Leadership

Meet the leaders and institutions revitalising education research, bringing experience, passion, collaboration, and care to every idea and action

HERI Africa thrives on collaboration, expertise, and strategic guidance. Our leadership ensures research is relevant, impactful, and truly Africa-led.

Steering Committee

Our Steering Committee brings together distinguished leaders from government, universities, civil society, funders, and the private sector to provide strategic direction, oversight, and guidance. Their collective expertise ensures that HERI Africa’s work is impactful, locally led, and advances education research across the continent.

Government and Regulation

- Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak (Principal Secretary State Department Science, Research and Innovation) – Ministry of Education
- Dr. Beatrice Inyangala (Principal Secretary State Department Higher Education) – Ministry of Education
- Dr. David Ngigi (Ag. Director General, National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation) – NACOSTI
- Prof. Dickson Andala (C.E.O, NRF) – NRF
- Prof. James Onyango (Board Chairperson, CUE) – CUE

University Leadership

- Prof. Daniel Mugendi (Chairperson, Vice Chancellors’ Caucus) – Vice Chancellors of public universities offering education
- Prof. Stephen Mbugua (Association of VCs of Private Universities) – Association of Vice Chancellors of Private Universities

Civil Society and Funders

- Dr. Catherine Kyobutungi (Executive Director, African Population and Health Research Centre) – Civil Society Partners
- Dr. Kahaki Kimani (Board Chairperson, Mizizi Elimu Afrika) – Mizizi Elimu Afrika, Funding Pool
- Dr. Sara Ruto (Programme Officer, Echidna Giving) – Seed Funders

Private Sector

- Karen Basiye (Director for Sustainable Business and Social Impact, Safaricom) – Private Sector

Technical Leadership Team

The Technical Leadership Team drives day-to-day execution, innovation, and coordination across research, capacity building, and communications activities. They ensure that HERI Africa’s initiatives are delivered effectively, strategically aligned, and achieve impact across all outcome areas.

- Prof. Mike Kuria (Secretary, CUE) – Co-Director and Head of Secretariat
- Dr. John Mugo (Executive Director, Zizi Afrique Foundation) – Co-Director and Head of HERI Funding Pool
- Carol Hunja (Secretary for Higher Education) – Linking HERI to policy and practice
- Prof. Ciriaka Gitonga (Ag. Registrar, Planning, Administration and Finance, University of Embu) – Coordinator of Research Chairs
- Dr. Moses Ngware (Head, Education and Youth Empowerment Research Unit, African Population and Health Research Centre [APHRC]) – Establishment of Centre for Research
- Prof. Jackline Nyerere (Associate Professor, Kenyatta University) – Chair, Life Skills and Values-based education, Kenyatta University
- Dr. Pauline Essah (Executive Director, Education Sub-Saharan Africa) – Strengthening Research Dissemination
- Dr. George Andima (Lecturer, Kisii University) – Ag. Chair, Language
- Jackline Muyalo (National Research Fund) – Senior Research Mobilization and Partnership Officer

Secretariat

The Secretariat is the operational heart of HERI Africa, based at the Commission for University Education, providing coordination, administration, and logistical support to ensure smooth delivery of all initiatives.