NRF - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Innovation and Technology Leader
Andrew Masila is an innovation and technology Leader with expertise and over 17+ Years experience in Digital Ecosystems and Technologies at a global scale.
Job Titles:
- Forensics Investigator and Trainer
Job Titles:
- Head of Software and Data Engineering, SunCulture
Dan Handel Owuor is a dynamic and results-oriented professional with a strong focus on software engineering and data-driven solutions. Armed with a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Statistics from the University of Nairobi and currently pursuing a Master of Science in Information Systems Security at Strathmore University, Dan is driven by a passion for leveraging technology to drive organizational growth and innovation.
His career journey has been marked by impactful roles such as Head of Software & Data Engineering at SunCulture Limited and Lead Data Engineer at Twiga Foods Limited, where he led transformative projects in software development and data engineering. Dan's expertise lies in building and deploying scalable application solutions across various technology stacks including SQL, JavaScript, Python, and Google App Script. He has a keen eye for detail and a knack for problem-solving, evident in his ability to design and implement robust data pipelines and infrastructure solutions.
Dan's commitment to excellence is further highlighted through his proficiency in cloud infrastructure management across major platforms like AWS, GCP, Azure, and Alibaba Cloud. His role as a strategic leader in software and data engineering has seen him spearhead initiatives such as IoT data infrastructure rework, development of customer-facing applications, and implementation of advanced analytics solutions, driving measurable business outcomes.
In addition to his technical prowess, Dan possesses a strong foundation in finance and financial planning and analysis, providing him with a holistic understanding of business dynamics. He thrives in collaborative environments and is known for his effective communication skills and ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable insights for stakeholders.
A lifelong learner, Dan continually seeks to expand his knowledge and skills through ongoing online courses and professional development opportunities. With a keen interest in computer programming, Dan brings a blend of expertise, innovation, and enthusiasm to the forefront of any software engineering endeavor.
Job Titles:
- Deputy Director, Fund Management
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the IEEE Women
- Information Systems / ICT4D Senior Researcher
Dr. Njeri Ngaruiya Ng'ang'a, a distinguished Ph.D. holder in Information Systems from the University of Nairobi, is a seasoned researcher, educator, and consultant with a keen focus on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for development and sustainability. Her academic journey includes earning an MSc in Computer Science from the same institution, where she delved into the applications of data mining in healthcare.
Currently serving as a Faculty Lecturer at Strathmore University , Dr. Ngaruiya brings a wealth of experience to her role, which involves lecturing, supervising postgraduate and undergraduate students, and conducting research in ICT for Development (ICT4D).
Dr. Ngaruiya's expertise extends to consultancy, where she has been actively engaged as an ICT4D senior researcher. Her consultancy work focuses on developing sustainable solutions and models in the Information Systems domain, aligning with her objective of revolutionizing communities through technological interventions.
Passionate about mentorship and empowerment, Dr. Ngaruiya serves as the Chair of the IEEE Women in Engineering - Kenya Section, where she plays a pivotal role in inspiring and engaging young professionals, particularly women, in STEAM-related areas. Her dedication to diversity and inclusion is further reflected in her memberships in professional organizations like the Association of Computer Machinery (ACM) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Dr. Ngaruiya's contributions to academia are evident through her publications and academic presentations in reputable conferences and journals, addressing critical topics such as the domestication of AI, community networks in Kenya, and psychosocial variables in interactive mobile interfaces for geriatric persons. Her research not only advances knowledge but also offers practical insights for societal impact.
Professionally, Esther has over 14 years' experience as an ICT for Development (ICT4D) Consultant providing consulting services to national, regional and international organisations. She coordinates the Africa Food Safety Initiative (AFSI), a program working with the East Africa Community (EAC) to enhance intra-regional trade. AFSI is funded by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the University of Missouri. Prior to joining the private sector, Esther worked with USAID for 18 years as Regional ICT Specialist.
She is the current 2022-2024 Chairperson of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) - Kenya Section, former Vice-Chair (2020-2021), former Secretary for IEEE (2017-2019) and former Chairperson (2018-2020) of IEEE-Women In Engineering (WIE). Esther also sits in the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) Gender & Youth sub-sector board.
Driven by a passion to provide mentorship, coaching, empowerment and motivation to youth and women to reach their full potential and seize opportunities, Esther founded and is the CEO of eMentoring Africa, a social enterprise based in Kenya. She is also the founder of the Work Experience and Mentorship Academy (WEMA) a company that offers an emersion program bridging the gap between academia and industry. At WEMA, graduate youth go through a one-year blended learn-work-earn program while being mentored and coached by seasoned professionals. Esther has provided thought leadership in the development of numerous mentoring programs and facilitated transformational and servant leadership trainings, business mentoring, and linkages to a cross-section of youth aged 13 to 35 years. Esther was a founding Advisory Council member of the Presidential Digital Talent Program (PDTP) under the Ministry of ICT where she developed the Mentorship Guide for PDTP and continues to train and support the mentors and mentees in the program.
She holds a Global Executive MBA and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Systems and Technology from United States International University (USIU), Kenya. She is a certified eLearning in Practice (Design, Development, Management, and Tutoring) Expert with InWent, Germany; and a certified Mentor & Mentoring Program Manager with Mentoring University (USA - online). Esther is also a winner of the "Goldman Sachs 10000 Women Entrepreneur Program" scholarship offered by the USIU in 2010. She is a fellow in the Rockefeller Global Fellowship Program for Social Innovation 2015-2016 and pursuing the global Women Leaders of the World (WLW) Fellowship 2021-2022.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Enovise Group
Gilbert is the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Enovise Group , an Award winning and Leading Global cybersecurity consultancy firm with operations spread across Africa and the UK.
He is also the Founder and CEO of Africa Cyber Defense Forum, a continental platform for public-private cooperation in cyber security and cyber defense policies and agendas in Africa. He is a Senior Advisor on African affairs at the Centre for Strategic Cyberspace + International Studies (London, UK).
Gilbert is a seasoned cyber security professional with vast experience providing cybersecurity advisory services and custom designed solutions to financial institutions, Law enforcement, governments and military agencies in Africa and other parts of the world. He has contributed significantly to high level discussions and conferences on cybersecurity and global affairs, including speaking at Raisina Dialogue 2021 (New Delhi, India), ORF Cyfy 2021(New Delhi, India), Kigali Global Dialogue 2022 ( Kigali, Rwanda), GITEX Africa 2023, ( Marrakesh, Morocco), CyberPeace Summit 2023 (New Delhi, India),
Mr. Walubengo holds an MSc in Strategic Business IT (University of Portsmouth) and a BSc in Mathematics (Kenyatta University). He holds several industry certifications including the CDPSE, (Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer) CCNA (Certified Cisco Network Associate) and the CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) certification. His area of specialisation is in ICT Governance, Security, Policy & Strategy.
He has over 20 years experience in the ICT Training and Consulting. His work experience included working for the Strathmore University as the IT Course Director and as the founding Dean, Faculty of Computing at the Multimedia University. He is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Nairobi and continues to provide Consultancy services to Government and other organisations.
Most recently (Sept 2023), he was appointed a member of the National ICT Working Group overseeing strategic reforms in the ICT sector. He Chairs the sub-group looking at Emerging Technologies that include AI, Blockchain, 5G amongst others. Before that, (2018), he was a member of the National TaskForce on Blockchain & Artificial Intelligence as well as the Data Protection Taskforce respectively.
Lawrence Muchilwa is a distinguished cybersecurity thought leader boasting nearly a decade of experience steering organizations and teams through transformative information security programs and strategies. His extensive expertise spans digital forensics, the establishment of national Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERT), risk and compliance management, Cybersecurity Operations Centers (CSOCs), and incident response. He has worked with leading organizations in the continent and globally in various capacities to help build a secure internet. He currently serves as the Africa Regional Liasion for the Forum of Incident Responders and Security Teams (FIRST). He sits on the management board of the Open University of Kenya, BSides Nairobi, and the Kenya Cybersecurity and Forensics Association. Beyond his professional endeavors, he is an active contributor to the open-source community, with publications on honeypots to his name. In his spare time, he mentors aspiring professionals in the field builds and scales cybersecurity communities.
Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. Having been actively engaged with cross-cultural, cross-generational and multi-talented groups during my military service, I'm convinced that the future of our Nation lies in the hands of the youth because of their ability to explore, innovate and create. I believe in servant leadership, team building, problem solving and service to the Nation. I am a Certified Ethical Hacker, Forensics Investigator and trainer in Cyber Security, Forensics and Computer Networks. Currently, I'm a lecturer at KCA University. In addition, I have also taught at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and USIU-Africa for the last 20 years. I'm in the research phase of my PhD in Information Technology at JKUAT, focusing on Insider Fraud in Banks and Financial Institutions. I have MSc in Information Systems from the University of Sunderland and BSc. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Nairobi. I have served as an officer of the Kenya Defence Forces for thirteen years in the Kenya Army Corps of Signals (KACS), where I was at the forefront of deployment, configuration, maintenance and repair of Telecommunication systems including Satellite communication, Tactical Mobile Communication Networks, Microwave Systems, RF, VHF and UHF radios, among others. I was also part of the team that spearheaded the automation of the KDF. I took early retirement and became the lead consultant and trainer in Kenya for Elbitt Communications, an Israeli firm specializing in manufacture and supply of military communications equipment. I was an active member of IEEE Kenyan Chapter, engaging in planning and execution Innovation competitions and mentoring the participants post-the competition periods for several years. I'm actively engaged in the activities of the Kenya Cyber Security and Forensics Association (KCSFA). I constantly explore new frontiers in Cyber Security and Forensics with a vision of creating Cyber Warriors for defence of the Kenyan Critical Infrastructures. I have been actively involved in preparing and mentoring students for participation in CTF competitions and hackathons. Lastly, I believe that with teamwork, persistence, patriotism and consistent engagement of the youth, we can explore new territories, innovate and make our country a better and safer place to live where everyone's contribution counts and is appreciated.
Mbugua is an entrepreneur with over two decades experience in the technology industry, possessing unique insight that marries technology to the marketplace. He began his journey during the Web 1.0 era at the prominent webshop 3 Mice Interactive Media. As the digital landscape evolved into the era of mobile and Web 2.0, he shifted focus to payments, content, platforms, and digital distribution, contributing his expertise to notable companies such as Cellulant and Symbiotic. His current role is as a venture builder / architect actively identifying opportunities across mobility, telecoms, payments, media, advertising and energy. He is also exploring the potential of Web 3, an exciting realm that embraces themes such as decentralization, blockchain technology, and token-based economics.
Job Titles:
- HSC / Chief Manager - IT Infrastructure, KRA
Mr. Kiptoo holds an MSc in Information Systems and Technology (United States International University-Africa) and a BSc in Software Engineering (Kenyatta University). He holds several industry certifications including the CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), CCNA (Certified Cisco Network Associate), CHFI (Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator) and CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) certification.
He has over 10 years' experience in the field of ICT which include Cyber Security; Data Centre Management; System and Databases; Infrastructure Management, Design and Planning; IT Service Continuity, Capacity Planning, Networking and Service Monitoring.
Mr. Kiptoo is known to be resilient, focused, results oriented and a team player with ability to prioritize and proactively execute tasks in a high-pressure environment and make sound decisions. He has worked in private, Non-governmental organization and public sector which he currently serves as the Chief Manager - IT Infrastructure at Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
Job Titles:
- Deputy Director, Resource Mobilization and Partnerships
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Director
He has over 30 years of experience in entrepreneurship and small and medium enterprises. He has extensively published on entrepreneurship and received awards including Innovative teaching of entrepreneurship and Design of a road safety awareness app called SAFARIWIZ. His YouTube channel Prof. Henry Bwisa carries some of his practical issues and projects in entrepreneurship.
Job Titles:
- CEO and Co - Founder, Abojani Investments.
- CEO at the Helm of Abojani Investment
Robert Ochieng is a highly accomplished CEO at the helm of Abojani Investment, an investment and advisory firm in Kenya.
Possessing a Master's in Business Administration from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Technology from JKUAT, Robert is a seasoned professional with over 14 years of experience in IT, Finance, and leadership.
Robert's career includes key roles at prominent institutions such as Equity Bank, Gulf African Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, and Airtel. His expertise has also been sought after by the National Treasury for consultancy on planning and budgeting systems, showcasing his exceptional knowledge and skills in the field.
Passionate about driving meaningful conversations and collaborations between academia, industry, and the public sector, Robert actively engages in research projects focusing on digital transformation within the financial services sector. With his visionary leadership and strategic insights, Robert Ochieng continues to make a significant impact in the business world.
Job Titles:
- Specialist
- Strategy and Ecosystem Engagement Specialist
Tonya Nyakeya is a forward-thinking specialist in Strategy, Program Management, Partnerships, and Ecosystem Engagement with a proven record in both the public and private sectors. Tonya is passionate about using cutting-edge technology and innovation to drive transformation and make a significant societal impact.
Throughout her career, Tonya has prioritized a citizen/client-first approach, focusing on strategic planning and execution to achieve growth and success. She has extensive experience in creating and nurturing strategic and technical partnerships across various institutions, industries, and geographies. She excels at translating targets into actionable objectives, building stakeholder capacity, and ensuring effective knowledge transfer.
Tonya is known for delivering measurable results within budget and on time, and for her commitment to producing sustainable, transformative outcomes that have a lasting impact.
Job Titles:
- Principal Digital Transformation Leverage Experts GmbH
With over 13 years of experience, Tyrus Kamau is a leading enterprise cybersecurity professional with a proven record of accomplishment of delivering high-impact solutions to clients across diverse industries. Tyrus leverages his deep expertise to guide clients in achieving robust cybersecurity posture and mitigating complex risks while aligning to mandated regulatory and compliance frameworks.