Catherine Machungo: Head of Carbon Sciences Natural State
Catherine Machungo, PhD, has over 14 years’ experience in research and technology transfer gained from government and international organizations. Her major professional interest is to generate and communicate scientific knowledge to inform policy to enhance implementation of science-based technologies for development. She has been instrumental in forging and managing national and international collaborative research projects which have greatly impacted communities.
Catherine’s ambition is to fully exploit her potential in development of modern technologies to ensure environmental sustainability, community resilience and human well-being. Presently, she is the Lead carbon scientist at Natural State overseeing the development of innovative, transparent and cost-effective impact monitoring systems for carbon across different biomes and land uses as well as carbon sequestration technologies.
Overall objective is to promote transparency and accountability in the Nature Based solution space to aid unlocking of finances required to fund restoration initiatives at the required scale. In addition to development of new financial mechanisms for nature and capacity building to empower African leaders to manage and run restoration projects to facilitate Africa transition to the Green Economy.
Magdalene Wanjugu:Executive Director NairoBits
A dynamic tech enthusiast and seasoned social impact leader, Magdalene is passionate about harnessing technology’s power to transform lives. She’s the Executive Director of NairoBits Trust, a non-profit organization at the forefront of empowering young people through ICT skills and entrepreneurship, where she drives innovation and social change. With a proven track record in development programming, social advocacy, and resource mobilization, Magdalene successfully leads the design and implementation of programs that create lasting impact. Recognized for her exceptional leadership, she is a Gratitude Network Fellow and an alumna of the Enpact.e.V Female Tech Businesses Africa (FEBA). A dedicated G4G, Kenya Mentor and Board Member of TT Global Foundation, Magdalene is committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders and creating a more equitable future.
Elizabeth Wanjiru Ng'ang'a: Major Gifts Officer Rotary Foundation
Elizabeth Wanjiru Ng’ang’a is a Major Gifts Officer for The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. The Rotary Foundation has invested over U.S $ 150 million in Africa by funding Community Projects and Major Programs. Among the Major Programs that The Rotary Foundation has invested in are U.S $ 30 million to curb Maternal and Child mortality in DRC, Nigeria and Mozambique, U.S $ 2 million for cervical cancer in Egypt, U.S $ 6 million for eradication of Malaria in Zambia among countless other projects. Elizabeth’s role is to grow The Rotary Foundation’s financial resources in Africa as well as growing Rotary’s Endowment Fund. She supports 17 countries in Africa on this role.
Elizabeth brings a wealth of experience from project and programs management and coordination, fundraising, donor and stakeholder engagement and strategic planning. She has over 20 years of experience working in the NGO space on programs implementation and fundraising from both individuals and organizations. Elizabeth will be share snippets on Major and Principal Gift fundraising from organizations and individuals, growing an organizations Endowment Fund for financial sustainability and donor and stakeholder engagement for donor attraction and retention. Elizabeth is a Member of The Harvard Business Review Advisory Council of Harvard Business School and the Association of Fundraisers Professionals among many others. Elizabeth also serves on various Boards. At Rotary International, she is a member of the DEI Committee.
Elizabeth can be reached on elizabeth.nganga@rotary.org or lizkiaries@gmail.com.
Dr. Gilda Odera, Phd: Leading Policy Advocate and Startup Advisor
Visionary leader with over 25 years of senior management, chief executive, and board director experience, playing a key role in developing policies in the Information Communication & Technology, Higher Education, Public Procurement, and Technical Skills sectors. A pioneer in the Eastern Africa information & communication technology (“ICT”) sector, anchoring one of the region’s first Internet services providers by founding and expanding a startup team of six to over 120 employees in about six years.
Founder of one of the first two international call centers in Eastern Africa, a joint venture with a Canadian firm funded by the Canadian International Development Agency. Founding chairperson of the Kenya Business Process Outsourcing Association (“KBPOA”), a link between the Government of Kenya and private sector participants. KBPA’s advocacy efforts led to the development of the ICT policy by the Government of Kenya, and the latter gained World Bank funds to lay the first fiber optic cable in East Africa. Appointed one of nine panelists of distinguished persons advising the Government of Kenya, Ministry of Health on key reforms, restructuring, and repositioning initiatives for the National Health Insurance Fund (“NHIF”) – now a strategic purchaser in the country’s health services industry.
James Kimeu: Founder J.K Kimeu Consulting
James Kimeu, founder of J.K. Kimeu Consulting, boasts a distinguished career in higher education fundraising. Holding both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from U.S. universities, he brings over 10 years of experience in the field, having worked in both Kenya and the United States. Kimeu’s expertise is further solidified by his impressive tenure at the Strathmore University Foundation, where he served as Executive Director for over four years. During this period, he played a pivotal role in shaping the vision, design, and implementation of effective fundraising and endowment strategies.
His leadership fostered a collaborative environment with the Foundation’s management team, Board members, and university leadership. This collaborative approach resulted in a remarkable expansion of the donor base by over 300% and a 10 fold increase in cash and in-kind donations. In his tenure, Strathmore University doubled the size of its endowment. Kimeu’s impact extends beyond impressive statistics. Over four years, he was instrumental in developing a pipeline of potential donors worth over Ksh. 2 Billion. Additionally, he spearheaded the development of three successful annual fundraising events and established five alumni/friends chapters in the US and UK. These accomplishments were recognized by Jubilant Stewards of Africa, who awarded Strathmore University Foundation the prestigious Pacesetters Award for the East Africa Chapter in 2023. James Kimeu’s educational background, extensive experience, and proven track record of success in higher education fundraising position him as a valuable asset to any organization seeking to maximize its fundraising efforts and achieve significant growth.
Lucy Njue: Executive Director at Realtime Insights
Lucy is the founder and Executive Director at Realtime Insights. As a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and an esteemed Grant Proposal Development Expert, her 15 years of dedicated service in the humanitarian and development sector have left a lasting impact. She has a proven track record of helping numerous organizations (international, National, Academic Institutions, Start-ups, medium to large-size entities) secure millions of dollars in grants. She has extensive expertise in navigating the complexities of grants from major donor including prestigious institutions such as USAID, BMZ, UNICEF, UNHCR, DFID, ECHO, SIDA, Foundations, and Corporates.
Her mission is to empower non-profits to amplify their impact, sustain their efforts, and drive positive change within their communities. She does this through comprehensive skill-building programs, providing essential tools, and tailored resources for fundraising success. Through her capacity-building initiatives, Lucy continues to demystify fundraising and grantmaking, creating an environment where grassroots organizations can thrive. Her contributions have left a lasting impact on the grantmaking space, solidifying her reputation as a champion of change and empowerment.
Christian Lamberts: Executive Director Rhino Ark Charitable Trust
Christian Lambrechts has dedicated over two decades to environmental conservation, beginning his career with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Nairobi. While working at UNEP, he led initiatives related to Antarctica and collaborated with organizations like the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Kenya Forests Working Group (KFWG) to monitor the health of East African mountain forests. He fostered a deep understanding of these ecosystems’ challenges, leading him to introduce the concept of Kenya’s five main water towers, a pivotal model now central to conservation efforts. His innovative approach has reshaped both governmental and civil perspectives on the significance of preserving these critical natural resources.
In 2008, Lambrechts was appointed Secretary of the Government Task Force on the Conservation of the Mau Forests Complex, later transitioning to Technical Adviser in the Prime Minister’s Office, where he played a role in founding the Water Towers Conservation Fund and the Kenya Water Towers Agency. Since 2012, he has served as Executive Director of the Rhino Ark Charitable Trust, leading conservation initiatives across key water towers like the Aberdares, Mau Forests Complex, and Mt. Kenya. His influence expanded further in 2020 when he was appointed Chairman of the Government Task Force on managing Kenya’s forest plantations. Lambrechts also contributes to the Kenya Wildlife Service and Kenya Forest Service boards and is recognized as an Honorary Warden.
Kimani Mungai: Seasoned development expert
Kimani Mungai is a seasoned development expert with 30 years of experience in international NGOs and donor agencies. Based in Kenya, he has a distinguished record of overseeing complex, multi-layered programmes that drive sustainable change. Kimani has held leadership roles such as Senior Development Officer at Global Affairs Canada, Regional Programmes Director at Adeso, and Country Director at IntraHealth International. In these positions, he has successfully managed large portfolios, built impactful partnerships, and navigated complex policy landscapes.
Known for his visionary leadership and skillful diplomacy, Kimani has been instrumental in implementing programmes in health systems, gender equity, economic development, and institutional strengthening. His expertise in project and financial management ensures that donor investments align strategically with community needs, maximising impact and fostering lasting partnerships between public and private stakeholders.Kimani holds a Master’s in Public and Development Management from Stellenbosch University. His career reflects a steadfast commitment to creating meaningful, sustainable advancements in the lives of the communities he serves. As a passionate advocate for development, Kimani offers a unique donor perspective, sharing insights into the motivations and strategic priorities that drive effective giving.
