Angel Mbuthia
Director in the Kenya National Youth Council Board, and Chair the first ever COMESA Youth Advisory Panel (COMYAP)

Angel is a public policy professional and political leader with a Master’s in Research and Public Policy and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Nairobi. She is a CPA (K) finalist. She is the reigning Ms. President Kenya, an honorary title awarded to outstanding emerging women political leaders, and a Mandela Washington Fellow (2024). She currently serves as the National Chairperson of the Jubilee Party Youth League, where she leads youth political mobilization, party organizing, and leadership development. Angel has held senior youth leadership roles at national and regional levels, including serving as a Director at the Kenya National Youth Council and as Chairperson of the COMESA Youth Advisory Panel (COMYAP). She has also engaged internationally through advisory roles with global institutions, bringing comparative perspectives on governance, youth participation, and democratic processes. She is widely recognized for her work in electoral politics, youth political participation, gender inclusion, and democratic governance in Kenya, and was listed among Business Daily’s Top 40 Under 40 Women in Kenya.

Claudia Masah
COMESA, Governance, Peace and Security Junior Expert

Claudia Masah is a development professional with over five years of relevant experience across Sub-Saharan Africa, covering the whole spectrum of conflict prevention, fragility management, and peacebuilding. Ms. Masah has designed and implemented programs and developed training modules on youth, peace and security, social cohesion, PCRD, and dialogue forums. Ms. Masah has been involved in cutting-edge research whose outcomes have shaped policies and enriched academic discourse both at the national and regional levels. Her research specialties include Conflict Prevention, Resolution and Management, Governance and Development- areas of specialization on which she has peer-reviewed published works.

Daniel Orogo
Programs Director at Civic Voices Initiative Kenya

Daniel is a seasoned governance consultant and political analyst dedicated to strengthening democratic institutions and amplifying youth voices across Africa. With over a decade of experience in community organizing and policy advocacy, he bridges the gap between citizens and decision-makers. As the Africa Regional Coordinator for Democracy Moves, he leads strategies for political inclusion and governance across the continent. Simultaneously, he serves as the Programs Director at Civic Voices Initiative. In this capacity, he oversees the strategic design and implementation of civic tech programs. His work focuses on leveraging digital tools to enhance public participation, driving projects that increase transparency, and managing high-impact initiatives that connect citizens with governance structures.

MODERATOR: 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. Her firm emphasizes integrating technology into youth leadership programs, ensuring young people are equipped with essential skills to thrive in an evolving digital economy. She also champions initiatives that combat gender-based violence and advocate for human rights, reinforcing her commitment to social justice and equality.

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). Her work in these spaces has provided her with a deep understanding of pressing societal challenges and has led to prestigious recognitions, including being named one of Africa’s Brightest Young Minds by the BYM Foundation and one of Africa’s Top 20 Female Social Impact Founders by MentHer Magazine. 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, where she contributes to shaping policies that advance gender equality and women’s empowerment. A recognized thought leader and researcher, Mary-Yvonne has spoken on global platforms across Asia, the Horn of Africa, and Southern Africa on topics such as governance reforms, democracy, and the role of technology in fostering social change. Mary-Yvonne’s vision is to empower the underrepresented and youth, ensuring they have access to opportunities that enable them to thrive. Through her research, leadership, and advocacy, she continues to drive transformative change, fostering a more just and equitable future.