Key skills and expertise

With 16 years of professional experience, the expert excels in communications, partnership development, and program management. They have led initiatives in security sector reforms, disarmament, and governance across the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa regions. Accomplishments include signing nine cooperation instruments for arms control and supporting Kenya's constitutional implementation via the Amkeni Wakenya Programme. Key responsibilities have involved institutional representation, media engagement, and strategic partner mobilization. The expert is recognized for leadership, proposal writing, and monitoring and evaluation skills, with a strong track record in both local and international projects.

Project experience and donor exposure

The expert has collaborated with the Japanese Government, providing strategic advice on political and socio-economic developments in Kenya and the Horn of Africa. This involvement included assessing funding proposals and ensuring grant compliance for projects focused on governance, democracy, elections, and human security. The work was conducted on a national and regional scale, contributing to the implementation of Kenya's new Constitution and supporting civic education through local community-based organizations under the Amkeni Wakenya Programme.

Sectors and geographic focus

The expert has worked across sectors including civil society, NGOs, security, conflict resolution, regional integration, program and resource management, and advocacy. They have held roles such as Principal Officer for Communication and Partnerships, focusing on stakeholder relations and strategic engagements. Their interdisciplinary expertise includes development communication and media relations, with a regional focus on the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa. Responsibilities have spanned institutional representation, technical assistance, capacity building, and policy analysis, highlighting their ability to integrate cross-cutting issues like governance and human security into their work.

The expert has extensive geographic experience in the Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, and Uganda. They possess deep familiarity with local governance and cultural dynamics, particularly in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa regions, where they have engaged in long-term assignments focused on security, development cooperation, and regional integration. This regional expertise supports their work in promoting human security and facilitating international development initiatives.

Languages and education

The expert is fluent in English and Swahili, with Kikuyu as their mother tongue. They have basic proficiency in French. These language skills have been utilized in various professional contexts, including in-country work across multiple African nations and within multilingual teams, enhancing communication and collaboration in international development projects.

The expert holds a Master of Arts in Diplomacy from the University of Nairobi, Kenya, completed between September 2012 and December 2014. Additionally, they earned a Bachelor of Arts with Honors, double majoring in Communication and Sociology, from the University of Nairobi, Kenya, from October 2005 to December 2009.