Our Team

CFK Africa has benefited from tremendous leadership for over 20 years, with a staff of 85 on the ground and a dedicated team of Board and Advisory Council members.

Leadership team

Board of Directors

Advisory Council

Leadership Team

Jeffrey Okoro
Executive Director | Kenya

With over 15 years of experience, Jeffrey brings a steadfast commitment to community-led development, passion for the power of education, and a growth-oriented mindset to lead CFK Africa.

He has strong roots in the Kibera community and finds joy in providing services that help uplift adolescents and youth. Growing up in Kibera and experiencing the power of education firsthand, Jeffrey serves as a powerful role model for youth in informal settlements. 

Okoro first volunteered with CFK Africa as a youth leader after post-election violence in 2009. He has since risen through the ranks of the organization, from a peer mentor to administrative assistant, project officer, program coordinator, and most recently as deputy director. In 2018, he co-founded CFK Africa’s Best Schools Initiative with Professor Steve Arnold and has since collaborated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to strengthen the program’s research objectives, which aim to improve education in primary schools in communities where we work and guide transformative policies for informal settlements globally. 

Jeffrey is committed to empowering people to empower themselves. He served as a 2019 Metis Fellow, working toward accelerating the pace of education reform across Africa. Jeffrey earned a Bachelor of Science in Project Planning and Management from Moi University and a certificate in Business Mathematics. He also earned a certificate in conflict analysis from the United States Institute of Peace.

Programs Manager | Kenya

Mediatrix is a highly motivated and results-driven programs and research coordinator with over 11 years of progressive work experience in programs and research.

A believer in the participatory approach to development, Mediatrix has led programs in Kenyan informal settlements and rural areas on sexual and gender-based violence, the supply of sanitary commodities to adolescent girls, and sustainable business opportunities for rural women. She has also carried out research consultancies and lectured university courses on development, research methods, project planning, and management in Kenya.

Mediatrix holds a Masters of Arts in Development Studies from the Institute for Development Studies at the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Education (Arts) degree from Kenyatta University. She has certification in Monitoring and Evaluation from the Population Studies Research Institute at the University of Nairobi.

Health Administrator Lead | Kenya

Joy brings over 5 years of expertise in health administration and health systems strengthening and is committed to building community partnerships to ensure positive health outcomes for all.

With deep roots in the Kibera community and with CFK Africa, Joy first joined the organization as a volunteer administrative assistant. She began a full-time role at Tabitha Medical Clinic as an assistant administrative officer in 2018 and currently serves as the lead administrator for CFK Africa’s three health facilities in Kibera.

Joy has a Bachelor of Science in Health Systems Management from Kenya Methodist University and a diploma in Healthcare Management from Kenya Institute of Management.

Program Lead, Community Health Services | Kenya

Yunus is a Community Health and Development Specialist with expertise in community mobilization for action, project management and implementation, coordinating research studies, and facilitation skills developed over the last 12 years.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Political Science from the University of Nairobi and a Diploma in Community-Based development and Project Management from PREMESE Africa Development Institute. Previously, he served as a Program Officer in a Public Health position and has also worked with different organizations such as AMREF, Africa Network for Health Knowledge Management (AFRI-AFYA) and KEMRI/CDC in coordinating several community-based projects.

Program Lead, Clinical Services | Kenya

Eddah is a progressive community health advocate with more than 10 years of experience in community health and health service delivery.

She has served as a Health Surveillance Officer for various organizations, including Washington State University, Avo Global Enterprise, and KEMRI/CDC. Eddah oversees CFK’s Primary Health Care facilities and community outreach initiatives and has been instrumental in facilitating CFK’s COVID-19 response and expanding the organization’s water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) initiatives to additional informal settlements. 

Eddah earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Systems Management from the Kenya Methodist University and a diploma in Clinical Medicine and Surgery from the Kenya Medical Training College.

Program Lead, Youth Leadership & Education | Kenya

With over five years of experience working with CFK Africa, Keith is a dedicated and experienced community development professional with a strong background in livelihoods projects and sports for development.

Keith believes that that informal settlements are home to some of the most resilient, creative, and entrepreneurial people in the world. As CFK Africa’s Education and Livelihoods Lead, he oversees the implementation and coordination of projects aimed at improving educational outcomes and economic resilience.

Prior to joining CFK Africa, he served as a Project Officer for For Children’s Sake Initiative, where he contributed significantly to the planning and execution of programs focused on child welfare. He also gained valuable experience as a Project Coordinator at Kenya Ports Authority. Keith holds a Bachelor’s degree in Project Planning & Management from Moi University.

Nathan Ruto Kikoech
Monitoring, Evaluation and Theory of Change Lead | Kenya

Nathan is an experienced Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) professional driven by a passion for leveraging data-driven insights to enact meaningful change.

He brings experience in program management, monitoring, and evaluation within the development sector, with a focus on initiatives aimed at community development spanning education, health, and livelihoods.

Nathan designs, implements, and manages M&E systems to gauge program effectiveness and boost organizational performance. Previously, he worked to ensure the success and impact of organizations including AVSI Foundation Kenya and Plan International Kenya. First joining the team as a Data Officer, he currently serves as CFK Africa’s Monitoring and Evaluation Lead.

Ruto holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Nairobi and has completed M&E training with the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM).

Project Officer, Education & Facility Support Supervisor | Kenya

Joshua is a dynamic and results-driven leader, with over 9 years’ experience in multifaceted roles at CFK Africa.

With a deep-rooted passion for empowering the next generation, Joshua is committed to breaking barriers and bridging gaps in education. Originally from Kibera, Joshua first began as a volunteer with CFK Africa. Soon after, he joined the team as Project Officer for the Best Schools Initiative. As a Project Officer for Education implementing the Lux Sit & Jim Rogers Scholarship Program, his work now includes scholarships, mentoring, community engagement, and advocacy.

Recognizing the vital role an encouraging work environment plays in enhancing productivity and staff well-being, Joshua is dedicated to maintaining a safe and efficient workplace for our exceptional team. Joshua obtained a Bachelor of Technology in Building and Construction from The Technical University of Kenya. He also earned a certificate in Research Methodology and Quantitative Methods from the Collaborative Institution Training Initiative.

Program Officer, Community Health Services | Kenya

A pioneer of innovative girls empowerment program models, Siama is a fierce advocate for women and girls in informal settlements.

A founding member of CFK Africa’s Binti Pamoja program in 2005, Siama has been engaged with CFK Africa’s girls empowerment programs for nearly two decades as a volunteer, peer mentor, Project Officer, and now Program Officer. She brings expertise in safe spaces, Girls Parliament, projects supporting teenage mothers, and large sensitization campaigns on issues faced by girls and young women.

Siama is trained in sexual and reproductive health, leadership, and girls’ mentorship. She has successfully built partnerships and collaborations with other community-based organizations that work with girls, creating safer environment for girls in informal settlements  of Kenya.

Program Officer, Community Health Services | Kenya

Dorine is a public health professional with expertise in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and maternal and child health programming.

Instrumental in spearheading the scaling up of our WASH initiatives in other Kenyan informal settlements, Dorine has built strong networks and partnerships with county and sub-county government officials in Nairobi, Kiambu, Nakuru, Kisumu, and Mombasa. She previously served as a Project Officer under CFK Africa’s WASH and Maternal and Child Health projects and believes in the power of a behavior change communication approach to foster sustainable health behaviors in informal settlements.

Dorine holds a Diploma in Environmental Health Sciences from the Kenya Medical Training College and is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health Sciences at Kenyatta University.

Human Resources Team Lead | Kenya

Valentine is an accomplished Human Resources Specialist with over 10 years of progressive work experience in Human Resources and Administration.

She is a people enthusiast and a thought leader who has  previously held Financial Planning Manager and Customer Care roles at British American Asset Managers and Airtel Kenya respectively. She believes in choosing and seeing people in their light and influencing them from that space.

Valentine holds a Master of Management Degree in International Business from Central Queensland University in Sydney Australia (CQU-Sydney) and a Bachelor of Science Degree in International Business Administration from the United States International University Africa Campus (USIU-A). She is a Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP-K) and an award winner of the most Outstanding National Performer in the Reward Management Unit from the Human Resource Management Professionals Examination Board (HRMPEB). She is also a full member of the Institute of Human Resource Management (IHRM) having been awarded a winner of a trivia organized by the institution for demonstrating excellent skills as a team player.

Director of Strategic Partnerships | United States

Beth-Ann is a non-profit leader, higher education administrator, and multimedia producer with 20 years of experience specializing in global research and education development, data analysis, and international evaluation. 

She has completed professional work with organizations including Carnegie Mellon University, the Nature Conservancy, the UNC Mathematics and Science Education Network, and served as a Senior Program Officer and Fulbright Program Advisor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Beth-Ann served over three terms on CFK Africa’s Board of Directors and produced Without a Fight, an award-winning documentary that explores how soccer can facilitate social change in Kibera. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Terrestrial Ecology from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. She enjoys playing bass guitar in a good rock and roll show on occasion.

Deputy Director of Communications and Development | United States

Emma is a global education and outreach professional with over 10 years of experience in non-profit settings and at academic institutions. 

She has worked with institutions of higher education such as the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke University to support global initiatives and engage in outreach efforts to share university resources and knowledge with the broader community. She has also held positions with internationally-focused nonprofits including WorldDenver and LEAF Global Arts. A passion for strengthening global understanding and partnerships drives her work.

Harver holds a M.A. in International Education, a B.A. in Global Studies and Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and has studied Arabic and French. 

Operations and Mission Support Associate | United States

Wyatt is a cross cultural communications, experiential education, and organizational operations professional passionate about education and reproductive health care access, decolonization work, and gender equity.

She has held roles with community health organizations and international non-profits and NGOs including Planned Parenthood and Global Citizen Year. She also has experience working with an Africa-focused social impact organization, Baobab Consulting, doing research for their Intercultural Communications branch.

Wyatt holds a B.A. in International Studies with a concentration in Identity, Race, Gender, and Culture and a regional focus of Sub-Saharan Africa. She was a Global Scholars student in the School of International Services at American University. She is also an alumna of Global Citizen Year as a Global Changemakers scholar in Senegal. Foster enjoys reading, podcasts, music, and adventuring with her dog.

Board of Directors &
Advisory Council

We have a dedicated team of Board and Advisory Council members who volunteer their time and expertise to maximize CFK Africa’s impact. They provide us with a strong, steady foundation even through the most difficult times. We are forever grateful for their support and expertise. 

Board of Directors

Our Kenya Board of Trustees and U.S. Board of Directors operate together on a Joint Board.

Rye Barcott, Chair

Co-Founder, CFK Africa; Co-Founder and CEO, With Honor

Steve Arnold, Ph.D.

Education Activist

Brett Bullington

Angel Investor and Advisor to Start-ups, Technology Entrepreneur

Jennifer Coffman, Ph.D.

Professor of Integrated Science and Technology, School of Integrated Sciences, James Madison University

Jim Herrington, Ph.D.

Co-Founder and Vice-President, Drone Data and Film® Photography; Professor (retired), Department of Health Behavior, UNC-Chapel Hill

Francis Kibet, Treasurer

Manager, IT Audit Services, Duke Energy Corporation

Jane Kilonzo
Director HFC Limited; Enwealth Financial Services
Suzanne Maman, Ph.D.

Professor and Associate Dean, Gillings School of Global Public Health, UNC-Chapel Hill

James Ndiang’ui

Senior Finance, Administration and Compliance Manager, Malawi at Counterpart International

Joseph Nganga

Executive Director, Smart Power Africa, Power Initiative, The Rockefeller Foundation

Dickson Omondi

Regional Director, Southern and East Africa, National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI)

Claire Rotich, Secretary

Senior Manager, Cloud & Digital Analytics Insights at PwC

James Peacock, Ph.D. (Honorary Member)

Kenan Professor of Anthropology, UNC-Chapel Hill

Advisory Council

In 2020, we convened a diverse group of international leaders and volunteers that will guide CFK Africa’s strategic decisions and assist us as we continue to develop local leaders and catalyze change in informal communities.

Madeleine Albright (in memoriam)

64th U.S. Secretary of State

Karen Austrian, Ph.D.
Senior Associate, Population Council
Yaniv Barzilai​

Foreign Service Officer, U.S. Department of State; former CFK Africa Peacock Fellow

Stellah Bosire, M.D.

Executive Director, UHAI: East African Sexual Health & Rights Initiative

Robert Breiman, M.D.

Emory University Professor; Former Director, CDC Global Disease Detection Division in Kenya

Peter Dixon ​

Founder and CEO, Second Front; former CFK Africa Peacock Fellow

Bill George, Ph.D.

Professor, Harvard Business School; former CEO, Medtronic

David Gergen

Professor of Public Service, Founding Director of the Center for Public Leadership, Harvard Kennedy School

Christopher Hunt

Partner, Riverstone; Professor of Practice, Imperial Business School in London

Charles Kahura

Entrepreneur; Principal Architect, Space Form Studio

George Kuria

Chief Executive Officer, ACRE Africa

Orlando Lyomu

Group CEO and Managing Director, The Standard Group PI

Rebecca Martin, Ph.D.

Vice President for Global Health, Emory University; Director, Emory Global Health Institute

Kathleen McGinn, Ph.D.

Cahners-Rabb Professor of Business Administration; Co-Unit Head, Negotiation, Organizations & Markets, Harvard Business School

Jesse Moore

CEO and co-founder, M-KOPA

Joseph Nye, Ph.D.

Harvard University Distinguished Service Professor, Harvard University Center for the Environment, Harvard Kennedy School, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs

Isis Nyong'o Madison

Partner, Asphalt & Ink; Co-Founder, WomenWork Kenya

The Honorable David Price

U.S. Representative for North Carolina’s 4th Congressional District (retired)

William Roper, M.D.

CEO, UNC Health Care; Former Director, U.S. CDC

English Sall, Ph.D.

Board Member, Sall Family Foundation; Adjunct Professor, UNC School of Public Health

Megan Smith

3rd Chief Technology Officer of the United States; Co-founder, the Malala Fund

Ron Strauss, D.M.D., Ph.D.

Dental Friends Distinguished Professor of Dental Ecology, UNC School of Dentistry
Professor of Social Medicine, UNC School of Medicine, UNC-Chapel Hill

Grace Wamue-Ngare, Ph.D.

Professor of Sociology, Gender & Development Studies, Kenyatta University

Past Board Chairs

CFK Africa has benefited from tremendous leadership on the ground and on our Boards for nearly 20 years. We recognize the tenure of our past Board Chairs, who volunteered and helped us grow at each stage of our movement to be a model of participatory development and responsible research in informal settlements gripped by cycles of extreme poverty and around the world.

Jennifer Coffman, Ph.D.

Professor of Integrated Science and Technology, School of Integrated Sciences, James Madison University

Joseph Nganga

Executive Director, Smart Power Africa, Power Initiative, The Rockefeller Foundation

Kathleen McGinn, Ph.D.

Cahners-Rabb Professor of Business Administration; Co-Unit Head, Negotiation, Organizaitons & Markets, Harvard Business School

David Mshila

Senior Advisor, GIZ-PSDA

George Kuria

Chief Executive Officr, ACRE Africa

Fred Wasike

Division Director of Human Resources, Isuzu East Africa Ltd.

Jane Kilonzo

Deputy Managing Director, Bank of Africa (retired)

Kim Chapman Page

Owner of Bull City Running

Ben Mshila

Training Consultant, SelectTempStaffing

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