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
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- Dr. David Ngigi – Ag. Director General, NACOSTI
- Prof. Mike Kuria – C.E.O, CUE
University Leadership
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- Prof. Daniel Mugendi – Chairperson, Vice Chancellors’ Caucus
- Prof. Stephen Mbugua – Association of Vice Chancellors of Private Universities
Civil Society and Funders
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- Dr. Catherine Kyobutungi – Executive Director, African Population and Health Research Centre
- Dr. Kahaki Kimani – Board Chairperson, Mizizi Elimu Afrika formerly Zizi Afrique Foundation
- Dr. Sara Ruto – Programme Officer, Echidna Giving
Private Sector
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- Karen Basiye – Director for Sustainable Business and Social Impact, Safaricom Foundation
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.
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- Prof. Mike Kuria (CUE) – Co-Director and Co-Lead for all outcome areas
- Dr. John Mugo (Zizi Afrique) – Co-Director, Fundraising Lead, and Interim Host of Funding Pool
- Prof. Dickson Andala – Co-Lead, Funding
- Darius Mogaka (Director of Higher Education) – Co-Lead, Fundraising/Advocacy
- Dr. Moses Ngware (APHRC) – Co-Lead, National Research Agenda and Capacity Development
- Prof. Ciriaka Gitonga (University of Embu) – Coordinator of Research Chairs
- Dr. Pauline Essah (Education Sub Saharan Africa) – Co-Lead, Research Communication
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.
- Programme Director: Dr. Hezron Mogaka
Partners
