I am a built environment professional with over four years of experience in the public and private sectors. My expertise spans urban planning, integrated transport systems, research, and project planning and management, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity and diversity in public transport systems.

My work is driven by a commitment to enhancing the quality of life through well-informed urban and transport planning, research, and policy development.

Cyprine Auma Odada is a pioneering urban planner and sustainable mobility expert transforming Nairobi’s streets into safer, more inclusive spaces. As Executive Director of Critical Mass Nairobi, she leads initiatives advocating for cycling, walking, and equitable transport, catalyzing essential policy changes and growing Nairobi’s cycling community. A 2023 recipient of the WMW Feminist in Transport Award and current WMW ambassador, Cyprine champions gender inclusivity in urban mobility, amplifying diverse voices and needs in transport systems.

With over a decade of experience and currently pursuing an Executive MSc in Cities at the London School of Economics, she brings a unique blend of practical leadership and academic insight. Her impact extends internationally, with featured talks at TEDx, ITF, Walk21 and Velo City, and she continues to inspire future women leaders in sustainable urban planning.

Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyprine-odada-8524a530/

Peninah Ndegwa is the Founder and Managing Director of Wow Mom Ltd a social enterprise advocating for Children Friendly cities. With a B.A Urban Planning from the University of Nairobi and an ongoing Masters in Climate Change Adaptation, she believes that if children are not designed for, they are designed out. Peninah has spearheaded an award-winning initiative leading to provision of quality and affordable childcare services market centres in partnership with County Governments serving over 2000 children and counting! Her aspiration is to create cities where all people can access social amenities easily and in dignity, regardless of age, gender, physical ability, or income level.

Linkedin URL:https://www.linkedin.com/in/peninah-ndegwa-997874b0/

X URL:https://twitter.com/wanjiru_ndegwa

Eng. Opuge Ephraim Obuolloh is a Senior Road Design, Construction and Maintenance engineer. He has extensive experience in road asset management and is currently working in road Design and construction projects for the Government of Kenya at the Kenya National Highways Authority. He has a Masters Degree in Road Management and Engineering from the University of Birmingham where he participated in a Special PIARC Project on Assessing Social Equity and Social Accessibility for People with disabilities in Kenya. He is passionate about solving transport, accessibility and opportunity access through Design and Development of travel solutions for all. He won a Sustainable Mobility Award for his participation in the World Road Association (PIARC) Special Study on Social Equity and Accessibility where he participated in the Nairobi, Kenya Transport System Assessment for accessibility for People with disability.

Linkedin URL: https://t.ly/EdY5D

Oliva is a public health strategist, adolescent wellbeing policy analyst and road safety advocate. Oliva’s professional experience includes leading high-impact road safety and sustainable mobility interventions with esteemed organizations such as the FIA FOUNDATION, and the United Nations. Oliva currently serves as the Africa Region Coordinator at the FIA FOUNDATION. In this role, she has facilitated countries like Botswana, Tanzania, Mozambique and South Africa to develop national commitments on Adolescent Well-being; supported the sub-regional consultations for the development of the Pan African Action Plan for Active Mobility (PAAPAM) and aided the scale up of safe school zone initiatives in several sub-Saharan countries. Prior to her appointment in this role, Oliva worked as the Youth Ambassador for Africa. 

Oliva is also the founder of a community based organization called UZIMA ARI UGANDA. She serves on the steering committee of the Kenya Urban Roads Authority for the developing a sustainable & climate resilient Infrastructure for Urban Roads in Kenya, and she is a youth advisory board member for the Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety. In 2022, Oliva was named among the most influential young people in Africa. In her free time, Oliva enjoys dancing, and writing. She has authored more than 5 policy briefs and scientific articles to date. 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliva-nalwadda-86a98181

x – https://x.com/OlivaNalwadda

Dustin Kahler is the Director of M-KOPA Mobility, overseeing the commercial rollout of the company’s IoT-enabled electric vehicle asset financing business. He also sits on the Governing Council of the E-Mobility Association of Kenya (EMAK).  Prior to this, he was M-KOPA’s Global Director of Credit and served as General Manager of Tanzania.  Dustin is a 17 year veteran of the international investment, consumer credit and renewable energy industries, with a career spanning China, the U.S. and ten years across Africa.  Dustin holds a B.A. from the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs and an MBA from IMD.  He is an avid mountaineer and lives in Nairobi with his wife and three adventurous daughters.

Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinkahler

Judith Owigar is a passionate advocate for sustainable innovation, urbanization, and women’s development. With a focus on driving positive social impact, she leverages technology to enhance communities and support equitable growth. Currently, Judith serves as a Smart and Electric Mobility Expert at UN-Habitat, where she addresses urbanization, climate change, and technological innovation.

Linkedin URL: www.linkedin.com/in/judithowigar

Oluwaseun Sonoiki is a lawyer with dual qualifications in Nigeria, England and Wales UK. She currently serves as the Legal Counsel for the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), an exceptionally outstanding Lagos State Government Agency responsible for the planning, implementation, franchising, and regulation of public transportation in Lagos, Nigeria.

Oluwaseun actively contributes to various LAMATA programs and projects, including the Lagos Light Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) and the Lagos Bus Reform Initiatives. She has played a pivotal role in coordinating LAMATA’s participation in implementing the UKAID-funded EMPOWER I and II project which addresses sexual harassment in Public transport in Lagos, Nigeria; and T-TRIID  Inclusive Interchanges project both under High Volume Transport (HVT) Applied Research program managed by DT Global.

Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seun-sonoiki-22650914

Tom Courtright has seven years of experience in Africa’s e-mobility sector and is an expert on motorcycle taxis and vehicle electrification in East Africa. Tom is the Research Director at the Africa E-Mobility Alliance (AfEMA). In this capacity, he led the Uganda and Kenya baseline reports and pilot programs for the BMZ project ‘E-Mobility as a Driver for Change – Towards a gender transformative and just transition to electric mobility’. He also leads the Lubyanza Research Group, where he developed the sole public source of quarterly reports on the motorcycle taxi sector in Kampala, Uganda. Previously, Tom served as a Project Manager and General Manager for Aptech Africa, an African-owned solar company operating in Uganda and the Central African Republic, and as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Sabeto, Fiji. Tom is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Cape Town in Urban Planning with a focus on the topic of motorcycle-taxis and accessibility. Tom also holds a Master of Urban Planning and a M.Sc. in Sustainability and Environment from the University of Michigan.

Linked in URL:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-courtright-16a81879/

X URL:https://x.com/Tom_Courtright

Sandra Nyawira Odhiambo is a young and vibrant leader who advocates for the rights of persons with disabilities in their diversities and from a rights-based perspective across social, economic and political spheres of life.

Naturally, Sandra is an action-initiator gifted at mobilizing diverse groups of people to work towards advancing organizational goals and curating holistic impact. Owing to her resourcefulness and charisma, Sandra has been entrusted with spearheading multiple projects seeking to amplify the voices of Young persons with diverse disabilities. Presently, Sandra is engaged as a Disability Inclusion Advisor at the United Disabled Persons of Kenya (UDPK) – an assignment that has seen her advance her efforts in advocating for an all-inclusive and barrier-free society that values diversity and respects all human rights. She also serves in the advocacy and campaigns team for the common wealth for children and youth with disabilities where she amplifies the voices of children and young people with disabilities within the African context.

Sandra is characterized as an initiating leader who shapes the environment, takes control, influences those around her and creates a lasting impact. People describe her as being intuitive, intelligent, focused, and engaging. As a true visionary, Sandra is devoted to her own personal development and has earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree in Gender and Development Studies from Kenyatta University. On top of this, she has also undertaken numerous trainings covering the thematic areas of; Meaningful Youth Engagement and Participation, Intersectionality, Gender and Disability Inclusivity as well as Leadership

Development and Mentorship. Sandra’s personal profile is shaped by a superior work ethic, a strong belief in diversity and inclusion as well as an integrity-driven nature that drives her to learn, guide and motivate those around her. As an instinctive leader, she reaps personal fulfillment from helping others become the best versions of their own selves.

Linkedin Profile:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-odhiambo1?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

Nyawira’s career journey cuts across 7 years experience in

Corporate Management, Business Development and Corporate

Training.

She has interacted with companies across diverse industries such

as Manufacturing firms, Financial Institutions, Insurance

Agencies, and FMCG‘s but to mention a few.

Her in depth knowledge and expertise currently spreads in

various regions such Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana and Ethiopia.

Through her Masters doctorate in Organizational Management

Nyawira‘s passion lies in empowering the youth to become future

leaders oppossed to followers

Through her several accolades in various projects, Nyawira

participates in various forums that speak on women empowerment,

uplifting the marginalised and Educating A child.

She strongly stands on three main pillars that govern her day to day.

1.BEAUTY CREATES, CHARACTER CONSTRUCTS.

As a woman it’s crucial to be the embodiment of Beauty and brains

hence your morals depicts who you are as in individual.

2.POSITIVITY+ CONFIDENCE= SUCCESS

Regardless of the state you are in, a positive mindset while exuding

confidence will leave you better than you were.

3.HEALTH IS WEALTH

Simple.. If you don’t take care of wellness you will soon take care of your illness. Health status is key in conquering day to day affairs.

Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/nyawiramaina/

Mary Abungu is a Transportation Engineer and Road Safety Specialist based in Kenya. She is the founder of Sustainable Mobility Africa (SUMO) Africa, a regional organization dedicated to enhancing sustainable transport systems across Africa.

Mary is also a Chevening Scholar. She holds a Master of Science in Transport Engineering, Planning, and Management from Newcastle University, where she was awarded the Best Contribution-MSc award.

In 2024, she received the Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety Local Action award for her project, “Connect the Dots, Save a Life,” focused on improving road safety data sharing and influencing policy in Kenya. Her dedication to road safety extends beyond policy, as she has been actively involved in youth and women advocacy and engagement through her work and career.

LinkedIn  Handle :  linkedin.com/in/mary-abungu-b947b3118 / 

Twitter Handle : https://twitter.com/maryabungu?lang=en

Dennis Wakaba is a seasoned  E-mobility Expert, and Urban and Regional Planner by profession. In addition, a Geographic Information Systems Expert, and Sustainable Development Enthusiast who endeavors to use of new technologies that build smart, resilient, adaptive, and sustainable urban areas that improve quality of life for all. 

He is currently focused on electrifying Africa’s public transport and development of Electric mobility strategies, business models; E-mobility standards, policy formulation, deployment of charging infrastructure and making Electric Vehicles accessible all-over Sub-Saharan Africa.

His current and future interests are to spearhead smart innovations in the fields of city planning, Sustainable mobility ecosystem development, climate/emissions mitigation strategies and projects as well as and E-mobility mainstreaming.

Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-wakaba-a4083043/

x handle: https://x.com/plannerwakaba

Patricia Nzolantima is a pure Africa product with over 20 years of experience in

entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment.

As a serial entrepreneur, Patricia is a seasoned leader in market disruption initiatives on the

African continent.

She is the Founder and chairwoman of Bizzoly Holdings, a women-owned company and

foundation. She is also the co-founder and managing director of EXP-Comuni-cart, one of

Sub-Saharan Africa’s first marketing agencies.

She founded the first women’s economic empowerment hub in Kinshasa, an accelerator

program for women entrepreneurs to scale up their business; and the Bizzoly Transportation

and logistics that operates under Ubizcabs, the first female-driven taxi company in the

Democratic Republic of Congo.

In march 2020, Patricia launched the first female drivers academy to empower women in

transport and logistics.

Patricia’s third company, Bizzoly Brands and Co. (Pty), Ltd based in south Africa is a FMCG

company specializes in households products and value chain.

In 2018, in partnership with UBA Group, she launched the first women visa prepaid card in

the DRC, with the “Working Ladies brand’’ to finance women entrepreneurs’ projects through

her women economic empowerment hub.

In January 2020, she signed a partnership with VISA international to launch the first women

digital bank

In 2012, she was the first female in DRC to have been selected and participated in the young

African Leaders (YALI), Mandela Fellowship program, an initiative of the former President

Barack Obama.

Patricia has attended several time the GES (Global entrepreneurship summit), opened the

summit plenary with the former secretary of State John Kerry, in the Silicon Valley; Worked

closely with the former Secretary state John Kerry during his Africa visit tour in 2013. She

met the former president Bill Clinton, and has been member of the Clinton global Initiative.

Since 2013, she attends the G20 Young Entrepreneur Alliance summit with the South Africa

delegation.

Since January 2023, she became co-Chair of the Action Council on African Economic

Integration: an agenda for Global Business and lead the agenda of the action council during

India’s Presidency.

In 2013, Patricia has been awarded the Woman of Year by the Dutch multinational company

Vlisco, and in 2016 she became the “muse’’ of the 170 years anniversary of Vlisco

Campaign.

In 2018, Forbes Afrique named her as one of the top 100 African economic Leaders of

Tomorrow.

She has also been highlighted on the “Choiseul Institute 100 Africa Economic Leaders of

Tomorrow Under 40’ from 2016 to 2019.

Patricia holds a master’s degree in law from the protestant University of Congo (DRC) and a

master’s degree in business English and marketing management from the cape Studies

Institute in Cape Town, South Africa.

In addition, she has earned several professional diplomas; she got a MBA from Harvard

University’s Business School.

Patricia graduated (Cohort 4) from the Seed Transformation Program of the Stanford

University, the Stanford Institute for Innovation in Developing Economies, working to end the

cycle of global poverty.

Since May 2017, Patricia has been selected as one of 20 Africans from across the continent

as a member of the Harvard University, Center for African Studies (CAS) Leadership

Council. CAS is an internationally recognized interdisciplinary body at Harvard University that

aims to broaden public and scholarly awareness about Africa, African experiences, and

perspectives.

Since September 2022, she became co-chair of the Harvard University, Center for African

Studies (CAS) Leadership Council.

Member of the YPO (formerly Young Presidents' Organization) is a global leadership

community of chief executives with approximately 29,000 members in more than 130

countries.

In 2018, she was the first female to join the YPO Congo and, Board member.

from 2019-2022, she became Board member of the YPO People Action Network and Africa

champion Ypo Women’s Business Network; Ypo regional board member of the Automotive

Network. She’s a YPO Global Envoy ambassador for the DRC of the Global Diplomacy

Network.  

Patricia has been the 2020 Africa winner of the YPO global Impact award, and Global finalist

for her work to empowering women in transportation and logistics.

February 2021, she has been selected as one of the Remarkable Women in the field of

transport by the Transformative Urban Mobility Initiative (TUMI).

On behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development

(BMZ),

March 2021, she has been named one of Top 21 of 2021 Influential Women in Mobility by

Vulog, https://info.vulog.com/top-21-of-2021-influential-women-in-mobility

Since July 2021, she joined the council for inclusive capitalism with the Vatican,

https://www.inclusivecapitalism.com/member/patricia-nzolantima/

March 2023, she has been named remarkable feminist voice in transport by TUMI and GIZ

on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development

(BMZ),

She graduated from Alibaba business school, e-founder program. A program designed to

empower African businesses owners to build sustainable companies.

In December 2020, Patricia got her Doctorate Degree in business administration, specialising

in entrepreneurship from the Virginia Commonwealth University and London graduation

school.

Patricia is a public speaker, a role model and an author who has published:

“Caravane des Portraits”, a collector album telling the stories of unknown heroines of DRC –

artists, entrepreneurs, inventors, senior executives – who deserve to be highlighted.

“Nyota and the puberty”, a book designed to empowering girls through the puberty.

Her goal is to create a better and more accurate depiction of Africa.

She is presently DRC Ambassador for Women in Africa Initiative.

Patricia believe that Leaders should use the full potential of their network to help women gain

more visibility. Mentoring alone does not equal promotions for women, but sponsorships

could be the key to unlocking workplace gender barriers.

Society cannot be altered overnight, but by identifying what is important, we can help each other .

Social Media – LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrs-patricia-nzolantima-2533032a/  

twitter: @bizzoly 

Instagram: @workingladies

Fatima Adamu is a sociologist with expertise on GESI, qualitative research and an activist by choice in northern Nigeria. She is the Executive Director of an NGO called Nana Girls and Women Empowerment Initiative with head office in Sokoto, Nigeria. She is a partner in a UKAID HVT- EMPOWER project that aims at addressing sexual harassment in African public transport and the design of the SHE CAN TOOL for use by transport stakeholders.

Fatima has worked extensively in Nigeria, most recently with a DFID/UKaid funded programme called Women for Health as a Chief of Party. She was also a Convener of MCH, SURE-P. Before working in Women for Health, Fatima was a Professor of Sociology Usmanu Danfodiyo University and later a Director of Planning and Research at the National Centre for Women Development in Nigeria.

Linkedin URL:https://www.linkedin.com/in/fatima-adamu-913a0052?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BMe4lOCiaTl6Kjnl2YcEtgQ%3D%3D

Professional Bio:Daniel Munene is a proactive Urban Planning Professional, committed to enhancing urban livelihoods through sustainable mobility. With a background in urban planning, Daniel focuses on creating safe spaces for children, fostering empathy, and advancing inclusive mobility solutions. His experience spans active mobility projects, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) planning, and road safety initiatives across Africa which has not only provided him with a practical understanding of the field but has also deepened his commitment to sustainable mobility. Passionate about community empowerment, Daniel is committed to promoting mobility and accessibility for all, ensuring cities are inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.

Linkedin URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-munene-35a026189/

Annika is an International Development Professional with 14 years of experience working for bilateral and multilateral development and financing institutions across Africa, Latin America and Asia.

Currently, she works as a Programme Management Officer at the UN Environment Programme’s Sustainable Mobility Unit based in Nairobi, Kenya. She set up and leads UNEP’s Africa Support and Investment Platform which supports countries, cities, and companies in their efforts to transition to electric mobility, leads UNEP’s Global Working Group on Electric Two and Three Wheelers and manages the units emerging gender and e-mobility portfolio.

Before joining the United Nations, Annika worked at the World Bank’s Global Transport Practice and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) on climate change and urban transport projects in China, Mongolia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Namibia. She also helped set up the City Climate Finance Gap Fund with GIZ and the European Investment Bank (EIB). Annika holds a BA degree in International Business and an MSc in Environmental Management from the University of London.

Linkedin profile:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annika-berlin/

Ankita Kapoor is a Senior Program Manager at Safetipin. She has a background in architecture and urban planning and works with both government and non-government urban stakeholders for creating safe and gender responsive urban spaces and systems. With a keen interest in research, her work focuses on issues of gender and urban mobility. She holds a master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from CEPT University, Ahmedabad, India and has worked with L&T Constructions for over 3 years before joining Safetipin.

Linkedin URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankita-kapoor-3a57a59b?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

X URL: https://x.com/ankitak1303?s=11

Naikumi Martha Nanekoi is a distinguished researcher specializing in infrastructure and economic services, with a strong emphasis on sustainable development and inclusivity. Her research addresses vital issues such as rural road infrastructure, smart cities, and bridging Kenya’s digital divide. Naikumi has shared her insights at prominent conferences, including the KIPPRA Annual Regional Conference 2024 and the KIPPRA 3rd Youth in Climate Change Symposium, where she engaged in discussions on sustainable climate resilience solutions. She is dedicated to fostering equitable urban spaces that cater to vulnerable populations, including women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Through her work, Naikumi advocates for the incorporation of sustainable and inclusive practices in policy development, striving to create accessible and resilient environments in both urban and rural settings.

LinkedIn handle :  www.linkedin.com/in/martha-nanekoi-naikumi-200302125

Yasmine Sabek has been a Project Manager at the Urban Mobility Lab of Transport for Cairo (TfC) since 2022. She’s a sustainable mobility specialist focusing on project management and transport policy, with a particular interest in pilot implementation projects. In her current role at TfC, and previously as a Programme Assistant with UN-Habitat Egypt’s Urban Mobility team, she contributed to two landmark pilot projects in Cairo: an E-bus demonstration project and CairoBike, the city’s inaugural bike-sharing initiative. Recently, she also led data collection and research projects not just in Cairo but also in Mozambique.

Linkein URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yasminesabek/

Born in a family of 12, Stamina moved to the city in search for greener pastures. The only job that did not require experience was public transport. In 2005 she started off as a conductor for town service in Nairobi. She later worked with long-distance buses as a conductor. Midst COVID-19, she lost her job . Recently, her sister bought her a car, and she is currently working as a ride-hailing driver.  Each day she works hard with a dream to own her own vehicle. 

Linkedin url: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariadne-baskin-32383634/

 Mercy has over 10 years of experience offering public transport services. Her career started when she joined as a Kamagera. With trust, she was employed as a Matatu conductor and later promoted to a stage clerk. Her role involves coordinating the operational routes, scheduling roles,record keeping, and ensuring general commuters’ and workers’ welfare. Her work is inspired by the good income that has enabled her to raise her children. Her aspiration is to own her fleet of vehicles, manage them and offer employment opportunities to women.

Cynthia is an insightful and seasoned professional with over four years of experience and knowledge in urban planning, research and community engagement. She actively champions the rights of persons with disabilities as holders of barrier-free public transport through her role as a program assistant at Flone Initiative, where she is currently leading the Moving Barriers program. Through her extensive experience in stakeholder engagement, transport planning, and advocacy, she has fostered collaborative partnerships with public and private organisations in advocating for disability inclusion in public transport. Cynthia is an advocate for sustainable development goal 11 in promoting safe, sustainable and inclusive transport infrastructure in urban areas. She holds an unyielding dedication to mastering new challenges and providing solutions while remaining ahead of the current trends in the profession.

Caroline N. Lentupuru, MBS, HSC is a Commissioner at the National Gender and Equality Commission. Ms Lentupuru holds a Master of Arts Degree in International Development and Social Change from Clark University, Massachusetts, USA and a Bachelor of Education (Arts) degree from Moi University, Kenya. She is a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) specialist and an advisor on governance and intergovernmental relations. At the Commission, she leads efforts for Minority & Marginalized Communities and Regional Offices coordination. 

Ms. Lentupuru, beyond her official duties, actively engages in community service, focusing on assisting the less privileged. She volunteers to connect development partners with communities

I have a background in Civil Engineering with a specialization in urban transportation and traffic engineering. Over the years, I have gained extensive experience in developing a sustainable public transport network for the Nairobi Metropolitan Area, working collaboratively with government institutions, civil society groups, and development partners in the transportation sector.

My academic qualifications include an MSc in Transportation Engineering from the University of Nairobi, a diploma in Innovation for Change in Public Transport from Lund University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. Additionally, I am well-versed in addressing emerging issues such as climate change and their impact on transportation systems.

In my current role as Senior Network Management Officer at the Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (NaMATA), I focus on establishing travel demand profiles for major public transport corridors and developing service and operational plans that align with these demands.

As a strong advocate for inclusive and safe mobility solutions, I prioritize people-centered approaches. I actively promote the use of gender-disaggregated data during collection and analysis and champion participatory design processes. These efforts ensure the needs of vulnerable road users—such as women, children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly—are incorporated.

Linkedin URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigail-muigai-28520189/

I am a dedicated Retail Operations Specialist with over ten years of experience, focusing on enhancing customer satisfaction and operational efficiency within retail environment. My expertise includes leading initiatives to improve customer experience across multiple channels, collaborating with cross-functional teams to align service strategies with marketing goals and developing inclusive training programs that promote gender inclusivity.

A key area of focus in my career has been driving customer experience enhancements in the e-mobility industry, with a particular emphasis on creating support systems for women in the motorbike (boda boda) sector. I have worked to create avenues and spaces where women can meet, share their challenges, receive guidance and support necessary to thrive in the industry. By facilitating motorbike training programs, fostering support from male-led Saccos, stage chairmen and providing revenue generation strategies, I aim at empowering women to become champions in the e-mobility and motorbike (boda boda) sector, thus improving their overall experience and driving growth in the industry.

Linkedin Url: www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-were-2127ab89

Alemgena Alene Araya (PhD): with Civil Engineering background, specialized his MSc and PhD in Transportation Engineering from Delft University of Technology, Netherlands. He is founder and Managing Director of a consulting firm ALERT Engineering Plc. He has over 25 years of experience in road and transport engineering, mobility and ITS, pavement engineering and infrastructure development. He has served as a lecturer and head of Civil Engineering department in Mekelle University until 2005 and as a guest Ass. Professor in various Universities in post graduate programs since 2011.

Linkedin URL: linkedin.com/in/alemgena

Millicent Gitahi is a dedicated project management professional specializing in sustainable transport initiatives with gender-focused participatory planning at The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

With 10 years of experience in the transport Infrastructure industry, Millicent has worked on several multilateral funded projects across the continent, developing project road maps, planning and meeting strict deadlines in fast-paced environments. She holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations and affairs with a focus on Diplomacy & foreign policy as well as certification in Project management.

When she is not working, Millicent enjoys exploring nature trails, travelling and photography.

Linkedin URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/millicent-gitahi-28407811b/

Collins Ombajo is a person with disability (albinism) currently working at Light for the world as a Disability Inclusion Advisor. He is amongst the pioneers of the disability inclusion facilitators model by Light for the World that has equipped young persons with disability with disability inclusion resources and modeled then to be disability inclusion resource providers. Collins has over 10 years’ experience of work on gender and disability mainstreaming having implemented project that have positively influenced policy reviews on inclusive education, inclusive livelihoods and accessibility of public spaces hence changing the quality of lives for persons with disability. His lived experience as a person with disability is the motivation to champion for inclusion of persons with disability in their diversities on development and decision-making processes.

Linkedin url: https://www.linkedin.com/in/collins-ombajo-00b510218?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app

X Url: https://x.com/ColzOmbajo?t=FslUthPyWrJY7zsFhRdo3A&s=09

Cynthia Muthoni is a passionate advocate for sustainable, socially just, and disability-inclusive societies, bringing over a decade of experience collaborating with local communities, NGOs, government entities, and international organizations. She holds a B.Sc. in Community Resource Management from Kenyatta University, Nairobi, and is currently pursuing an M.A. in International Studies at the University of Nairobi.

As a Programmes Officer at the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung in Kenya, Cynthia focusses on initiatives in Climate Justice, Urban Mobility, and Young Leadership. Her work involves advancing socially just climate policies, championing equitable access to public transport, and empowering young political leaders to build resilient, inclusive futures. She is driven by a vision of fostering community development that prioritizes sustainability and inclusivity, particularly for marginalized groups/invisibles.

Cynthia’s commitment to disability advocacy is deeply personal. Having experienced life in a wheelchair for more than six months due to illness and serving as a caregiver to her chronically ill motherr; a person with disabilities, she has gained firsthand insight into the systemic challenges faced by persons with disabilities. This lived experience fuels her determination to ensure the rights of marginalized individuals, especially those with disabilities, are upheld and integrated into all aspects of development.

Her professional expertise, combined with her personal journey, uniquely positions her to bridge the gap between policy, practice, and community needs. Cynthia remains steadfast in her mission to create a future where inclusivity and sustainability are not just aspirations but realities for all.

Mbugua teaches in the Department of Literature, Linguistics and Foreign Languages at Kenyatta University. His research and writing interests include; matatu, the intersection between disability, culture, economics gender and human rights and Assistive Devices. He is currently leading a local team  at Disability Innovations Suite in the development and manufacturing of a contextualized light daily-use wheelchair (Pepesi) using an IT platform (KOCHI) to address some of the mobility needs of persons with disabilities in East and Central Africa.

Joe is a transport worker, having started his career in the Public Service – Matatu sector in the year 1998 where he served from a conductor, driver, PSV fleet manager up to date where he serves as an elected chairperson of the PUTON Union.

He holds a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Plant Option) from the Kenya Polytechnic, serves as a consultant in the Digital Matatu team (http://digitalmatatus.com/team.html), writes passionately about the informal transport sector, (https://slocat.net/exploring-the-role-of-informal-transport-in-africas-transition-towards-inclusive-sustainable-and-decarbonised-transport/) and lobbies for road safety and labour rights in the road transport matatu industry in Kenya.

X Url: @Bonche2

Prof Enoch F. Sam is an Associate Professor of Transport Geography at the University of Education, Winneba, Ghana. His research interests are diverse, spanning road safety, sustainable urban mobility, public transport safety management and culture, traffic behaviour of vulnerable road users, traffic enforcement and policing, vehicle safety regulations, and active transport and health. He has published extensively and has led many international research projects on these themes. He is the country lead and Executive Board member of the 4-year EU-funded AfroSAFE project on road safety in low- middle-income African countries and a member of the AfroSAFE Academy Steering Committee. His work contributes to Goal 1: No poverty, Goal 3: Good health and well-being, Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy, Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure and Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities of the sustainable development goals.

Prof Sam is the Head of the Centre for School and Community Science and Technology Studies at the University of Education, Winneba.

Linkedin url: https://www.linkedin.com/in/enoch-f-sam-phd-babb1a36/

I am a sociology lecturer, transport researcher and consultant with Multimedia University of Kenya. My research interests are mainly in transport and include walking and cycling, road safety, public transport, boda boda motorcycles, gender issues in transport and transport governance. I lead and successful completed research projects around Sustainable mobility. In these projects I have employed both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. I have published with journals that are internationally recognized and presented my results to a wide variety of audiences both local and international.

In academia, I lecture in Sociology, both graduate and post graduate. In addition, I examine Theses and Dissertations both external and internal to Multimedia university of Kenya. I review journal articles and give lecturers on Research Methods to post graduate students.

Linkedin URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gladys-moraa-nyachieo-09232842/

Lucy is a feminist with over 7 years of work experience in Gender Diversity and Social Inclusion. She has been advocating for gender and disability inclusion in public transport for the last 4 years at Flone Initiative.

Her interests are gender issues in Africa and their intersectionality to power relations in the socioeconomic and political lives of women and vulnerable groups. She has profound experience in project planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

She has spearheaded projects advocating for zero tolerance for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence against women and vulnerable groups. She has also led initiatives advocating for the adoption of sustainable interventions to address the needs and priorities of women and persons with disabilities in public transport including policies and codes of conduct.

Importantly she has been actively engaged in organizing the women in transport movement in Kenya. Additionally, She has been offering technical support to government agencies to develop and adopt interventions that foster a safe, inclusive and sustainable public transportation system.

She believes in the inclusion of the vulnerable and the marginalized in the design, planning, implementation and review of all development initiatives.

Linkedin URL: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-wambui-kenya

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Bright Oywaya is a road safety advocate. She is currently the In-Country Road Safety Advocacy Consultant for the Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP) in Kenya. She has a vast experience in road safety spanning for close to two decades. She has been and continues to engage with various organizations at different levels. These include The International Road Victims Partnership (IRVP) and ASIRT Kenya, road safety NGOs. Other engagements include the Association for the Physically Disabled of Kenya (APDK) where she is the Vice Chairperson.

Bright has also worked as the Vice Chairperson of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) board for six years.

Linkedin URL:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bright-oywaya-391ba917/

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Manisha is a Senior Project Associate with The Urban Catalysts. Her work focuses on climate resilient, equitable transport systems. 

She has conducted mixed methods research and supported projects to mainstream a gender and accessibility perspective in mass rapid transit investments. She has coordinated projects that focus on leveraging digitalization in public transport ticketing systems to collect gender-disaggregated data to enhance the safety of public transport journeys for women and to promote gender and social inclusion in public transport systems. Her work also focuses on just transition to electric mobility systems.

Linkedin url: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharma-manisha/

Special Interest Groups, Senator Crystal Asige is a renowned advocate for diversity and inclusion, a 2024 TIME 100 Next honoree, and a Kenyan Top 40 Under 40 winner. As a disability rights champion, inclusive mobility expert, accessibility auditor, and award-winning musician, she leverages her diverse background to promote equitable rights and opportunities. Recently recognized as a Top Performing Senator for two consecutive years with five Bills to her name, Senator Asige leads in legislative output and impact in Parliament.

Senator Asige is the Secretary General of the Kenya Disabled Parliamentarians Association and Chairperson for Persons with Disabilities in the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association. Known by her following as the 4th Senate’s VIP (Visually Impaired Parliamentarian), she holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of the West of England, Bristol, and has experience with international media such as BBC Bristol. Her unique blend of advocacy and communications expertise enables her to promote and protect fundamental rights through what she calls “edu-tainment”—a synergy of education and entertainment. Her #ByFaithNotBySight motto inspires her followers to live both fearlessly and humbly.

As a singer, songwriter, and music producer, Senator Asige’s Chakacha-infused music crosses borders, amplifying her mission to dismantle stereotypes through “art-ivism.” In her advocacy work, the Crystal Asige Foundation is a cornerstone of her commitment to advancing the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.

Focused on Sustainable Development Goals 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), Senator Asige consults both locally and internationally on universal design and accessibility best practices, driving inclusive development in Africa. As the first and only senator to span all three special interest groups—persons with disabilities, women, and youth, alongside creatives she advocates for legislative change that addresses intersectionality and entrenched biases.

Outside Parliament, Senator Asige is a Harvard Law School Fellow, a Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs Enterprise for Peace Scholar, and a One Young World Ambassador. She has previously served on the board of Amnesty International Kenya, is Vice Chair of the Glaucoma Society of Kenya, and remains an active member in various transport and disability networks. Her speeches continue to inspire audiences, with highlights at the United Nations, Safaricom, British American Tobacco, and the One Young World Summit.

Linkedin Url: https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/profile/in/senator-crystal-asige-a4b082a2?originalSubdomain=ke

X URL: https://x.com/CrystalAsige?t=SQ3rbUKwnazDYezNJnUs5A&s=09

Karla Dominguez Gonzalez is a Senior Gender Specialist at the World Bank. She has focused on
analyzing the barriers to women's mobility and accessibility in urban areas and has proposed gender-responsive
solutions to address these barriers in transport operations. Additionally, she has supported Non-Motorized
Transport initiatives in Africa and is currently leading analytical and operational work to demonstrate how gender-
responsive transport can enable women and girls to access jobs and education. She is passionate about developing
robust methodologies for gender and transport data collection and translating the results into policy
recommendations. She holds an MSc in Development Management from the London School of Economics and
Political Science and a Certificate in Public Administration from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University.
Linkedin URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karla-dominguez-gonzalez-158bb354/

Eng. Margaret N. Ogai is a civil engineer with a career spanning over 30 years in infrastructure, development and management. She currently serves as the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Engineers
Board of Kenya (EBK), where she has made significant contributions to both the public and private sectors,
regulating the engineering practice in Kenya and beyond.
Eng. Ogai is a registered Consulting Engineer with the EBK and a Fellow Member of the Institution of Engineers of
Kenya (IEK). She served as an IEK council member from 2018 to 2020 and as the Honorary Secretary from 2020 to
2022. On the international stage, she is immediate past Chairperson of East African Community Mutual Recognition Agreement for engineers, board member of the “Engineering Skills Where Most Needed” program, sponsored by
Lloyd’s Register and the Royal Academy of Engineers in the UK, fostering global engineering excellence. Eng. Ogai holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (Procurement) and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, both from the University of Nairobi.
Linkedin Url: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eng-margaret-ogai-87529072?trk=contact-info

Gladness Kitaly is a passionate and dedicated Senior Civil Engineer with over 8 years of experience in infrastructure
development, focusing on sustainable solutions that benefit both communities and the environment. Currently
working with the Ministry of Works in Tanzania, Gladness is actively involved in monitoring and evaluation of road
construction and maintenance projects. She is also a strong advocate for gender equality in engineering, serving as
the Coordinator for the Women Participation Unit (WPU) under the Ministry, where she works to increase the
representation of women in the road works sector.

She also served as key government counterpart for the construction of the Tanzanite Bridge, an iconic structure
crossing the ocean in Tanzania, Gladness gained invaluable experience overseeing the construction of this modern,
elevated cable-stayed bridge. The project deepened her expertise in advanced construction technologies and
large-scale infrastructure management.
Having earned a Master’s in Infrastructure Management from Yokohama National University in Japan, Gladness is
committed to creating infrastructure that is both modern and sustainable. She is also dedicated to inspiring young
women to pursue careers in STEM and engineering, encouraging their participation in the road sector.

Sheila Uwase is a civil engineer passionate about urban transport planning. She is currently the Coordinator of the Single Project Implementation Unit at the City of Kigali, and has been involved in the planning and implementation of various transport projects in Kigali city. Kigali city is known for its ambitious goals to be a city of urban excellence and green transport. She has worked on urban mobility improvement projects in the City of Kigali including the Kigali BRT feasibility study, road construction projects, public transport improvement, traffic management and green mobility initiatives. She holds a
bachelors degree in Civil Engineering and a Masters degree in Infrastructure planning and development.

Living and working in Nairobi means I experience the day-to-day mobility
challenges, especially as a woman, a scenario which is common in many cities around the
world. From this perspective, I enjoy my work because it provides me with the opportunity to
actively contribute towards innovative mobility solutions for my city.
With a Masters in Monitoring and Evaluation and a bachelor’s degree in development studies, I advise project teams and respective implementing partners including those in public and private
sector to co-create projects and properly track activities during implementation. Every inspiring solution gets us closer to addressing mobility challenges.
Linkedin URL:(5) Carol Mutiso | LinkedIn

Gail Jennings is a research consultant (social/behavioural scientist). Her focuses on the gender, equity & social inclusion (GESI) possibilities and impacts of transportation interventions; decision-making around travel choices and public transport interventions and investments; walking, cycling, and user needs; and strategies for shifting travel behaviour to more sustainable modes and patterns.

Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gail-jennings-437b033/

Dr. Violet Wawire has worked as is a lecturer at Kenyatta University, School of Education for the last fifteen years. Her areas of specialization are Gender, Social Inclusion and Development in Africa as well
as qualitative research approaches. Past themes of research have been on the nexus between gender and transport, disability, youth, education, trade, and green skills building. She has vast local and
international consultancy experience in evaluation work with NGOs and donor organizations including
the European Union, Carnegie Foundation, FCDO, Population Council, UNFPA, AFIDEP, among others.
She is an accomplished author with numerous journal papers and book chapters on gender,
intersectionality and development under her docket. In the last three years, in collaboration with the Volvo Research and Educational Foundation (VREF), her concentration has been on understanding
transport from a gender and equity lens especially in the growing two-wheeler industry in Africa. She is currently conducting two gender research studies in informal settlements in Nairobi and Dar-es-Salaam;
one on women and the motorcycle taxi (bodaboda) transport and the other on women’s experiences with walking as a mode of transport. She has recently joined the World Health Organization’s Two and
Three-Wheeler Technical Advisory Group as the equity expert.

Caroline Barber is chief executive at Transaid and has worked in logistics and international development for 20 years. She is responsible for the leadership and strategic direction of the organisation.
Before becoming chief executive, Caroline was Transaid’s head of programmes where she was responsible for Transaid’s existing programmes as well as developing new partnerships and opportunities. Here Caroline managed a programmes portfolio spanning seven countries and covering professional driver training, transport management, community managed transport,emergency transport and rural access. Caroline continues to provide technical assistance to programmes in Zambia, Kenya, Ethiopia and Ghana.
Caroline started her career in the private sector working for a third-party logistics provider where she held roles in project management, implementation and business development.
Caroline is also a supervisory board member of the North Star Alliance, an NGO providing healthcare to mobile workers and the communities they interact with across Africa.

Over 14 years of professional experience in International Development, mainly on Energy Access, Climate Change and Governance. Her programme management experience has focused on Southern African countries, including Mozambique, South Africa and Botswana.Currently working at DT Global managing the FCDO funded HVT (High Volume Transport Applied Research) programme. Holds a Master’s Degree in Development and International Cooperation and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics.

Akiko is a Senior Urban Transport Specialist at the World Bank, working in the East Africa
region. She has been with the World Bank since 2015, supporting both East and West Africa transport
engagements, and has been instrumental in building the dialogue and subsequent operational
engagement in urban transport in several countries in the region. Currently, Akiko is leading the
preparation of urban mobility projects in Kenya and Rwanda, with special attentions to women’s mobility
and employment in the transport sector. She holds a Ph.D. in Urban and Regional Planning from the
University of the Philippines.