The leaders of the Eliud Owalo Foundation come from diverse backgrounds and bring a wealth of expertise and experience spanning various socio-economic sectors. They are guided by the foundation’s mission, which is to improve the living standards of Kenyan communities by facilitating basic needs through strategic alliances and partnerships.
Patron
Eliud Owalo is the Patron and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation. With a distinguished track record in Public Service, Private Sector consultancy and a passionate philanthropist, Mr Eliud Owalo is a key figure in Kenya’s national transformation journey. A highly accomplished and widely respected Economist and Strategy Expert, he currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Delivery and Government Efficiency in the Government of the Republic of Kenya.
In this role, he leads national efforts to enhance service delivery, institutional performance, and operational efficiency across government. Prior to this, Mr. Owalo served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Performance and Delivery Management, and as Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy, where he spearheaded transformative initiatives in digital governance and public sector reforms.
Mr. Owalo is also the Founder of the Eliud Owalo Foundation, established out of the belief that all human beings are equal in the eyes of the Creator and deserve a fair opportunity to live empowered, dignified, and fulfilling lives. The Foundation operates through several thematic pillars, with a strong focus on youth and women empowerment as key drivers of social transformation.
Before his entry into the public service, Mr. Owalo was the Founder and Managing Consultant of Eliud & Associates (E&A) Management Consultants, an international consultancy firm he led for over two decades. During his 23-year consultancy career, he successfully delivered more than 100 strategic plans for institutions across Kenya, designed bespoke performance management systems, led major organizational transformation programs, and advised both public and private sector entities on strategic planning, corporate governance, and human resource management.
His core competencies span Macro and Microeconomics, Strategic Planning, Performance Management, Organisational Development, Job Evaluation and Pay Structure Design, Change Management, Market Research, and Feasibility Studies.
Mr. Owalo holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Business Studies from Kenyatta University, a Master of Business Administration in Human Resource Management from the University of Nairobi, and is currently pursuing Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Strategic Management at the University of Nairobi. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Human Resource Management (FIHRM), Fellow of the Economists Society of Kenya (FESK), Member of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), Full Member of the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM), Member of the Professional Trainers’ Association of Kenya (PTAK), and a former Director and Council Member of the Kenya School of Government (KSG).
Chris Mensah is a seasoned international governance and policy expert who served for over 16 years as Secretary to the Governing Council at UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme). In this role, he played a pivotal part in steering the organisation’s transition to its current governance structure, providing candid, insightful, and pragmatic advice to both leadership and Member States.
Well respected for his unwavering professionalism, diplomacy, and skilful navigation of complex multilateral processes, Chris brought depth of understanding to institutional reform and stakeholder engagement. His legacy at UN-Habitat is marked by dedication to effective governance, strategic foresight, and commitment to sustainable urban development.
Hon. Lady Justice Joyce Aluoch (Retired) is the immediate past First Vice-President of the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague in the Netherlands, and a former Judge of the High Court and Court of Appeal of Kenya.
A distinguished jurist, she is celebrated for her integrity, fairness, and dedication to justice.
She is also a Certified International Mediator(IMI), Accredited Mediator, Certified Advanced Mediator, Chartered Mediator, Member, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators-London, and the Kenya branch.
She holds an LL.B. from the University of Nairobi, a Diploma from the Kenya School of Law, and a Master’s Degree in International Affairs (GMAP) from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University, which honoured her with the Distinguished Achievement Award (2015) and the Class of 1947 Award (honoris causa, 2018) — making her the first Black recipient of this distinction.
After an illustrious judicial career, Justice Aluoch has continued to serve in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as an arbitrator and mediator in both national and international forums.
In July 2022, she was appointed by Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), as a member of the Judicial Reform Committee under the Revitalized (power sharing) Agreement for the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, a country that has been in conflict for over 20 years.
Her exemplary public service has earned her several Presidential National Honours, including Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS), Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS), and the Trail Blazer Award. She brings to the Board extensive experience in law, governance, diplomacy, and justice sector reform.
Dr. Esther Koimett is a distinguished public servant and investment professional with extensive experience in investment promotion, banking, privatisation, and public policy. She has held several senior leadership positions within the Government of Kenya, including Principal Secretary in the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications under the Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs, and previously as Principal Secretary, State Department for Transport in the Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing, Urban Development & Public Works.
Earlier in her career, Esther served as Director General for Public Investment and Portfolio Management at the National Treasury, and as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Post Office Savings Bank (Postbank). She has played a pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s economic and ICT policy landscape, contributing to the amendment of the National ICT Policy Guidelines to promote Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) growth, and was instrumental in the drafting of the Privatisation Bill (2005). Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to public sector transformation, economic growth, and inclusive development.
Dr. Mary Okelo is a trailblazing banker, educationist, entrepreneur, and gender rights advocate whose career spans the public, private, and development sectors. She made history as Kenya’s first woman bank manager and founded the Barclays Bank Women’s Association, mentoring women into leadership and championing inclusive banking policies. In 1982, she established and became the first Chairperson of the Kenya Women’s Finance Trust (KWFT) — now the largest microfinance institution in Kenya — empowering thousands of women through financial inclusion and enterprise support.
Internationally, Dr. Okelo served as the African Regional Representative of Women’s World Banking, helping establish affiliates in six countries, and as Senior Advisor to the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), where she contributed to the Bank’s Women in Development Policy. She co-founded the Makini Group of Schools, together with her late husband, and has been honoured with numerous awards, including the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS), Millennium Ambassador for Teachers Without Borders, and recognition among Africa’s Most Influential Women in Business and Government (2017). A graduate of Makerere University, she also holds qualifications from Froebel College (Dublin), the Institute of Bankers (London), and the Kenya Institute of Bankers, alongside two honorary doctorates for her contributions to humanity and community service.
Ambassador Raychelle Omamo is a renowned lawyer, diplomat, and public servant who has held some of Kenya’s highest leadership positions in government. She served as Cabinet Secretary for Defence (2013–2020) — the first woman to hold the position — and later as Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs (2020–2022), where she represented Kenya on the global stage with distinction. In 2014, she also briefly served as Acting Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Services, demonstrating versatility and steadfast commitment to national service.
A Senior Counsel and accomplished legal professional, Amb. Omamo was Managing Partner at Omamo & Omamo Advocates (1985–2002) and served as Chairperson of the Law Society of Kenya (2001– 2003), becoming the first woman to hold that office. She was appointed Kenya’s Ambassador to France (2003–2009) with concurrent accreditation to Spain, Portugal, Serbia, and the Holy See, and also served as Permanent Representative to UNESCO (2003–2006). Currently, she undertakes consultancy and advisory work in women’s empowerment, peace, and security, continuing her legacy of leadership, diplomacy, and service to the nation.
Eng. Jude Loveday is a Director at Professional Consultants Ltd, a leading consulting engineering firm specializing in project management, design, and construction supervision of major infrastructure projects across East Africa, Rwanda, and Botswana.
With extensive experience in civil and structural engineering, he has played a key role in delivering high-impact projects that promote sustainable development and regional integration. In addition to his professional practice, Eng. Loveday serves as Kenya’s Honorary Consul to the Republic of Seychelles, where he actively advances diplomatic and economic cooperation between the two nations.
He holds a Master’s Degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from the United States International University (USIU-Africa) and is widely respected for his leadership, cross-sector expertise, and commitment to excellence in both engineering and public service.
Ambassador Philip Thigo, MBS, is an award-winning technology and public policy leader who serves as the Special Envoy on Technology for the Republic of Kenya — the first such appointment in Africa. Recognized globally for his work in advancing ethical, inclusive, and people-centred digital transformation, he was appointed in 2023 by the United Nations Secretary-General to the High-Level Advisory Board on Artificial Intelligence (HLAB).
His leadership has earned multiple international accolades, including recognition by Apolitical as one of the 2025 World-Leading Individuals on Artificial Intelligence in Government and among the World’s 100 Most Influential People in Digital Government (2018); the Mozilla RISE25 Award (2024) for ethical AI advocacy; and inclusion in AfricaCom’s Top 100 Most Influential Leaders in Technology and Telecommunications (2023). He was also conferred the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (M.B.S.) during Kenya’s 60th Independence Anniversary for his distinguished national service.
Ambassador Thigo sits on several international boards, including NASA’s Earth Observations for SDGs (EO4SDGs), the AI Hub for Sustainable Development, the Coalition for Digital Environmental Sustainability (CODES), and the Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC), and chairs the boards of Mama Organization and Mtoto News. A prolific thought leader, he has co-authored reports with the Brookings Institution, World Economic Forum, and other global think tanks. He previously served as the Founding Director for Africa at the Thunderbird School of Global Management (Arizona State University) and has held senior roles in international and non-profit organizations across Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. Ambassador Thigo’s pioneering civic technology innovations —including Uchaguzi and the Budget Tracking Tool — continue to inspire greater transparency, accountability, and citizen participation through technology.
Phyllis Wakiaga is the Senior Advisor (Global Lead, Industry & Commerce) at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI), where she leads global initiatives on industrial policy, innovation, entrepreneurship, small business development, tourism, and public–private partnerships. She works with governments across Africa and beyond to design and implement strategies that drive inclusive and sustainable industrial growth.
Previously, she served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) from 2015 to 2022, where she played a pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s manufacturing and trade policy landscape. Her earlier career included senior roles at Kenya Airways in government and industry affairs, participation in East African Community aviation reforms, and legal practice with Otieno Omuga & Ouma Advocates.
An Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, Phyllis holds a Master’s in International Trade and Investment Law and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of Nairobi, a Master’s in Business Administration from JKUAT, and a Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law. A Swedish Institute alumnus in Sustainable Business Leadership, she has also trained in Investment Treaty Law, Public Policy, and Corporate Governance from global institutions. Phyllis serves as the United Nations Global Compact Network Representative in Kenya and sits on the Board of Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen), where she continues to champion responsible business, sustainability, and inclusive economic growth
Angela Wamola is a seasoned business leader with over 20 years of experience driving digital transformation and technology adoption across Africa. She currently serves as the Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at the GSMA, the global association representing more than 800 mobile network operators and industry stakeholders worldwide. In this role, she leads strategic initiatives that advance digital connectivity, innovation, and policy reform across the continent. Renowned for her ability to build strong partnerships and advocate for enabling digital ecosystems, Angela has played a key role in shaping Africa’s mobile and telecommunications landscape.
Prior to joining GSMA, Ms. Wamola held several senior leadership positions at Safaricom PLC, where she contributed to the company’s growth and digital inclusion agenda. Passionate about bridging the digital divide and promoting gender inclusion in technology, she continues to champion initiatives that connect underserved communities and foster an inclusive digital future. Angela holds an Executive Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Cape Town, South Africa, and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Nairobi, Kenya.
Prof. Hazel Miseda Mumbo is the Vice Chancellor of Great Lakes University of Kisumu (GLUK), where she provides strategic leadership in institutional development, academic innovation, and community engagement. She is also the Honorary Treasurer of the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE), a pan-African organization that promotes girls’ education and gender equality across the continent.
A respected scholar and higher education leader, Prof. Mumbo has contributed to research and teaching in health systems, organisational leadership, and public sector management, and has held academic positions including Adjunct Associate Professor at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology. Her professional experience spans over two decades in academia and public service, during which she has championed educational excellence, gender equity, and institutional growth. Prof. Mumbo continues to play an influential role in advancing access to quality education and in shaping inclusive education policy in Kenya and beyond.
Ambassador Peter Nicholas Rateng’ Oginga Ogego is a career diplomat and public administrator with more than three decades of distinguished service in Kenya’s foreign affairs and national governance. Most recently, he served as Kenya’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (2018–2023), with concurrent accreditation to Iraq and Yemen, where he strengthened bilateral relations and advanced Kenya’s strategic and economic interests in the Gulf region. Prior to this, he held several high-level diplomatic and security appointments, including Deputy Commandant (Civil) at the National Defence College, Special Envoy to the Sudanese Peace Process, and Ambassador to the United States (2006–2010), where he was also accredited to Mexico and Colombia and served as Kenya’s alternate signatory at the World Bank, IMF, and IFC.
Earlier in his career, Ambassador Ogego served as Kenya’s High Commissioner to Canada (2004–2006), where he became the country’s first non-resident Ambassador to Cuba, and as Commissioner for Special Programs in the Office of the President (2000–2002), where he also acted as Vice Chairman of the National Disaster Emergency Response Committee. A scholar-diplomat, he holds an MA in International Studies from the University of Nairobi’s Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies, a BA in Political Science and International Law and MA (Part I) in Political Science and Public Administration from Makerere University, and a Graduate Certificate in Development Law, Human Rights and Social Justice from the Institute of Social Studies, The Hague. Ambassador Ogego is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Nairobi, underscoring his lifelong commitment to leadership, diplomacy, and service to nation.
Ambassador Michael Adipo Okoth Oyugi is a distinguished career diplomat and civil servant with over four decades of service in Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he rose through the ranks to serve as Ambassador to five countries and Permanent Representative to several United Nations agencies. Most recently, he served as Kenya’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain and the Principality of Andorra, as well as Permanent Representative to the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). His earlier postings include Ambassador to Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia, where he also represented Kenya at key UN bodies in Vienna — including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO). He also served as Director- General of the Foreign Service Academy and Director of Diaspora and Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Headquarters.
Ambassador Oyugi has served in senior leadership roles across the UN system, including as Vice-President of the UNIDO General Conference, President of the UNIDO Programme and Budget Committee, and Vice-Chairperson of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in International Relations and French from the University of Nairobi, a Postgraduate Diploma in Diplomacy and International Relations from the Instituto Rio Branco (Brazil), and a Postgraduate Certificate in Multilateral Diplomacy (with Distinction) from the Graduate Institute of International Studies, Geneva. Fluent in English, French, Portuguese, Kiswahili, and Spanish, Ambassador Oyugi continues to serve on public boards, including the Kisumu City Board, and as Patron and Consultant of the International Coalition on Health Financing Advocacy. In recognition of his exemplary service, he was awarded the Order of the Moran of the Burning Spear (MBS) by the President of the Republic of Kenya.
Ambassador Dr. Joseph Magutt is a distinguished Kenyan academic, diplomat, and geopolitical consultant. In August 2014, he was appointed by President Uhuru Kenyatta as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Federal Republic of Germany, with concurrent accreditation to Romania and Bulgaria – a historic appointment which was the first in Kenyan history to be vetted and approved by parliament under the 2010 Constitution.
Before embarking on his diplomatic career, Magutt was a fulltime Lecturer of Political Science at Kenyatta University, and also taught part-time at several Kenyan institutions including USIU, Moi University, JKUAT, and Egerton University. His work bridges scholarship and diplomacy, offering deep insight into regional and global geopolitics.
Humphrey Kayange is a renowned Kenyan sportsman, scientist, and sports administrator, celebrated both for his achievements on the rugby field and his leadership in global sports governance. A former captain of the Kenya national rugby sevens team, he is widely credited with elevating Kenya’s international profile in the sport through his exemplary performance, discipline, and mentorship.
Beyond the field, Kayange is a Member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and, in April 2025, was appointed by IOC President Thomas Bach as Chair of the IOC Coordination Commission for the 4th Summer Youth Olympic Games (Dakar 2026) — making him one of the few Africans to hold such a distinguished role. A trained organic chemist, Kayange embodies the intersection of science, sports, and leadership, and continues to champion youth development, sports excellence, and integrity in athletics globally.
Ronnie Owino is a distinguished Kenyan basketball player, coach, and FIBA instructor, celebrated across Africa for his outstanding contribution to the growth and professionalization of the sport over the past three decades. Having traversed more than 25 African countries, he has been instrumental in nurturing basketball talent and advancing the technical standards of the game across the continent. Owino began his basketball journey in high school and rose to prominence at the University of Nairobi in 1984, starring for the campus team “Terrorists.” At just 19, he earned his first call-up to the Kenya national basketball team in 1983, later debuting at the FIBA Afro Basket in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and representing Kenya at the 1987 All-Africa Games in Nairobi, where the team finished fourth.
As a coach, Owino led Posta Basketball Club to multiple national titles, including a historic three consecutive championships (1992–1994) and the inaugural East, Central, and Southern Africa Championship (1995). He later guided the KCB Lionesses to back-to-back national league victories in 1997 and 1998, cementing his legacy as one of Kenya’s most successful basketball tacticians. Currently, he serves as the Head Coach of Strathmore University’s Premier League team and is the long-serving Chairman of the Nairobi Basketball Association (NBA). His lifelong commitment to the sport continues to inspire excellence, discipline, and leadership among Kenya’s emerging basketball talent.
Dr. Joseph Jesse Masiga, fondly known as “JJ” Masiga, is a former international footballer and rugby player who made history as one of the few Kenyan athletes to represent the nation in both sports at the highest level. He played club football for AFC Leopards, one of Kenya’s most successful teams, where his skill, leadership, and sportsmanship earned him national recognition and enduring respect within Kenya’s sporting fraternity.
Academically, Dr. Masiga pursued his passion for healthcare and is a highly respected dentist practicing in Nairobi. He holds a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from the University of Nairobi (1983) and a Master of Science in Conservative Dentistry from the University of London (1989). A symbol of discipline, excellence, and service, Dr. Masiga continues to inspire both the sporting and professional communities through his dedication to youth development, health advocacy, and mentorship.
Nahashon Oluoch, affectionately known as “Lule”, is a celebrated former Kenyan footballer and sports administrator whose talent and leadership left an indelible mark on Kenyan football. Nicknamed after the Ugandan president of the time, Lule rose to prominence in the late 1970s when the Kenyan press dubbed him the “schoolboy wonder” for his exceptional performances on the pitch. In 1979, he was named among the top 10 footballers in Africa by CAF, and in 1980, he played a pivotal role in helping Gor Mahia FC clinch their first-ever CECAFA Club Championship, defeating arch-rivals AFC Leopards in a historic final.
In 1982, Lule earned a football scholarship to Alabama A&M University (USA), where he continued to excel, helping his team achieve the top national ranking in 1984. Upon returning to Kenya, he joined Egerton University as a lecturer, continuing his dual passion for education and sports development. Deeply committed to football governance, he was appointed in 2010 as a committee member of the Kenya Football Normalization Committee, tasked with restructuring and reforming the sport nationally. He currently serves on the Board of Taita Taveta University, where he continues to champion sports development, education, and youth empowerment.
