#speakup barometer | Kenya

Leading the way: Kenya’s digital experts

The #speakup barometer team interviewed Kenyan experts in five different fields: access, digital rights, media and journalism, society, and innovation.

Catherine Gicheru

Catherine Gicheru is a Knight Fellow at the International Center for Journalism. She works with the Code for Kenya open-data initiative to promote data journalism and civic innovation. Gicheru is the founding editor of the Star newspaper, and also worked as a reporter, news editor and investigations editor for the Nation Media Group.
Godfrey Mwampembwa, known as “Gado”,

Godfrey Mwampembwa, also known as “Gado,” is the most syndicated political cartoonist in East and Central Africa. In 2016 he ended a two-decade career at the Daily Nation in Kenya. His cartoons have appeared in Le Monde, Der Standard and Japan Times. He is the CEO of bunimedia, which produces innovative African multimedia content.
Schaeffer Okore

Schaeffer Okore is program manager at Siasa Place, a registered non-profit co-working space that is focused on encouraging young people and women to participate in politics. The main aim is to humanize politics and entrench the involvement of youth and women in political spaces. Okore is also the vice chair of Ukweli party and a graduate from the University of Nairobi.
Bitange Ndemo

Bitange Ndemo is a professor of entrepreneurship at the University of Nairobi. He served as Kenya’s permanent secretary for information and communication technology from 2003-2013. Taking an entrepreneurial approach to policymaking, he facilitated the development of Kenya’s fiber optic connectivity, tech incubation hubs, digitization of government services and broadband penetration.
Margaret Nyambura

Dr. Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u has worked in the information systems field for more than two decades. Between 2014 and 2017 she wrote the Kenyan National ICT Master Plan while serving as secretary to the taskforce. Currently, she is a member of the Communications and Multimedia Appeals Tribunal. She consults organizations across the public, private, and third sectors.
Rhonda Breit

Rhonda Breit is a leading academic in the field of media law and journalism education. As Associate Dean for Academic Affairs with the Aga Khan University’s Graduate School of Media and Communications, she led the accreditation of the new MA in Digital Journalism. In her role as senior advisor to the provost, she is steering the launch of an Executive Masters in Media Leadership and Innovation.
Shitemi Khamadi

Shitemi Khamadi is a print and online journalist currently serving as a media specialist at Internews Kenya. A passionate blogger, he runs two blogs: www.shitemi.com and www.dhahabu.co.ke; where he writes about news, art, and culture. He holds a master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Management, and is programs manager at the Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE).
Grace Mutung'u

Grace Mutung’u researches ICT policy in Kenya and Africa, with a focus on digital rights, governance, and development. She is a curator on Sub-Saharan Africa Internet governance issues at the Geneva Internet Platform and an affiliate at the Kenya ICT Action Network, where she carries out policy and legal analysis. She has been involved in ICT policy development over the past 10 years.
Cheryl Yugi

Cheryl Yugi is a human rights lawyer who leads the gender justice work at ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa, where she champions digital literacy and security for women and fights tech-assisted violence against women. Prior to joining ARTICLE 19, she served at the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa and at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Ephraim Percy Kenyanito

Ephraim manages ARTICLE 19, Eastern Africa’s technology policy and human rights projects in 14 countries. He is also lead researcher for Kenya at GlobalIntegrity.Org. For the past six years, he has worked in the African ICT and media law industry, researching its nexus with international development. He is an advisory board member for Microsoft’s Digital Peace Campaign.
Elizabeth Oyange-Ngando

Elizabeth Oyange-Ngando is an expert in intellectual property law and an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya. She is the chapter lead of Creative Commons Kenya, which aims to advance open knowledge and advocate the benefits of open access. As the Copyright Specialist for Aga Khan University, she oversees the copyright and intellectual property matters of the university.
Rachel Nakitare

Racheal Nakitare is the acting television programs manager at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation. A broadcast journalist by training, she has worked extensively on addressing hate speech in and through the media, as well as advocating for women’s rights online. She is the former president of the International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT).
Jessica Musila

Jessica Musila is the executive director of Mzalendo, a watchdog organization in Kenya that aims to facilitate public participation in parliamentary processes through information sharing, research and networking. An experienced policy analyst and communications specialist, she has previously worked for the German Technical Cooperation and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Leonie von Elverfeldt

Leonie von Elverfeldt, managing director of digital publishing East-Africa for Ringier, manages www.pulselive.co.ke, and serves as product manager for Business Insider Sub-Saharan Africa and the marketing agency, RDM. Before that she spent five years in Berlin, helping to launch and subsequently manage the paid content scheme of Germany’s most popular daily newspaper, BILD.
Jimmy Gitonga

is a web designer who runs the design studio Afroshok, offering "360˚" digital design service, from brand development to web applications in the cloud. Previously, Jimmy served as the Community Lead at iHub, where he worked with upcoming digital designers. After studying electronic engineering, mathematics and physics, Jimmy ran his own electronics installations and maintenance company.
Hildah Nyakwaka

Hilday Nyakwaka is a university student from Nairobi who founded the co-creation community Jamlab. The initiative brings together high-school graduates to collaborate on a common problem. Hildah is active in the global open knowledge and co-creation scene, and is the education platform lead of the Creative Commons chapter Kenya.
George M. Masila

George M. Masila is a marketing and communications consultant with a focus on digital innovation. He is the communications manager of C4DLab, the University of Nairobi's innovation hub. He is also a member of the Nairobi Innovation Week secretariat where he serves as the digital communications lead. At the TUMI Startup Accelerator, he is responsible for marketing and communications.
Josephine Miliza

Josephine Miliza is a network engineer who is passionate about enabling communities in Africa to leverage digital technologies for socio-economic empowerment. She is the project manager for TunapandaNET, a community network focusing on adoption of digital technologies and ICT capabilities. She is the founder of Tech Dada, an initiative that seeks to educate, equip, and empower young women.
Maureen Moraa Mogoah

Maureen Moraa is the lead trainer at the Tunapanda Institute in Kibera, Nairobi. She is passionate about ICT training for young people from urban informal settlements and remote areas. Her training focuses on equipping youth with technology, design, and business skills. Maureen has actively participated in conferences that aim to increase inclusivity for the purposes of bridging the digital gap.
Martin Wachira

Martin Wachira is managing editor at Pulse Live Kenya and Business Insider. Pulse Live is a news site with a strong focus on social media. At Pulse Live, he is responsible for digital storytelling, as well as analyzing user data. Wachira previously worked as a communications specialist for Ipsos, a polling company.

Catherine Gicheru

Catherine Gicheru is a Knight Fellow at the International Center for Journalism. She works with the Code for Kenya open-data initiative to promote data journalism and civic innovation. Gicheru is the founding editor of the Star newspaper, and also worked as a reporter, news editor and investigations editor for the Nation Media Group.
Godfrey Mwampembwa, known as “Gado”,

Godfrey Mwampembwa, also known as “Gado,” is the most syndicated political cartoonist in East and Central Africa. In 2016 he ended a two-decade career at the Daily Nation in Kenya. His cartoons have appeared in Le Monde, Der Standard and Japan Times. He is the CEO of bunimedia, which produces innovative African multimedia content.
Schaeffer Okore

Schaeffer Okore is program manager at Siasa Place, a registered non-profit co-working space that is focused on encouraging young people and women to participate in politics. The main aim is to humanize politics and entrench the involvement of youth and women in political spaces. Okore is also the vice chair of Ukweli party and a graduate from the University of Nairobi.
Bitange Ndemo

Bitange Ndemo is a professor of entrepreneurship at the University of Nairobi. He served as Kenya’s permanent secretary for information and communication technology from 2003-2013. Taking an entrepreneurial approach to policymaking, he facilitated the development of Kenya’s fiber optic connectivity, tech incubation hubs, digitization of government services and broadband penetration.
Margaret Nyambura

Dr. Margaret Nyambura Ndung’u has worked in the information systems field for more than two decades. Between 2014 and 2017 she wrote the Kenyan National ICT Master Plan while serving as secretary to the taskforce. Currently, she is a member of the Communications and Multimedia Appeals Tribunal. She consults organizations across the public, private, and third sectors.
Rhonda Breit

Rhonda Breit is a leading academic in the field of media law and journalism education. As Associate Dean for Academic Affairs with the Aga Khan University’s Graduate School of Media and Communications, she led the accreditation of the new MA in Digital Journalism. In her role as senior advisor to the provost, she is steering the launch of an Executive Masters in Media Leadership and Innovation.
Shitemi Khamadi

Shitemi Khamadi is a print and online journalist currently serving as a media specialist at Internews Kenya. A passionate blogger, he runs two blogs: www.shitemi.com and www.dhahabu.co.ke; where he writes about news, art, and culture. He holds a master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Management, and is programs manager at the Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE).
Grace Mutung'u

Grace Mutung’u researches ICT policy in Kenya and Africa, with a focus on digital rights, governance, and development. She is a curator on Sub-Saharan Africa Internet governance issues at the Geneva Internet Platform and an affiliate at the Kenya ICT Action Network, where she carries out policy and legal analysis. She has been involved in ICT policy development over the past 10 years.
Cheryl Yugi

Cheryl Yugi is a human rights lawyer who leads the gender justice work at ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa, where she champions digital literacy and security for women and fights tech-assisted violence against women. Prior to joining ARTICLE 19, she served at the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa and at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Ephraim Percy Kenyanito

Ephraim manages ARTICLE 19, Eastern Africa’s technology policy and human rights projects in 14 countries. He is also lead researcher for Kenya at GlobalIntegrity.Org. For the past six years, he has worked in the African ICT and media law industry, researching its nexus with international development. He is an advisory board member for Microsoft’s Digital Peace Campaign.
Elizabeth Oyange-Ngando

Elizabeth Oyange-Ngando is an expert in intellectual property law and an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya. She is the chapter lead of Creative Commons Kenya, which aims to advance open knowledge and advocate the benefits of open access. As the Copyright Specialist for Aga Khan University, she oversees the copyright and intellectual property matters of the university.
Rachel Nakitare

Racheal Nakitare is the acting television programs manager at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation. A broadcast journalist by training, she has worked extensively on addressing hate speech in and through the media, as well as advocating for women’s rights online. She is the former president of the International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT).
Jessica Musila

Jessica Musila is the executive director of Mzalendo, a watchdog organization in Kenya that aims to facilitate public participation in parliamentary processes through information sharing, research and networking. An experienced policy analyst and communications specialist, she has previously worked for the German Technical Cooperation and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Leonie von Elverfeldt

Leonie von Elverfeldt, managing director of digital publishing East-Africa for Ringier, manages www.pulselive.co.ke, and serves as product manager for Business Insider Sub-Saharan Africa and the marketing agency, RDM. Before that she spent five years in Berlin, helping to launch and subsequently manage the paid content scheme of Germany’s most popular daily newspaper, BILD.
Jimmy Gitonga

is a web designer who runs the design studio Afroshok, offering "360˚" digital design service, from brand development to web applications in the cloud. Previously, Jimmy served as the Community Lead at iHub, where he worked with upcoming digital designers. After studying electronic engineering, mathematics and physics, Jimmy ran his own electronics installations and maintenance company.
Hildah Nyakwaka

Hilday Nyakwaka is a university student from Nairobi who founded the co-creation community Jamlab. The initiative brings together high-school graduates to collaborate on a common problem. Hildah is active in the global open knowledge and co-creation scene, and is the education platform lead of the Creative Commons chapter Kenya.
George M. Masila

George M. Masila is a marketing and communications consultant with a focus on digital innovation. He is the communications manager of C4DLab, the University of Nairobi's innovation hub. He is also a member of the Nairobi Innovation Week secretariat where he serves as the digital communications lead. At the TUMI Startup Accelerator, he is responsible for marketing and communications.
Josephine Miliza

Josephine Miliza is a network engineer who is passionate about enabling communities in Africa to leverage digital technologies for socio-economic empowerment. She is the project manager for TunapandaNET, a community network focusing on adoption of digital technologies and ICT capabilities. She is the founder of Tech Dada, an initiative that seeks to educate, equip, and empower young women.
Maureen Moraa Mogoah

Maureen Moraa is the lead trainer at the Tunapanda Institute in Kibera, Nairobi. She is passionate about ICT training for young people from urban informal settlements and remote areas. Her training focuses on equipping youth with technology, design, and business skills. Maureen has actively participated in conferences that aim to increase inclusivity for the purposes of bridging the digital gap.
Martin Wachira

Martin Wachira is managing editor at Pulse Live Kenya and Business Insider. Pulse Live is a news site with a strong focus on social media. At Pulse Live, he is responsible for digital storytelling, as well as analyzing user data. Wachira previously worked as a communications specialist for Ipsos, a polling company.

Date 18.01.2019
Number of pictures 20
Author Lena Nitsche
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SPECIAL

#speakup barometer | Kenya

Leading the way: Kenya’s digital experts

Catherine Gicheru

Godfrey Mwampembwa, known as “Gado”,

Schaeffer Okore

Bitange Ndemo

Margaret Nyambura

Rhonda Breit

Shitemi Khamadi

Grace Mutung'u

Cheryl Yugi

Ephraim Percy Kenyanito

Elizabeth Oyange-Ngando

Rachel Nakitare

Jessica Musila

Leonie von Elverfeldt

Jimmy Gitonga

Hildah Nyakwaka

George M. Masila

Josephine Miliza

Maureen Moraa Mogoah

Martin Wachira

Catherine Gicheru

Godfrey Mwampembwa, known as “Gado”,

Schaeffer Okore

Bitange Ndemo

Margaret Nyambura

Rhonda Breit

Shitemi Khamadi

Grace Mutung'u

Cheryl Yugi

Ephraim Percy Kenyanito

Elizabeth Oyange-Ngando

Rachel Nakitare

Jessica Musila

Leonie von Elverfeldt

Jimmy Gitonga

Hildah Nyakwaka

George M. Masila

Josephine Miliza

Maureen Moraa Mogoah

Martin Wachira