ZIZI AFRIQUE - Key Persons
Benjamin is a business and strategic management expert from the corporate sector. He has held different regional positions. He is the Country Manager of HACO Industries in Tanzania, formerly Business Manager for Kenya Airways in West Africa. Benjamin has held Country Leadership roles in five African countries since 2003 and worked in three different companies and contexts; he has vast cultural and country experience across Africa, Europe, South America and Asia. He is a finance expert with a heart for social entrepreneurship and increased efficiency in business.
Job Titles:
- Program Officer
- PROCUREMENT OFFICER
- Senior Program Officer - Advocacy
Beria Wawira is a program officer under whole Youth Development program of Zizi Afrique. She holds an MBA in Strategic Business Management and Human Resource from Daystar University and a Bachelor's in Purchasing and Supply Management. She delights in working with teams to create value, enable continuity of supply on time, and promote good purchase ethics. Beria has an adventurous spirit with a love for the great outdoors.
Job Titles:
- GRANTS ASSISTANT
- Program Assistant - Grants Management
Caitlin is a dedicated Grants Assistant under the Grants Department . With her expertise and passion for financial management, she plays a crucial role in the daily grant management and financial reporting. . Caitlin holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Finance, with a minor in Marketing, from Strathmore University.
Job Titles:
- Senior Officer - Learning
Alelah coordinates assessment activities in the ALiVE program. Previously, he was responsible for planning and coordinating the initiation of research study protocols with Practical Action. He has also worked with Umande Trust as a Monitoring and Evaluation Officer. He is an accomplished researcher with vast experience in conducting surveys and researches on socio-economic matters, monitoring and evaluation of development and livelihoods projects in the East Africa region. Alelah is currently pursuing his Ph.D. with a bias towards Monitoring and Evaluation from the University of Nairobi.
Job Titles:
- SENIOR ACCOUNTANT
- Manager - Finance
David is responsible for overseeing the daily accounting activities and ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting and management accounting is completed. He is in charge of the full accountancy cycle; processing all financial transactions, keeping track of budgets, preparing financial reports and ensuring that the financial procedures are accurately implemented. He formerly worked as an accountant at Moi University. He holds a Bachelor's in Finance and Banking and is currently pursuing a Masters in the same. David is a Certified Public Accountant, registered with ICPAK and in good standing.
Dephine is responsible for monitoring, collating and analyzing organizational data.She previously worked as a statistician at the Data Analytics Unit of Strathmore University.She holds a bachelor's degree in statistics as well as a master's degree in statistics. Dephine has over 4 years' experience in statistical analysis, business intelligence and reporting. Dephine is enthusiastic about Data Science, Research and Use of evidence for policy making. She enjoys numbers and sees statistics as a crucial aspect of making decisions, as well as scientific and social discoveries, all with the goal of improving the world.
Job Titles:
- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
- SECRETARY of the BOARD
John doubles up as the Executive Director of Zizi Afrique, and the Program Director for Ujana360. His current interests revolve around holistic development of youth in the TVET sector and exploring expanded competency-building for youth to increase success chances in work and life. John is an experienced relationship-builder with passion for systemic change in education. He has led various ambitious initiatives to improve learning across East Africa. He holds a doctorate in education from the University of Hannover, Germany.
John is the Executive Director of the Zizi Afrique Foundation and Program Director of Ujana360. He is a teacher, seasoned researcher and policy advisor with a credible record of scholarship. He has a passion for system change and inclusion in education, and his voice counts among the many actors in the global education reform movement.
Dr. Kimani is a senior lecturer in the department of Ophthalmology at the University of Nairobi. She holds two Master's Degrees: one in Community Eye Health and the other in Ophthalmology, and a Bachelor's degree in Surgery from the University of Nairobi. Dr. Kimani is also the proprietor of Eagle Eye Surgery Centre in Nairobi. She has a heart for community development and has invested her skills heavily to save the eye. For instance, she developed a simple tool to measure visual acuity that was implemented in school assessments across East Africa.
Sara is the former Chief Administrative Secretary of Education and the Chair of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development. She is the Founder of Zizi Afrique and served as the CEO of the PAL Network since its inception in 2015 to 2021. Before serving in this position, Sara initiated the citizen led process in Kenya in 2009 that currently operates as Uwezo and thereafter served as Regional Manager of Uwezo East Africa at Twaweza, a citizen-driven initiative in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, that uses evidence to draw public attention to children's learning. Before joining Uwezo, Sara was a lecturer at Kenyatta University. She sits in several advisory committees, such as UNESCO's Global Education Monitoring Report, INCLUDE Platform and World Bank's Global Education Dashboard. She holds degrees from Kenyatta University Kenya, and got her doctorate from Heidelberg University Germany.
Job Titles:
- Accountant
- PROGRAM ACCOUNTANT
Eli manages various accounting aspects in the organization including reviewing all payment requests to ensure compliance with policy. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Finance from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa and is currently pursuing Certified Public Account (CPA). His commitment to deliver desired organizational objectives has seen Eli incorporate innovative processes and systems in his professional duties.
Job Titles:
- Assistant to the Director of Research
- PROGRAM ASSISTANT - RESEARCH
- Program Officer - Research
Enock Imani is a Program Assistant to the Director of Research. He is an ambitious scholar with lots of interest in the design and management of global and domestic education programming for multilateral development agencies, technology startups and social enterprises with particular emphasis on strategies that translate high-level research into implementation policy. He is Passionate about disruptive initiatives that empower individuals and improve livelihoods. Imani holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education and has great interest in writing and art.
Job Titles:
- FINANCE and ADMIN MANAGER
- Senior Manager - Operations
Ezekiel is responsible for the overall financial administration of the organization. He ensures that the financial management meets all legal requirements in line with national and internationally recognized financial reporting standards (IFRS). Ezekiel is also responsible for ensuring that partners meet the requirement to manage funds on behalf of Zizi Afrique. Ezekiel is tasked with the preparation of the financial reports and budgets. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from Kenyatta University, is a member of the Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (CPAK), the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and Institute of Certified Public Accountants (ICPAK). He loves soccer.
Job Titles:
- SENIOR OFFICER, GRANTS MANAGEMENT
Faith is responsible for grants management. She has previously volunteered in community projects at Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) and Garden of Hope Foundation. She firmly believes that knowledge is power and a useful tool for societal transformation. Faith is a graduate from the University of Nairobi, with a degree in Sociology and Tourism.
Job Titles:
- PROGRAM OFFICER
- Senior Officer - Administration and Procurement
Francis is responsible for overseeing administration and procurement. Prior to joining Zizi Afrique, he was in charge of annual national assessment logistics at Uwezo Kenya. Francis is passionate about research on learning interventions. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Management from St. Paul's University, a Higher Diploma in Purchasing and Supplies Management from the Kenya Institute of Management, and a Diploma in Theology from the Presbyterian University.
Job Titles:
- IT & ADMIN
- Officer - IT and Admin
After completing his Bachelor's degree in Information Technology from Jomo Kenyatta University, Geoffrey worked in the financial, inspection-verification and tourism industries over the years as an office administrator contributing to development of best practice, procedures and policies in IT support and delivery. An ardent sports enthusiast, ranging from football to motorsports. "Be kind, Be honest, Stay humble, & never stop learning"
Job Titles:
- Program Assistant
- Program Assistant - Action for Life Skills and Values in East Africa ( ALiVE )
Gloria is a committed Program Assistant at ALiVE Kenya, bringing expertise in procurement and contract management to her role. Her responsibilities span diverse facets, including orchestrating program activities and events, fostering seamless communication and coordination among team members, and meticulously managing project data and reports. Her effectiveness lies in her collaborative spirit, adept communication skills, and a receptive attitude toward diverse perspectives. Guided by core values of honesty, accountability, and respect, Gloria passionately champions these principles in all facets of her work, ensuring a thriving and cohesive program environment
Irene's key responsibility in CEP is program administration, planning, and field research. Before joining Zizi Afrique, Irene trained, coached, and mentored teachers under the Girls Education Challenge (GEC) program and Daraja Civic Initiative. She is devoted to children's education and believes that instilling values and giving the right foundation in education is key to making responsible and ethical citizens. She holds a master's degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Nairobi.
Job Titles:
- PROGRAM OFFICER
- Program Officer - Innovations
James is responsible for coordinating administrative tasks for the Accelerated Learning Program. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Education Science from Pwani University. He has previously worked at eMobilis as a Google Digital Skills Trainer. James is passionate about transforming the lives of the young generation. He mentors with Wings to Fly and has volunteered in community activities supporting healthy livelihoods. James has a firm belief that the only way to have a better future for marginalized communities is through improving access to better education. "Little efforts matter."
Job Titles:
- Program Officer - Evidence Use
- Program Officer - Knowledge & Innovation Exchange ( KIX )
Karen is responsible for coordinating administrative tasks of the ALiVE program. She is an education research enthusiast. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Statistics from the University of Nairobi. Karen strongly believes that every child is entitled to education and should have an opportunity to read, learn and go through schooling effortlessly. She has volunteered in community projects especially those involving children in Meru. Karen enjoys the great company of children.
Job Titles:
- COUNTRY COORDINATOR - REGIONAL EDUCATION LEARNING INITIATIVE ( RELI )
- Senior Manager - RELI
Margaret coordinates the Regional Education Learning Initiative (RELI) by facilitating optimal performance, strengthening membership and linking members through their work, supporting thematic groups in learning, and ensuring that RELI Kenya performs efficiently to achieve learning for the children furthest left behind. Margaret has over 8 years' project management experience and brings to the organization proven capacity to conceptualize and manage issue-based alliances, provide strategic direction in campaigns and project leadership, and catalyze action across key institutions, affected and interested communities in education. She holds an M.A in International Relations from the United States International University. Margaret is passionate about Human Rights and creating impactful change for marginalized children to be able to access quality education and an equal opportunity at a better life in future.
Job Titles:
- DIRECTOR of RESEARCH
- Director - Research
Maurice Mutisya is the Director of Research at Zizi Afrique Foundation. He will deputize the Executive Director on matters of research and evidence, head the Research and Evidence Pillar, manage all data in the organization and coordinate all evidence sharing products and efforts. He is joining Zizi after an outstanding 15-years' career at the African Population & Health Research Centre (APHRC), where he lately served as an associate research scientist, responsible for project management, budgeting and leadership, fundraising, and policy analysis in the field of education and health. Besides, he led the urban education and early childhood development and education initiatives - with a focus on marginalized populations including the urban poor and the pastoralists. Maurice holds a PhD in Public Health from the University of Witwatersrand, South Africa, an MSc. in Population-based Field Epidemiology from the same university and a BSc. in Mathematics and Computer Science from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya.
Job Titles:
- MEMBER of the BOARD
- Finance & Strategy Director at Mitchell Cotts Freight Kenya Limited
We welcome Michael to the Board of Zizi Afrique. Michael is the Finance & Strategy Director at Mitchell Cotts Freight Kenya Limited. He has 25 years' experience in corporate finance and strategy, accounting function management, business performance management and reporting, procurement, business development, operations management and investor relations, cutting across different industries. Prior to joining Mitchell Cotts, Michael worked with the East African Breweries Limited, and served many roles including Group Strategy & Planning Manager, Group Procurement Support Services Manager, International Business Development and Operations. Prior to this, he worked as senior Manager at both PricewaterhouseCoopers and Deloitte Consulting. Michael holds a Masters of Business and Administration (MBA) in Accounting and Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) from the University of Nairobi. Michael is a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) and has served as a member of the Finance and Strategy Committee of the Institute. Over the last decade, Michael has chaired both the Alumni Association of St Charles Lwanga (since 2007) and the Board of Management at Muthale Girls (2009-2019), both in Kitui. Michael will cap his contribution to education at Zizi Afrique, strengthening institutional accountability, so that every child and young person in Kenya can learn, and thrive.
Nelly is responsible for the daily accounting activities, management reporting and sub-grants management. She has in-depth knowledge in finance operations with experience in the implementation of financial management systems, writing policies and procedures and implementation of sound internal controls. Before joining ZAF, she worked with Facts Kenya as a finance officer. She also worked as a budget and financial management service Intern with United nations office Nairobi. Nelly has a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from Multimedia University and is currently working for her MCOM at Strathmore Business School. She is a certified public accountant as well.
Job Titles:
- MEMBER of the BOARD
- Professor at Kenyatta University
Prof. Sifuna is a full Professor at Kenyatta University. Sifuna is a self-accomplished scholar, and one of the most celebrated academics in Kenya's education. He has mentored a layer of generations in education. His area of philosophy in education provides a critical view to life. As someone referred to him, ‘Prof Sifuna is a walking directory of the historical evolution of Kenya's education since independence'.
Purity is responsible for undertaking and delivering a wide range of research projects. Prior to joining Zizi Afrique Foundation, she was a Mathematics lecturer at the Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Strathmore University. She holds a Ph.D. in Biomathematics from Strathmore University, Kenya. Purity is passionate about Girls/women empowerment and is keen on seeing more girls and women pursuing STEM careers. In her free time, Purity runs a high school mentorship programme aimed at demystifying mathematics and inspiring girls to embrace STEM courses.
Purity is a seasoned lawyer and advocate of the high court. She is the Proprietor of the P. K. Mbabu & Company Advocates and a member of the Law Society of Kenya. Despite her profession in Law, Purity has been at the forefront of education reform in Kenya. She is serving her second term as member of council at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development Council (KICD), and has made various contributions to education reform in Kenya. She is sober and critical, and a passionate supporter of organizational development and good governance.
Job Titles:
- DIRECTOR of PROGRAMS
- Director - Innovations for Practice
Virginia is in charge of planning, budget management and program reporting. (Previously), she led monitoring, evaluation and learning at Women Educational Researchers of Kenya (WERK). At Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) Nepal, she mentored, coached and tutored teachers in literacy and numeracy instruction. Virginia has over 10 years' experience in teacher training and holds a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. She is currently pursuing her master's degree in Business Administration (Project Management) at Kenyatta University.
Job Titles:
- ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
- Officer - Administration
Virginia provides program administrative support and assistance for the TVET programs. Prior to joining Zizi Afrique, she was the procurement and admin assistant at Girl Child Network. Virginia is passionate about delivering the highest level of executive administrative support. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Purchasing and Supplies Management from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. Virginia also holds a Diploma in procurement and supplies management (CIPS level 4 & 5).
Job Titles:
- Senior Program Officer - MELS
Walter is passionate about youth participation for change. At Ujana360, he is the key connection to the Vocational Training Centres on developing the Whole Youth Development models. He also manages the Program's social media platforms, engaging youth and sharing information on TVET. Previously, he worked and volunteered with several organizations that focus on youth development, governance and improving livelihoods within Kenya. Walter holds a Bachelors degree in Business Management from Moi University.
Job Titles:
- REASEARCH and GOVERNANCE OFFICER
- Senior Officer - Governance
Winrose is in charge of research and governance, coordinating functions of the Board and providing research support to the Executive Director as well conducting online search for funding opportunities, qualify and pursuing quality funding prospects. Previously, she taught at Zetech university as a graduate assistant. She recently completed her master's degree in Business Administration, specializing in strategic management. She holds a bachelor's degree in Education (Mathematics and Business Studies) with over 5 years' experience in teaching, mentorship, and research.