Conference Speakers
Carole Kariuki
CEO, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA)
Carole Kariuki
CEO, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA)
Carole Kariuki holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and Sociology from the University of Nairobi and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Bowling Green State University, Ohio, USA. She has also pursued several professional courses on Stakeholder Management, Leadership and Private Sector Development among others. Carole before joining KEPSA did work briefly for Barclays Bank of Kenya, Nairobi Chapel and Sagamore Institute for Public Policy Research, Indianapolis – Indiana, where she acted as a liaison between Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and the Institute before formally joining KEPSA. She worked for several years at KEPSA before being appointed KEPSA CEO. MsMsariuki is credited for transforming KEPSA from a little-known Business Organisation to one of the most influential Organisations in Kenya and Globally. KEPSA is the Apex body of the private sector in Kenya, galvanizing the private sector through public-private dialogue and influencing the economic and development agenda.
Current Leadership Positions:
- Board Chair: Kenya Vision 2030 Delivery Board, Kenya.
- Board Chair: LPC Global Logistics, Kenya.
- Board Member: The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), Kenya.
- Board Member: Jubilee Health Insurance Limited, Kenya.
- Board Member: EA Cables (East African Cables PLC), Kenya.
- Board Member: USIU-Africa Trustees (United States International University–Africa), Kenya.
- Board Member: GiveDirectly, USA.
- Board Vice Chair: Kiine Secondary School, Kirinyaga County, Kenya.
- Board Member: UN Global Compact Network, Kenya.
- Council Member: NCAJ chaired by the Chief Justice of Kenya (The National Council of Administrative Justice), Kenya.
Katrin Hagemann
EU Deputy Ambassador
Katrin Hagemann
EU Deputy Ambassador
Katrin Hagemann joined the Delegation to Kenya in 2019. A German National, she has worked at the EEAS since its inception in 2011. From 2015-2019, she served as the head of the Political Section of the Delegation to Botswana and SADC. She holds a degree in Astronomy and Physics (Wellesley College), a Master's Degree in Astronomy (Cornell University) and a second Master of Advanced International Studies (University of Vienna/Diplomatic Academy Vienna). She began her career at the German Federal Foreign Office before joining the European Union Council Secretariat in 2006.
Katrin is passionate about the environment. She diligently ensures the EU Green agenda features prominently in the EU-Kenya discussions.
Dr. Chris Kiptoo
PS, Ministry of Environment and Forestry
Dr. Chris Kiptoo
PS, Ministry of Environment and Forestry
Dr. Chris K. Kiptoo, CBS is the Principal Secretary (PS) for the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. He was reassigned to this Ministry by H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta in January 2020. Prior to this new assignment, Dr. Kiptoo was the immediate Principal Secretary, State Department for Trade in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Cooperatives. He held the docket since December 2015.
Dr. Kiptoo has a lot of passion for environmental conservation. He has been leading the efforts to rehabilitate and conserve the Kaptagat Forest ecosystem through the planting of trees in line with the national goal of increasing Kenya’s forest cover to above 10%.
Dr. Kiptoo is a self-motivated and seasoned economist with strong analytical and interpersonal skills and demonstrable managerial and leadership experiences. He holds several qualifications including a Doctor of Philosophy Degree (PhD) in International Macroeconomics Finance Specialization – from the University of Nairobi. He is also an Accredited Fellow of the Macroeconomic & Financial Management Institute of Eastern & Southern Africa (MEFMI), in the field of macroeconomic management. He is also an Associate of Kenya Chartered Institute of Bankers.
Charles Karangwa
Regional Head of Land Systems, IUCN, Africa Region
Charles Karangwa
Regional Head of Land Systems, IUCN, Africa Region
Charles Karangwa is a Regional Head of Land Systems, Covering Forests, Drylands and Sustainable Agriculture at The International Union for Conservation of Nature, Africa Region. He served as Country Representative for Rwanda since January 2016 and was appointed Country representative for Kenya starting 1st of June 2022. Charles has led IUCN Work on Land restoration in Africa as part of the Bonn Challenge and AFR100, he engaged both Government and Non-States actors to bring Africa’s commitments to land restoration up to speed since 2016.
Charles recently joined the COP26 High-Level Champion team as the lead for land restoration in Africa and works to engage the private sector and other Non-State Actors for ambitious climate action to Race to Zero and Race to Resilience by 2050
With more than 18 years of Experience in the interface between sustainable development, conservation and sustainable finance in Africa and South East Asia, Charles focused his work on Climate Change, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, nature-based solutions, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable finance. Prior to joining IUCN, He worked for UNHCR, Oxfam, Care International and Wildlife Conservation Society.
Charles holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the African Leadership University School of Business (ALUSB) with a focus on conservation finance, an MSc. in Poverty Reduction, Policy and Practice with a Focus on Environmental Policies from the University of London (SOAS), and a Bachelor of Development Studies with focus on rural economics.
Karin Boomsma
Director, Sustainable Inclusive Business Kenya
Karin Boomsma
Director, Sustainable Inclusive Business Kenya
Karin perceives businesses as a force for good and circular Economy as a key model for the new systems. Using creativity and innovation to turn climate change and circular economy concepts into relevant business strategies, communication, fruitful partnerships, networks, activities and positive impact. Boosting start-ups and established businesses to rethink their DNA and redesign models into future-proof ones is her key focus.
With a background in Social and Cultural studies, her passion for diversity, behavioural change and youth are big. She is a visionary and a guru in building partnerships. Some of the partners include DGIS, RVO, MAVA Foundation, and others. She has lived and worked in Asia, Europe and Africa.
Sarah Gane
Sustainability Implementation Expert, TheRockGroup
Sarah Gane
Sustainability Implementation Expert, TheRockGroup
With a background in Political Sciences, International Relations and EU Affairs, Sarah has developed her skills in multistakeholder cooperation for sustainability and Human Rights defence along with her engagement as a young professional in international youth networks. As a former president of an international NGO, Sarah is also knowledgeable in civil society organizations’ advocacy and partnership development.
She is a bridge builder, fluently speaks 4 languages and has a keen interest in social innovation strategy. She is now working with TheRockGroup as a sustainability implementation expert, specializing in EU affairs, biodiversity, sustainable value chains and social impact. She advises on EU Green Deal compliance and implementation for private sector companies.
Dr. Ayub Macharia
Director, Environmental Education and Awareness at the Ministry of Environment and Forestry
Dr. Ayub Macharia
Director, Environmental Education and Awareness at the Ministry of Environment and Forestry
Academic qualifications
- PhD in Environmental Education from Rhodes University, South Africa (2004);
- Master of Science (Strategic Leadership) from California Miramar University (2014);
- Masters of Environmental Science (Wetland Ecology) Kenyatta University (1998);
- Bachelor of Education (Botany and Zoology) from Kenyatta University (1994).
Work Experience
- 1994-1996 - Secondary school teacher for Biology and Geography,
- 1997-2003 - Education officer at the National Museums of Kenya;
- 2004-2006 - University Lecturer at Kenyatta University
- 2007 – 2017 – Director Environmental Education at National Environment Management Authority (NEMA)
- 2010-2012 - Acting Director General NEMA.
- 2017-Present – Director Environmental Education and Awareness, Ministry of Environment and Forestry.
Key achievements
- Msc and BSc Programme in Environmental Education for Sustainability at Kenyatta University (2002).
- National Education for Sustainable Development Strategy (2008)
- Establishment of 9 Regional Centres of Expertise accredited by the United Nations University Japan
- National Sustainable Waste Management Policy (2021)
- National Sustainable Waste Management Act (2022)
- National E-waste Strategy 2021
- Draft National Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations 2021.
- Nairobi County Waste Management Action Plan 2021
Responsibilities
- 2018 – present - Chairman of the National PET Plastics Management Committee
- 2020-2022 - Chairman of Project Implementation Committee for 5 projects funded by DANIDA through Green Growth and Employment programme (GGEP).
Representation in Boards
- 2019 – Present - Board member at Pest Control Products Board
- 2013-2016 - Board member of the National Education Board.
- 2015 – Present – Board member African Holy Ghost Christian Church Huruma Branch
- 2010-2012 – Board member Kenya Forest Service
- 2013 – 2017 – Board member National Biosafety Authority
Publications
- Author of 7 peer-reviewed journal papers, 3 books and 5 online Apps on environmental issues and Strategic Leadership.
Publishes on blog: www.mazingirasafi.com
Robert Backlund
Counsellor for Team Europe at the EU Delegation in Nairobi
Robert Backlund
Counsellor for Team Europe at the EU Delegation in Nairobi
Robert Backlund, b. 1972, works as a counsellor for Team Europe at the EU Delegation in Nairobi. He coordinates the Team Europe Initiative on the Green Deal, promoting sustainability and circularity approaches in all sectors. He has previously worked in the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, coordinating EU policy for Africa. At the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, he has worked on governance, public financial management and civil society cooperation in Mozambique, Liberia and the Western Balkans. Robert holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of Södertörn in Sweden, along with studies in Ethnology and Law.
Juliani
Hip-hop Artist and SIB-K’s Sustainability Ambassador
Juliani
Hip-hop Artist and SIB-K’s Sustainability Ambassador
Juliani is an award-winning renowned hip-hop artist, entrepreneur, ambassador, and speaker. He believes in the innate ability of every person to find their own solution. He enables that magic to happen, through art.
Sonia Orwa
General Manager, Mr. Green Africa
Sonia Orwa
General Manager, Mr. Green Africa
Prior to joining Mr. Green Africa, Sonia founded and led a strategic CSR advisory firm in Kenya. Obama Foundation Africa Leader (2019). Sonia started as Mr. Green’s Chief People Officer and now serves as the General Manager of Kenya Operations.
Faith Ngige
Public Private Dialogue Officer of Devolution, KEPSA
Faith Ngige
Public Private Dialogue Officer of Devolution, KEPSA
Faith Ngige is a Governance and Strategic Management Specialist with experience in the private sector of over 15 years. Her professional and educational backgrounincludees; a Master’s in Business Administration (Strategic Management), a Post Graduate Diploma in Green and Circular Economy Governance Dynamics, a Diploma in Project Management and a Bachelor of Education Arts in Business Studies. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Leadership and Governance at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture (JKUAT).
Currently, the Public Private Dialogue Officer - Devolution at the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) Faith provides critical policy support and environmental expertise and is the key liaison person between the private sector and government organs on devolution matters. She also coordinates the Devolution and Planning and the Gender Development Sector Boards.
Miriam Chepchumba Bomett
Deputy Head, Policy, Research and Advocacy, Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM)
Miriam Chepchumba Bomett
Deputy Head, Policy, Research and Advocacy, Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM)
Miriam oversees the manufacturing sector operations at the Association, including regulatory and legal advocacy. She has extensive experience in public policy, advocacy, regulatory governance, and research in Kenya and within the African region. She sits on national public structures on trade and tax on behalf of the private sector.
Miriam has been leading manufacturers’ initiatives on the circular economy and extended producer responsibility scheme including the establishment of the producer responsibility organization, and the legislative frameworks on the same in the country. She also has extensive experience in promoting social and human rights.
Alex Kubasu
Circular Economy Initiative Lead, WWF-Kenya
Alex Kubasu
Circular Economy Initiative Lead, WWF-Kenya
Alex is currently managing 3 projects in Coastal Kenya whose interconnected goals are to improve the plastic recycling value chain, ensure plastic material remains in the economy and not wreak havoc in the environment while creating decent jobs by working with government, private sector and community members.
He is a DANIDA Fellow, having completed a course on Environmental Governance at the Local Level at Aarhus University, Denmark. Alex holds an
MA Communication Studies - Development Communication – from the University of Nairobi; Executive Education in Circular Economy and Sustainability Strategies from the Cambridge Judge Business School; Certificate in Going Circular, EPR Guide from WWF Academy; and a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Biotechnology (Hons) from the University of Nairobi. He is also a PhD prospect.
Alex is a Board Member at Health and Environment Research Institute, Ukunda and the Vice Chairman, The Mombasa Plastic Waste Management Technical Working Group.
‘Waste is a resource in the wrong place. I believe in human ingenuity; it got us into this crisis. We have the brains and technology to help us imagine and achieve a circular world without waste.’
When not on official duty, Alex loves to sing!
Claire van Enk
Founder & CEO, Farm to Feed
Claire van Enk
Founder & CEO, Farm to Feed
Raised in Kenya with Dutch heritage, Claire van Enk has a background in Engineering and previous international work experience in strategy and operations. She is the founder and CEO of Farm to Feed, a tech-enabled solution that creates a market for surplus and imperfect produce.
Farm to Feed has successfully developed a solution to food loss where the need is immense: in sub-Saharan Africa, 50% of vegetables and fruit never reach the consumer while a huge portion of the population faces food insecurity. Farm to Feed facilitates necessary market linkages to a) boost farmers’ incomes by creating a market for their imperfect/surplus produce b) assist customers/consumers access more affordable good nutrition and c) reduce GHG emissions and avoid wastage of valuable resources. Farm to Feed is launching East Africa's first online marketplace trading imperfect and surplus produce at scale - this will offer more market solutions to farmers as well as tackle the detrimental social and environmental of food loss.
Nadia Ashraf
ECDPM Policy Officer
Nadia Ashraf
ECDPM Policy Officer
Nadia Ashraf is a policy officer in ECDPM's economic recovery and transformation, climate action and green transition teams. Her work focuses on the greening of value chains, in particular the external implications of the circular economy transition in the EU and its member states. Before joining ECDPM, Nadia worked at the Prime Minister’s Office in Pakistan monitoring and facilitating renewable energy projects. Nadia holds a master's degree in public policy from King’s College London.
Mr. Mohamed Jibril Omar
CEO – OFGEN Africa
Mr. Mohamed Jibril Omar
CEO – OFGEN Africa
Mr. Mohamed Jibril Omar is a renewable energy pioneer in Kenya, with over ten years of experience in the photovoltaic industry. He has a strong focus and expertise in strategy development and investment support. He has extensive executive-level experience in operations, sales and marketing, business management, and regional distribution, as well as a track record of leading organizations to sustained growth. Year after year, his exceptional business acumen and strategic planning abilities have resulted in increased profitability and margins. He is the current CEO at OFGEN, an Africa-focused Distributed Renewable Energy company with its Head Office in Nairobi, Kenya with regional offices across the region.
The company has been in operation since 2014 with a market focus on the Commercial and Industrial Sector (C&I). The company supports its clients with their energy efficiency effort while at the same time working with them to develop onsite captive solar power plants. OFGEN is a growing medium-size company, with a base capitalization of USD 5.1 million, USD 6.1 million of captive solar PPA assets under management, and 9.2MWp of Solar PV + 10.3MWh of battery storage (the largest C&I installation in Africa) under management. We have a further 15 MWp at various stages of development across Africa. Jibril, in addition to being an entrepreneur, enjoys off-road driving and camping in remote locations across Africa, as well as golfing.
Simone Andersson
Chief Commercial Officer, WEEE Centre
Simone Andersson
Chief Commercial Officer, WEEE Centre
Simone Andersson is the Chief Commercial Officer at WEEE Centre, a Kenyan social enterprise, expanding safe e-waste management and circular solutions across East Africa, since 2012.
WEEE Centre is a social enterprise with a mission to provide a green and safe environment through a circular vision for e-waste management – design and policy dialogues, collection, reuse and material recovery of electrical and electronic waste. In 2012, it sprung out of the NGO Computers for Schools Kenya, after some years of creating a take-back scheme from beneficiary Learning Institutions.
The company is ISO-certified for 9001 (quality) and 14001 (environment) and runs environment-friendly operations with a focus on people, the planet and prosperity through the involvement of youth to improve their social and economic circumstances. The aim is to expand the collection infrastructure to cover all Kenyan Counties and to increase local recycling by bringing more advanced technologies and also open entities in other African countries, starting with neighbouring Uganda and Tanzania.
To tackle issues regarding the lack of start-up and innovation support, as well as insufficient research and development infrastructure related to the Circular Economy in Kenya, WEEE Centre founded the Circular Innovation Hub (CIH) in September 2021. It highlights and supports solutions to Circular Economy problems through innovation, training, awareness creation and research & development. The CIH seeks to be the one-stop-shop where businesses, academia, entrepreneurs, authorities and investors can tackle common problems and find joint opportunities in the emerging Green/Clean Tech Industry.
With a BSc in Environment and Health, she has +19 years of experience in communication and sustainability action around waste and water management. Previously, at RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden), she led innovative developmental projects on resource efficiency, circular economy systems, traceability, precious materials and various solid and liquid waste in society.
Her mission is to push the development of society positively forward by creating awareness about the possibilities and prosperity that lie in Green Business and Clean Tech. She takes pride in being an enabler and communicator – creating awareness, finding constructive collaborations and inspiring action for holistic structures.
Dr Ehud Gachugu
Project Director, Ajira Digital Program (KEPSA)
Dr Ehud Gachugu
Project Director, Ajira Digital Program (KEPSA)
Dr Ehud Gachugu is an expert on Youth Employment and Skills Development with over 20 years of professional and technical experience in youth employment programs in Kenya and abroad. He is currently, the Project Director of the Ajira Digital Program at Kenya Private Sector Alliance, a Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs project that is funded by Mastercard Foundation.
Dr Ehud also provided technical oversight of KEPSA’s youth employment work that spans areas like digital economy, TVET Development, Entrepreneurship, labour intermediation services, and embedded research and extension.
Prior to this Ehud worked for a USAID Kenya Youth Employment and Skills Project implemented by Research Triangle Institute, and the World Bank Kenya Youth Empowerment project implemented by KEPSA. He also worked as an Executive Director of Eastleigh Community Centre which is an NGO that supports livelihood development and job creation for youth in Nairobi. He holds a PhD in Business Administration from the University of Nairobi.
Peter van Leent
Sustainability Manager at Biobest Group
Peter van Leent
Sustainability Manager at Biobest Group
Peter is the Sustainability manager at Biobest Group. During his studies, he worked for several research institutes and projects as a Tropical Marine Biologist: corals and sponges for NIOZ Texel on Curacao, Seagrass and turtle grazing in Indonesia, coral symbiosis in New Zealand and for Stanford University. Coming back to Europe, he had a strong desire to apply his knowledge of sustainability and started working in CO2- management and sustainability strategy for Visser & Smit Hanab in the oil & gas industry. He was quickly hired by the group (VolkerWessels) to handle CSR reporting and started working as a consultant for Primum (also under VolkerWessels). Here, he led a team of 15 advisors working on energy & CO2 and other topics such as biodiversity, climate adaptation, social return and mostly on the circular economy. In the last three months, Peter applied his knowledge as a sustainability specialist for DEME Group in Zwijndrecht.
With enthusiasm and broad experience, he likes to help projects and organizations to come to a meaningful sustainability strategy, fitting their core business and company mission; and roadmap supporting tangible measures and concrete actions, leading to the sustainable development of the business, our planet and our quality of life.
Talash Huijbers
Founder and C.E.O of InsectiPro
Talash Huijbers
Founder and C.E.O of InsectiPro
Talash Huijbers is the Founder and C.E.O of InsectiPro, a forward-thinking startup engaged in providing food security solutions in Africa through the use of Insects for food and feed. She specialized in International Food and Agribusiness and is responsible for educating stakeholders and communities on alternative protein sources in Africa as a viable business and sustainable circular model of ensuring food security.
Talash is a powerful force in the workplace and uses her positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed. She is inspired daily by her youthful team to break ceilings and think innovatively for the future.
Janet Chemitei
Threading Change Africa Regional Coordinator
Janet Chemitei
Threading Change Africa Regional Coordinator
Chemitei is an Environmental Planning and Management graduate with a passion for sustainable fashion and landscape restoration. She is a climate and social justice activist from Kenya, and also advocates for mental health and body positivity. Her interest in fashion started when she was young watching runway shows and design competitions. Chemitei's commitment to sustainability began in 2017 when she watched the True Cost movie and even went ahead to contest for Miss Environment in her home county Elgeyo Marakwet and won.
She expresses her love for fashion and the environment through actively volunteering in environmental organizations such as Greenpeace and GLFx Nairobi, and learning how she can impact change in her community. She incorporates her love for crochet in upcycling projects and loves storytelling through writing.
Jaswinder (Jas) Bedi, EBS, MBS
Chairman - Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency
Jaswinder (Jas) Bedi, EBS, MBS
Chairman - Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency
Jas is a textile graduate (1984) and has attended numerous executive business courses at Harvard Business School, IMD and IIM. His business acumen has been recognized by the Government of Kenya whereby HE President Mwai Kibaki decorated Jas with a medal, Moran of the Burning Spear (MBS) in 2012. Further in 2016 Jas was nominated as a finalist in the Africa CEO forum awards and subsequently awarded Sikh CEO of the year. Thereafter in 2017, HE President Uhuru Kenyatta decorated Jas with a medal, Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS).
Jas is currently the:
- Chairman of Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA).
- Board Member of Industrial & Commercial Development Corporation (ICDC) & Chair of the logistics masterplan of KTLN in the coordination of KPC, KPA & KRC.
- Vice Chairman of Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA).
- Vice Chairman of East African Business Council (EABC).
- Managing Director of Bedi Investments Limited.
- Executive Director of Fine Spinners Uganda Limited.
- Member of Young Presidents Organization (YPO).
- Member of the UNDP African Influencers for Development Super Group.
Jas has previously served as:
- Chairman, African Cotton & Textile Industries Federation (ACTIF) 2005-2019.
- Chairman, Export Promotion Council (EPC) 2016-2019.
- President of the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) 2016-2018.
- Chairman, Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) 2010 -2012.
- Director, Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) 1996 -2010
- Chairman, Kenya Apparel Manufacturers Exporters Association 2003 -2010.
- Director, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) 2018 -2021.
- Governor, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) 2010 -2015.
- Vice Chairman, East African Business Council (EABC) 2012 –2014.
- Managing Director, Orbit Chemicals Industries Limited 2003 –2005.
- Director, Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) 2006 –2012.
- Director, Export Promotion Council (EPC) 2003 -2006.
- Board member of the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) 1996 -1998.
Jas has been tirelessly involved in developing export market opportunities, particularly in trading bocks such as EAC, COMESA, SADC, AfCTA, USA and the European Union. Besides lobbying in the aforementioned trading blocs, Jas continues to open new markets for Kenyan exports such as China to help diversify Kenya’s export basket with a clear vision of Brand Kenya, Export Kenyan & Build Kenya.
De Kock, Lorren
Project Manager for the Circular Plastics Economy Programme at WWF South Africa
De Kock, Lorren
Project Manager for the Circular Plastics Economy Programme at WWF South Africa
Lorren is the project manager for the Circular Plastics Economy programme at WWF South Africa. This programme takes a systemic view, with a focus on industry and government, to transition the currently wasteful linear plastics system to a circular economy with environmental as well as socio-economic benefits. Lorren has contributed to setting up a collective platform – the SA Plastics Pact, has conducted research with partners and is working on various projects in the national and regional policy space to accelerate the required shift.
She has a background in Industrial and Systems engineering with over 20 years of experience in the private and NGO sector and a Masters’s degree in Environmental engineering specialising in Life Cycle Assessment from the University of Cape Town.
Brian Kihindas
Founder & Proprietor at Nairobi Fashion Week
Brian Kihindas
Founder & Proprietor at Nairobi Fashion Week
Skilled Fashion Consultant with 12 years of career experience in event management, not-for-profit set-up within the fashion value chain, and a legal consultant on intellectual property and copyright law matters. A co-founder and Director and Kenya Fashion Council {KFCO} and currently seating on the KFCO board as Head of Trade and International Relations. A founder and proprietor at Nairobi Fashion Week and Creative Director of Dynamic Race Limited, a fashion PR {Public Relations} and Events Consulting agency. I consider myself a progressive and forward-thinking fashion enthusiast.
Bettina Heller
Programme Officer, UNEP, Consumption and Production unit
Bettina Heller
Programme Officer, UNEP, Consumption and Production unit
Bettina is a Programme Officer in the United Nations Environment Programme’s Consumption and Production unit, where she coordinates the work on sustainability and circularity in the textile value chain. She also leads the portfolio on eco-innovation (sustainable business model innovation). In this context, Bettina coordinates the eco-innovation components of the EU-funded InTex project, which supports textile SMEs in Kenya. Before joining UNEP, Bettina worked in the area of the green industry at UNIDO. Bettina holds an M.A. in Global Studies.
Dr Linda Davis
Founder and CEO of Giraffe Bioenergy
Dr Linda Davis
Founder and CEO of Giraffe Bioenergy
Dr Linda Davis is the Founder and CEO of Giraffe Bioenergy, an organization catalysing rural bioeconomies producing food and clean, safe and affordable cooking fuel in Kenya. She has over 15 years of extensive experience in senior-level positions within the renewable energy sector, including cassava ethanol and solar energy production systems.
Dr Davis led the Partnership on Women’s Entrepreneurship in Renewables (wPOWER), a US Department of State initiative that promoted the central role of women in clean energy entrepreneurship across 18 countries. Dr Davis earned her undergraduate degree in Food Science and Technology at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology in Kenya. She completed her PhD in Microbiology and Biotechnology at the University of Western Sydney. She also holds certificates in Project Management, Finance and Accounting.
Johnson Mwakazi
Media Consultant
Johnson Mwakazi
Media Consultant
Mr. Mwakazi is a Renowned Media Consultant and Practitioner with over 15 years of experience, having worked in Radio, Magazine and Television production. He is fondly remembered for his work with Kenya’s leading TV Station – Citizen TV as a News Anchor and Station Voice.
Mr. Mwakazi is also a Seasoned Global Conference Moderator engaging both government and corporate firms. He has hosted both Presidential and Diplomatic events in Kenya and around the world. With his outstanding experience, as Director of The Royal Voice International, Mr. Mwakazi is engaged in media training and personal development, having worked with The Aga Khan Foundation, UN Women, Caux Initiatives of Change Switzerland and RUFORUM.
In light of his background, Mr. Mwakazi endeavours to support community-based development projects. He has a passion for sustainable development, seeking to inspire the youth to be part of creating ‘The Africa We Want’, as envisioned in The African Union’s goal, ‘Agenda 2063’
Ludovica d’Andria di Montelungo
Artisan Fashion, Nairobi
Ludovica d’Andria di Montelungo
Artisan Fashion, Nairobi
Ludovica grew up in Italy and graduated in Economics and Business Management in Milan, pursuing from the beginning a career in fashion. She spent 10 years working and travelling between Milan, Paris, New York and London leading multiple projects ranging from Design, Merchandising and Sales to Planning and Operations. She decided to move to Kenya in 2021 to combine her work experience with her passion for sustainable development, and she currently works as a strategist for a social and ethical fashion brand in Nairobi.
She also consults for start-ups across Africa and she is a visiting lecturer at the Politecnico di Milano University, teaching how fashion can be used to accelerate economic development in emerging countries whilst generating social and environmental impact: using fashion as a source of good.
Andrew Amadi
CEO of the Kenya Renewable Energy Association
Andrew Amadi
CEO of the Kenya Renewable Energy Association
Andrew Amadi is a chemical engineer by training and has worked in the energy sector for over 24 years. In this period, he has been able to engage with all types of renewable energy as well as having worked in the petroleum sector. Since 2007, he has been on the front line in the response to climate change. His personal and professional commitment is aligned with achieving resilience and prosperity in the face of climate change. The way he has gone about this is by dedicating himself towards finding renewable and energy-efficiency solutions in Africa and beyond.
He has achieved this by working exclusively in the environment, renewable energy and energy efficiency-related sectors since 2007 including carrying out energy audits, being able to set up an Energy Service Company (ESCOs), and taking part in the development and implementation of energy efficiency projects. He was instrumental in setting up the Association of Energy Professionals Eastern Africa and has actively participated in the development of sustainable energy policy for public and private sector organizations.
He was part of the team that developed guidelines and policy recommendations for integrating energy efficiency in all Africa Union and European Union Energy Partnership. He has also worked in the water sector and strongly believes that there is an urgency to develop solutions that will make potable water available, reliable and of good quality, especially as the population grows in Africa and the impact of climate change takes effect that will affect the energy, water and food nexus.
As the CEO of the Kenya Renewable Energy Association, he is committed professionally to developing and promoting the use of renewable energy in order to be able to achieve universal access and a growth projection for Africa that is driven entirely by renewable energy.
Akshay Shah
Group Executive Director, SilAfrica
Akshay Shah
Group Executive Director, SilAfrica
Akshay Shah has been deeply involved in sustainable & innovative rigid plastic packaging in East Africa for almost 30 years. Akshay's role in Silafrica.com has evolved over this time and is currently focused on ensuring the plastic packaging sector in Africa moves towards a Recycling & Circular Economy model via a combination of corporate pledges, supported by circular economy-friendly legislative changes and accelerated by innovation across the value chain.
Akshay currently serves as the Group Executive Director of SILAFRICA.com, Board Chair of KEPRO.co.ke, Board Chair of the global YPO Plastics Network, Steering Committee Member of Kenya Plastics Pact, and Member of KAM (Kenya Association of Manufacturers) Environment & Sustainability Committee.
Alex Mucheru
Technical Sales Manager, Dupont Water Solutions – East & West Africa
Alex Mucheru
Technical Sales Manager, Dupont Water Solutions – East & West Africa
Alex currently works with DuPont Water Solutions as a Technical Sales Manager for East and West Africa.
He has over 10 years of experience in the design, assembly, installation and operations support of water and wastewater treatment solutions with a focus on membrane-based technologies i.e. Reverse Osmosis, Ultrafiltration and Membrane Bioreactor (MBR). He worked on numerous projects in water and wastewater treatment in Industrial, commercial and residential markets across Sub-Saharan Africa.
An advocate of the 3Rs in Water (Reuse, Reduce and Recycle) as a path to solving the water Scarcity problem and believes that solving the global water challenges will unlock the achievement of the other United Nations’ SDG goals.
Christine-Ann McCreath
Founder of KikoRomeo
Christine-Ann McCreath
Founder of KikoRomeo
Christine-Ann McCreath is the founder of the fashion heritage brand KikoRomeo. Set up in 1996 in Kenya to stimulate income for women and handcrafting techniques in clothing, she is a pioneer in a sustainable fashion. She has an MA from the University of Edinburgh, a first-class Diploma in Fashion from KOEFIA in Rome and over three decades of experience in the fashion industry.
From 2018 to date, McCreath has been a lead consultant on international fashion development programs. She has written and taught physical and digital fashion curriculums for designers in business In Kenya, Ethiopia, Gambia and Sudan, training over 150 to date. She continues to mentor these designers and foster peer learning through WhatsApp groups, which also promote intra-African business connections.
Interested in all fashion aspects from handcrafting to design and business, McCreath has developed fashion courses for refugees, discovering the wealth of crafts and cultures in the bustling settlement of Kakuma. In 2020 she developed courses for 130 tailors in disadvantaged neighbourhoods of Kampala and Nairobi. Covering fashion branding and mask-making for UN Women and the IOM, the Nairobi project generated 57,000 pieces in Nairobi alone.
She is also a trained pranic healer and intuitive.
She sits on the advisory boards of Fashion Revolution Kenya and Bias in African Fashion.
Ebenezer A. Amadi
Program Manager, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA)
Ebenezer A. Amadi
Program Manager, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA)
Amadi is passionate about fostering collaborations that are focused on sustainability. A Program Manager at the Kenya Private Sector Alliance, leading the sustainability pillar, and part of the secretariat of the Kenya Plastics Pact, with an interest to support countries adopting circularity.
On policy, he participates in KEPSA's Public-Private Dialogue Platform and was selected as a member of the National Water Sector Investment and Financing Plan Taskforce under the Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation and a member of the Technical Working Group on Wastewater Circularity.
He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration.
Eng. Fanuel Nyaboro
WASH Consultant
Eng. Fanuel Nyaboro
WASH Consultant
Eng. Fanuel is a seasoned WASH professional who is passionate about sustainable development. He believes that it is possible to address development challenges with simple solutions, utilizing what communities already have. Fanuel has held senior managerial roles at SNV where he designed and managed large and complex projects that have required innovative approaches for the unique developmental challenges in different contexts incorporating action research, monitoring and evaluation to support learning.
He has been instrumental in contributing to collaborative initiatives with the government, development partners and the private sector resulting in sectoral learning, evidence-based policy formulation and strengthened sector steering. Fanuel was part of the team that helped set up the WASH Hub at the Ministry of Health and also made significant contributions to the development of national-level policies such as the ESH Policy, Strategic Framework and ODF Roadmap for Kenya.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Fanuel was the multi-country programme manager for 2 projects (HBCC & WASH First) covering 5 countries (Indonesia, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda and Uganda). The projects focused on increasing access to water and sanitation and promotion of preventive behaviours (wearing a mask, handwashing and social distancing) as the first line of defence in limiting the spread of Covid-19.
Prior to this Fanuel was the Country project leader, in Kenya and acting multi-country programme manager (Ethiopia, Mozambique, Nepal, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia) in the SSH4A results programme which focused on increased access to rural sanitation-integrating demand creation, behaviour change communication and market interventions under a results-based financing model. Fanuel also provided team leadership in the action research that looked into value addition at the end of the urban sanitation value chain and market-based solutions for rural sanitation that resulted in briquette production (NAWASSCOAL) and the development of the SAFI Latrine.
Over the years, Fanuel has built a strong understanding of the need for market-based solutions for sustainable development. He is well versed in the various approaches for achieving this having led collaborative interventions through the full project life cycle effectively engaging with government agencies, civil society groups, private sector entities and the community. Fanuel has a background in Water Resources Engineering and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). He is currently an independent consultant.
Juliana Kainga
Vice-Chairperson, Electricity Sector Association of Kenya- ESAK
Juliana Kainga
Vice-Chairperson, Electricity Sector Association of Kenya- ESAK
Juliana Kainga is the Vice-Chairperson of the Electricity Sector Association of Kenya- ESAK, a private sector think-tank and lobby group that seeks to ensure the sustainability of the electricity sector in Kenya through collaboration and data-driven solutions. Since its inception, ESAK has been instrumental in advocating for private sector investors and players with key government institutions on policy and regulatory changes that would drive growth by attracting larger investment sources. In addition, Juliana works with Enel Green Power, a global renewable energy Independent Power Producer (IPP), leading business development activities for East and West Africa regions and is based in Nairobi, Kenya.
She has worked in the energy sector for 11 years, starting off at General Electric as a Sales & Business Development Manager for the Oil & Gas and renewable energy business units covering customers across Eastern Africa, and Southern Africa, as well as varying work assignments in Italy and the US. During this time, Juliana has helped organizations and customers in East Africa during the infancy stages of the energy industry by providing strategic business insights, and valuable market knowledge, and identifying and executing scalable and sustainable partnerships and projects that drive business profitability.
She holds a BSc. in Telecommunication & Information Engineering from the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and is currently pursuing her Executive MBA from Said Business School, University of Oxford.
Louise Sommerlatte
Founder and Designer, Hamaji
Louise Sommerlatte
Founder and Designer, Hamaji
Louise Sommerlatte is the founder and designer behind her brand Hamaji. Born and raised in Kenya, Louise studied fashion design in Cape Town. Hamaji was her graduate collection project that grew organically over the years into this beautiful brand. Louise lived for several years between Cape Town and Berlin before moving back home to Kenya permanently in 2018. Hamaji studio is based in Kilifi where their creations are thoughtfully realized. For the past two years Louise has been a part of The Ethical Fashion initiative accelerator programme for African designers and attended Polimoda University in Florence on a scholarship in March.
Tei Mukunya Oundo
Co-Founder & Executive Director, Naturelock
Tei Mukunya Oundo
Co-Founder & Executive Director, Naturelock
Tei has inspired many upcoming entrepreneurs as a champion for preserving good health and nutrition which is expressed by the choice of products in her company portfolios. Her continued push to curb food loss and food waste has led to international recognition by revolutionaries like Jamie Oliver (UK) and Selina Juul (Denmark).
At NatureLock Foods, Tei and her team are creating Nutritious precooked and dried “fast food legumes” that are a solution for everyday use at home, for school feeding programmes, catering kitchens for factories and for emergency relief. In addition, NatureLock is fighting food waste throughout Africa by preserving fresh produce naturally into tasty, nutritious and affordable foods for all. NatureLock is revolutionizing the supply chain by saving fresh produce, which otherwise would have gone to waste.
Tei founded Azuri Health Ltd in 2010, with the objective of making premium fruit and porridges, whilst making a contribution to fighting extreme post-harvest loss, particularly in the fruit sector. Tei’s passion as an entrepreneur and her leadership acumen spearheaded Azuri to its successful strategic growth and development, transitioning into the Kenyan/Dutch partnership that is NatureLock Foods, today.
Tei received her M.B.A. from the United States International University Africa (USIU-A) in Nairobi, Kenya and is a prestigious Borlaug Fellow of Michigan State University. She is a current Cornell University Fellow in the SMART program. She holds a Marketing Society of Kenya Practitioners Course Award of Excellence.
She has vast experience in training and consultancy where for six years she worked with development organizations such as GIZ, SNV, ACDA-VOCA, EU-CDTF and USAID on capacity building, Business Development and Marketing for women and youth. She developed Value Addition and Value Chain processes for farmer groups before establishing her company Azuri.
Prior to her consulting work, she started her corporate career straight from university, at British American Tobacco as a Management Trainee where she served in marketing roles including Trade Marketing, Brand Marketing and Marketing Operations for Kenya and the Horn of Africa markets.
Tei serves on the Board of africon GmbH, Germany and is a Director of Midas Golden Academy in Kenya.
Valentine Cheruiyot
Sustainability Practitioner, Safaricom PLC
Valentine Cheruiyot
Sustainability Practitioner, Safaricom PLC
Valentine Cheruiyot is a sustainability practitioner with over 10 years of experience in driving environmental compliance and sustainability initiatives across the Safaricom ecosystem. Over the years, she has grown her competence in Environmental Management Systems, Environmental Management tools, Sustainability, Climate Change and Electro-Magnetic Fields.
She has entrenched 100 % compliance with all environmental regulations across business operations and projects, pioneered and implemented EMF policy and single-use plastic projects. She is a certified environmental expert, EMS lead auditor and sustainability practitioner. She is analytical, self-driven, dependable, and trustworthy.
She holds a master’s degree in environmental policy from the University of Nairobi and bachelor’s degree in environmental science from Kenyatta University and a diploma in project management from Kenya Institute of Management.
She seats on various boards of management.
Valerie Nyamwaya
Designer, Afrivazi
Valerie Nyamwaya
Designer, Afrivazi
Valerie Nyamwaya is a menswear designer who runs Afrivazi, a Nairobi-based menswear fashion brand. The brand is on a mission to empower men to be the best version of themselves by dressing them. Afrivazi, which prides itself in the use of fabrics from natural fibres in the making of its shirts, combines different cultural aspects to create designs that are not only practical but tell a story of its environment and the people who dwell in it.
Valerie, a graduate of Clothing, Textile, and Interior Design from Egerton University started her work in fashion more than 7 years ago with a desire to make herself and other designers make more from their work to have decent livelihoods. While she runs Afrivazi full-time, she has remained committed to this course at Makina Market in Kibra, where she operates from. This has allowed her to amass not only a local Kenyan clientele but an international clientele in both the UK and US with fortnight shipments done through DHL for both Afrivazi and other brands at Makina.
Afrivazi continues to provide employment to more than 40 tailors on both full-time and part-time basis through the course of their work with the highest number of tailors working for Afrivazi being in 2020 when the Covid pandemic hit Kenya. Valerie has been keen on ensuring that Afrivazi’s business model allows tailors to maximize their income streams to allow them to better take care of their families.
Through her work at Afrivazi, Valerie continues to draw more attention to micro and small fashion businesses especially those from informal settlements and small markets (like Makina), and the role they play in the Kenyan Fashion industry and look into opportunities for collaboration to build brands with a bigger contribution to the economy.
Elfrieke van Galen
Partner, TheRockGroup
Elfrieke van Galen
Partner, TheRockGroup
Elfrieke van Galen has extensive managerial experience in logistics and services.
She is a partner at TheRockGroup BV. TheRockGroup works at different levels to realize the transition to a sustainable economy and society. It does so through 3 business lines: sustainability strategy & implementation, strengthening and supporting sustainable businesses and developing & providing education. TheRockGroup is a co-founder of the regeneration academy and has supported several startups in the circular economy.
Next to partner of TheRockGroup, Elfrieke holds a number of supervisory functions, such as Meerlanden (waste processor in transition to CE), SEKEM, (biodynamic agriculture/food/textile, Egypt) Triodos investment management. All these supervisory functions (also) have a social purpose.
Her experience in the Circular Economy is both in existing businesses, and start-ups and in teaching CE in education.
Elise Sormani
Sustainable Fashion Activist and ESG Specialist
Elise Sormani
Sustainable Fashion Activist and ESG Specialist
Elise Sormani is a sustainable fashion activist and ESG specialist. Born in Paris, she started her career in Spain and France in the marketing and media industry. After a specialized MBA (in sustainable business administration) she reoriented her path towards Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) management in 2010. She worked for the French Ministry of Environment, then for the French leader of recycling, Paprec Group.
Her personal life took her to Cape Town in 2014 where she decided to venture into social entrepreneurship and created the sustainable fashion brand, We All Share Roots. After resisting the catastrophic effects of Covid on small and local businesses, she had no choice but to close her ethical company in September 2021. She is now back to ESG and strategy. She has co-written reports on the Fashion and Textile supply chain in Africa and South Africa and drives freelance missions.
Willis Ombai
Ag. CEO, Water Sector Trust Fund (WaterFund)
Willis Ombai
Ag. CEO, Water Sector Trust Fund (WaterFund)
Willis Ombai is Ag. Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Water Sector Trust Fund (WaterFund), having joined the WaterFund in September 2015 as Chief Manager, Investments and Programmes. He rose to the rank of Ag. CEO in February 2022. Mr. Ombai is a Development Expert with a bias in Natural Resource Management and with over 20 years of experience in various countries in Africa serving in different capacities.
He holds a Master of Arts Degree in Project Planning and Management from Maseno University, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry from Moi University. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Environment Policy from the University of Nairobi. Mr. Ombai has extensive experience in the management of development projects financed by bilateral, global and national agencies including Word Bank, the European Union, DANIDA, the German Development Bank (KfW), the International Fund for Agricultural Development, The Gates Foundation, Government of Sweden, Government of Finland and Government of Kenya.
In his previous portfolio as a Chief Manager, Investments and Programmes, Mr. Ombai’s key role was overall supervision of the implementation of investments across WaterFund through monitoring and development of quality and timely reporting to Development Partners, the Board of Trustees and other key stakeholders. He led the development of short to long-term investment strategies, drafted policy documents, and developed and reviewed proposals for resource mobilisation, establishment and strengthening of partnerships. Mr. Ombai previously worked as a Project Coordinator at the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa, a Civil Society Organisation on Sustainable Land Management (SLM) Project for Sub-Saharan Africa funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Key among his responsibilities was to provide strategic leadership to the project teams in budgeting, stakeholder engagement, grant management, risk assessment and assurance. High-level reporting for transparency and accountability in compliance with best practices, and national and international environmental laws was also part of his responsibilities. Mr. Ombai has been serving as the Secretary and Advisor to the WaterFund Board of Trustees (Investments & Monitoring Committee) on broader issues pertaining to investments in water, sanitation and water resources management projects, monitoring, evaluation accountability and learning. He has also previously worked for World Agro Forestry Centre (International Centre for Agroforestry-ICRAF), Danish International Development Agency and National Environment Trust Fund amongst others. Mr. Ombai is a member of the Forestry Society of Kenya, Environmental Institute of Kenya and Institute of Directors (Kenya).
Lieselotte Heederik
Co-founder and Director, Nazava Water Filters
Lieselotte Heederik
Co-founder and Director, Nazava Water Filters
Lieselotte Heederik, co-founder and Director of Nazava Water Filters, is a Development Expert in Micro Finance and Women Empowerment. She spent her childhood growing up in Bolivia, Kenya and Yemen and studied at the University of Wageningen and Radboud University in the Netherlands.
Whilst living in Indonesia in 2007 she experienced difficulty in obtaining safe drinking water and realized the enormous need for affordable purification solutions. Hence, she co-founded Nazava Water Filters. Nazava’s mission is to empower women to purify their water to make their families healthier. To date, Nazava has impacted over 600,000 people with improved health and access to safe, affordable drinking water. Besides, Nazava replaces the need for single-use plastic water bottles and by replacing the need for boiling water, they also reduce Co2 emissions.
By 2030 Nazava aims to be the Nr 1 Leader in Household water filters for the Base of the Pyramid, impacting 10 million people. Nazava has operations in Indonesia, Kenya and Ethiopia and works with global distributors such as Unicef. Recently Nazava has started production of water filters in Ukraine, to provide the war victims with access to safe water. Lieselotte has been recognized as Dutch Student of the Year 2004, Winner of the Tech Awards, Ashden Winner and Sankalp Finalist. In her free time, she likes to explore nature and she enjoys triathlons and trail runs.
Thais Vojvodic
Plastics Pact Network Manager, Ellen MacArthur Foundation
Thais Vojvodic
Plastics Pact Network Manager, Ellen MacArthur Foundation
Thais Vojvodic is part of the Plastics Initiative at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, which aims to bring together key actors from around the world to rethink and redesign the future of plastic. With extensive experience in the private sector in Latin America, Thais joined the Foundation in May 2020, currently lives in the United Kingdom and is responsible for the development of Plastics Pacts in different countries, such as Kenya, South Africa, United States, Canada, Chile, Portugal, among others.
Andrew Page Wood
CEO, Tombolo
Andrew Page Wood
CEO, Tombolo
Andrew is a South African who has lived and worked in the USA, UK, Europe and Africa. He studied Business Economics and Marketing and started several businesses in disruptive and the social impact space. He was also one of the pioneers in developing a model for self-funding rural education that has now grown across the world. He has a background in IT, strategy and Business Development and after the millennium saw the looming opportunity for delivering affordable energy and communal connectivity across Africa by leveraging technology and innovations in renewables.
Andrew is based in South Africa and has worked extensively in developing projects in various countries across Africa including Mozambique, Nigeria, Ghana, Namibia, Zambia Malawi and some of the Francophone territories, working to give widespread and remote African communities access to dignified and sustainable services while addressing the climate agenda and SDG goals.
Mr. Olivier Vanden Ende
Founder & CEO Close the Gap
Mr. Olivier Vanden Ende
Founder & CEO Close the Gap
Mr. Vanden Ende founded Close the Gap in September 2003 at the Solvay Business School, as a mini-enterprise and spin-off of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Since the start, Vanden has been the Managing Director of Close the Gap.
He is also the founder and Managing Director of WorldLoop, an organisation that focuses on sound e-waste solutions in developing countries.