nathaniel Mong’are

Kenya Young Parliamentarians Association (KYPA) and member of WYDE Civic Engagement Network of Young Decision-makers

Currently, he serves as the Director of Communication, United Democratic Alliance Party(UDA) provides strategic leadership in shaping, managing, and advancing the public image and messaging of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party. He oversees the development and execution of comprehensive communication strategies that align with the party’s vision, policies, and political objectives. In this role, he serves as a key architect of the party’s narrative, ensuring message consistency across national, regional, and grassroots platforms. He leads media engagement efforts, manages public relations, and acts as a principal liaison between the party and media houses, stakeholders, and the general public.

Gorka Gamarra

Indian Ocean Commission – Expert Gouvernance de Projet Gouvernance, Piax, Stabilite – Mauritius

Gorka Gamarra is the governance and electoral expert for the GPS project, with over 20 years of experience in program management in the areas of human rights, gender, the rule of law, electoral processes, and governance. He holds a master’s degree in international and electoral law and has worked with numerous international organizations and national governments, including the UN, the OECD, and the EU, in post-conflict contexts such as Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Comoros, and Guinea-Bissau. He also directs documentaries on human rights issues, such as Lantanda and Umurage.

Ruth Kay Kangwa

Founder of Girls Gone Political, Human Rights and Governance Lawyer, Zambia

Ruth Kay Kangwa is a Human Rights and Governance Lawyer with over 10 years of experience working at the intersection of human rights, democracy, governance, and elections. Currently serving as Zambia’s National Focal Point on Youth, Peace & Security (YPS), she works to ensure that young people are not only included but are leading in shaping peace, governance, and security agendas. Ruth founded Girls Gone Political (GGP), a grassroots social movement that amplifies young women’s voices in politics and governance, and co-authored “She Votes, She Leads,” a civic education handbook that equips first-time voters and emerging leaders.

Felix Biga

Chief Operating Officer, Afrobarometer, Ghana

Felix Biga is the chief operating officer at Afrobarometer and a veteran finance executive with more than 19 years’ senior executive-level experience, including managing boards and external stakeholder interests. He has been responsible for operational management of multimillion-dollar budgets and resources in blue chip and multinational environments in Africa. He has managed complex business situations and is well-known for his ability to create a congenial management environment and get things done. Felix began his career with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and later joined British American Tobacco.

Enya Eworo Echeng

Chair, African Union Youth for Transitional Justice (AY4TJ)

Enya Eworo Echeng is a lawyer and development practitioner working at the intersection of transitional justice, governance, and youth inclusion across Africa. His work centres on strengthening institutional accountability, advancing human rights, and bridging continental policy frameworks with grassroots engagement. He currently serves as Deputy Executive Director and Head of Operations at the Youth Organisation for Research & Justice Advocacy (YORJA), a pan-African youth-led organisation promoting meaningful youth participation in transitional justice and governance processes. Enya is also Chairperson of the African Youths for Transitional Justice (AY4TJ) Network.

Hesbone Ndung’u

Program Manager, Search for Common Ground, Kenya

Hesbone Ndung’u is the Program Manager at Search for Common Ground, Kenya. He works with youth to address challenges that incapacitate them to lead today and tomorrow. He is a Programme management professional with diverse experience in youth development, governance, electoral assistance, and policy analysis in Africa and beyond. He has engaged, advised, and briefed senior stakeholders and management including boards, prepared pitch decks, led successful fundraising initiatives, has adept internal and external communication, and is passionate for the development of youth through advocacy and skill buildup.

Amandla Ndisi

Foreign Service Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kenya

Amandla Ndisi is currently a Foreign Service Officer serving in the Middle East Directorate at Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs. Previously, she worked in the Ministerial Secretariat, where she supported three consecutive Foreign Ministers in various capacities. A passionate feminist leader and women’s human rights defender, Amandla is deeply committed to advancing gender equality and increasing women’s participation in decision-making roles. As chair of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) Kenya Young Women’s Caucus, she champions the leadership development of young women in both community and political spheres.

Sam Ogwal

IGAD Youth Envoy, Uganda

Mr. Sam Ogwal, 1st IGAD Youth Envoy and Secretary for Finance at the National Youth Council – Uganda, previously served as Regional Coordinator for Policy and Advocacy at the Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassadors Network and as Regional Representative for Africa and Europe at the Commonwealth Youth Council. He also contributed to the East African Community Youth Ambassadors Platform. Sam has led impactful initiatives such as Faith in the Commonwealth with the Commonwealth Secretariat and localizing Agenda 2250 (UNSCR on Youth, Peace, and Security) with the World Federation for United Nations Associations.

Ms. Paska Nyaboth

Programme Manager (Youth 4 Peace Programme), Political Affairs Department, African Union

Ms. Paska Nyaboth is a South Sudanese peacebuilder and youth development specialist serving as the Programme Manager for the Youth 4 Peace Programme within the African Union’s Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department. In this role, she leads continental efforts to advance the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda, supporting policy development, youth inclusion in peace processes, and the implementation of the AU’s frameworks on peace, governance, and security. Nyaboth has been a prominent advocate for meaningful youth participation in peacebuilding across Africa.

Dr. Oita Etyang

Head of Governance, Peace and Security, The Common Markets for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Zambia

Dr. Oita Etyang is the Head of Governance, Peace and Security at the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), where he leads regional efforts to strengthen democratic governance, conflict prevention, and peacebuilding across the 21-member bloc. His work focuses on supporting member states in advancing inclusive governance systems, enhancing early warning and response mechanisms, and promoting stability as a foundation for regional integration and development. With extensive experience in governance, peace, and security policy, Dr. Etyang has contributed to high-level regional dialogues.

Patricia Joseph

Program Manager, Katiba Institute

Patriciah Joseph is the Programmes Manager at Katiba Institute. She is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya with over ten years’ post-admission experience. She holds a Master of Laws degree (LL.M) in Comparative Constitutional Law from the Central European University, Budapest/Vienna, Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from Moi University, Kenya. Previously, Patriciah has served as a legal researcher at the Judiciary in the High Court, various election courts in the superior courts, Judiciary Committee on Elections and Judiciary Task Forces/Committees on Sentencing, Implementation of the Bail and Bond Policy and Development of Guidelines on Active Case Management in Criminal Cases.

Emmanuel Akwetey

Executive Director for the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), Ghana

Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey is the Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) in Ghana, a leading policy think tank dedicated to strengthening democratic governance, civic participation, and institutional accountability. As the founding head of IDEG, he has played a central role in shaping national dialogue on democratic reforms, decentralization, and inclusive development, positioning the institute as a key actor in Ghana’s governance landscape. With extensive experience in political governance, public policy, and civil society leadership, Dr. Akwetey has contributed to major national and regional initiatives.

McDonald Lewanika

South and East Africa Director for Accountability Lab, Zimbabwe

McDonald Lewanika is a Zimbabwean governance expert and civil society leader who serves as Executive Director for Accountability Lab South and East Africa, a role publicly listed by the organization. He oversees regional strategy, partnerships, and programmes that strengthen accountability, support civic actors, and promote open governance across multiple countries. His background includes senior leadership roles in Zimbabwe’s civil society sector, where he worked on democracy, advocacy, and citizen participation.

Marc MAMINIAINA

Chargé de mission, General Secretariat of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC)

Marc MAMINIAINA is a career diplomat with academic training in Public Law and Political Science from the Catholic University of Madagascar and the University of La Réunion. He is also a graduate of the National School of Administration of Madagascar (Diplomatic and Consular Section). He served for nine years at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Madagascar, where he contributed to bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, with a particular focus on regional cooperation frameworks. He currently serves as Chargé de mission at the General Secretariat of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), where he leads work on political affairs and governance.

Keith Andere

Internet Governance Expert, Kenya

Keith Andere is a professional internet consultant and digital rights activist based in Kenya. He has done extensive work on digital rights including access to information, affordable internet, internet shutdowns, cybersecurity, digital identity and ICT policy in Kenya and across the African Continent. He is also a youth engagement and policy advocacy expert where he has had extensive engagement on various regional and global processes, worked on various campaigns, involved in youth movement building working with various youth networks. Keith serves as a member of the Multi stakeholder Advisory group for the Kenya IGF.

Patrick Gathara

Kettering Fellow 2026, Kenya

Patrick is a Kenyan journalist, editor, political cartoonist, and writer. He is the Senior Editor for Inclusive Storytelling at The New Humanitarian, where he leads work on decolonising the reporting of humanitarian crises. Patrick was the founding Curator of The Elephant, an influential online Kenyan news magazine, and helped establish the Association of East African Cartoonists, serving for nearly a decade as its first General Secretary. He has worked as a cartoonist and columnist for Kenyan and international publications for over 25 years. Across journalism and satire, his work explores how narratives shape public imagination, political participation, and accountability.

Don Ouma

Founder and Executive Director of Civic Voices Initiative

Ouma Don Collins is the Founder and Executive Director of Civic Voices Initiative, a Kenyan organization working to strengthen democratic participation through digital civic engagement, civic education, and inclusive governance platforms. He leads the development of the Civic Voices Platform, a digital public square where citizens learn, exchange ideas, and meaningfully participate in governance and public decision-making. With a background in civic innovation and stakeholder engagement, Collins has worked at the intersection of technology, citizen participation, and democratic accountability.

Denys Rukundo

Governance and Rights Program Coordinator, CVA Rwanda

Denys Rukundo is the Governance and Rights Program Coordinator at CVA Rwanda and a dynamic education practitioner with both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Education from the University of Rwanda, where he currently serves as a lecturer. As a certified mentor in leadership, public speaking, debate, and communication, Denys is deeply committed to empowering young minds and professionals to unlock their full potential. With over four years of experience in the NGO sector, he has worked with organizations such as Aspire Debate Rwanda, Gold Youth, and Citizen Voice and Actions, contributing significantly to education, youth leadership, and community development initiatives.