Vivian Oyugi is a visionary operations and customer experience leader with 14 years of cross-sector experience in civil engineering, renewable energy, and e-mobility. She has led initiatives in project management, PAYG systems, policy development, and customer service—always centering technology and people.

Vivian began her career in civil structural engineering before transitioning into renewable energy, where she spent nine years advancing access and innovation. She now works in e-mobility, shaping processes and policies that drive sustainable urban transport.

She holds a BBA in Business Administration and has pursued a Master’s in Project Management. Her expertise spans product development, business growth, people management, and training—all driven by a passion for impact and inclusive service delivery.

Teddy John Kalimsenga is a Tanzanian psychologist and project manager with deep expertise in educational psychology, gender advocacy, and social entrepreneurship. She currently leads the Pink Bajaji Initiative (PBI) at Our Voices Against Harassment (OVAH), championing safe, inclusive urban transport by empowering women to operate electric bajajis and offer harassment-free mobility for women and girls in Dar es Salaam.

With over four years of program management experience, Teddy has designed and delivered impactful projects reaching more than 7,000 individuals. She also advances mental health awareness and youth empowerment through her initiative, Malezi Box.

A Tanzania SHERO 100 honoree and recipient of multiple awards for her advocacy, Teddy is passionate about building safer communities, supporting survivors of gender-based violence, and driving gender equality through innovative, people-centered solutions.

Carly Gilbert-Patrick is the Team Leader for Active Mobility, Digitalisation, and Modal Integration at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Sustainable Mobility Unit. She leads two teams: one championing the rights of pedestrians and cyclists, and another advancing digital innovation across the transport sector to benefit both people and the planet.

A British national of Nigerian heritage, Carly brings 25 years of experience in project and programme delivery—16 of those in sustainable mobility. Her work has spanned global efforts to reduce emissions, improve air quality, road safety, and accessibility, with a strong focus on serving marginalized communities.

She led the development of Africa’s first Pan-African Action Plan for Active Mobility (PAAPAM), in partnership with UN-Habitat and WHO, and was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Walk21 Foundation in 2023 for her contributions to walking and cycling in Africa.

Previously with UN-Habitat and Transport for London, Carly played key roles in initiatives such as the London Cycle Hire Scheme, the Low Emission Zone, and the GEF-funded East Africa Bus Rapid Transit Project. She holds an MBA and the Association for Project Managers Professional Qualification (UK), and serves on several global expert bodies, including SLOCAT and the UCI Commission.

Betty Kanyiri is a Gender Officer with the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, overseeing Machakos County. A former educator with over a decade of experience, she is deeply committed to women’s empowerment, social equity, peacebuilding, and conflict resolution.

She is currently pursuing a PhD in Strategic Management, with research focused on gender-based violence in the private sector and the influence of leadership and organizational culture on effective interventions.

Rithvika Rajiv is an Assistant Program Manager at Safetipin, where she works at the intersection of gender and mobility to advance inclusive, safe, accessible, and affordable public transport systems. She believes mobility is a key driver of women’s economic empowerment and social inclusion.

Her interest in gender-sensitive planning was sparked by her own experiences navigating public spaces as a young woman, leading her to pursue a Master’s in Urban Planning at NIT Calicut after earning her undergraduate degree in Architecture.

Previously, Rithvika worked at The Urban Catalysts, where she led action-oriented, data-driven research and contributed to policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, project management, and strategic outreach. She brings a strong commitment to equity, evidence-based planning, and transformative urban change.

Sarah Kamau is a seasoned disability rights advocate with over 30 years of experience across public and private sectors. She currently serves as Chair of the Association of Professional Women with Disabilities (APWD) and the Commonwealth Disabled Peoples Forum (CDPF), and sits on the Boards of United Disabled Persons of Kenya (UDPK) and the Christian Blind Mission (CBM).

A woman with a physical disability, Sarah has been a driving force in Kenya’s disability movement and a vocal contributor to global efforts for inclusive development. Her work ensures that the rights of persons with disabilities—especially women—are embedded in decision-making at all levels.

She holds a Master’s degree in Community Development, Sociology, and Social Work from the University of Nairobi. Her vision is clear: for counties and countries to intentionally and meaningfully involve persons with disabilities and their representative organizations in shaping development agendas that leave no one behind.

Eng. Maureen Mwangi is a licensed civil engineer and certified Project Management Professional (PMP) with six years of experience in rural road construction. She has led key infrastructure projects across Kenya, specializing in road design, supervision, and contract management.

She is a registered Professional Engineer with the Engineers Board of Kenya and an active member of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya and ACEK – Future Leaders. Eng. Maureen serves on ACEK’s Policy, Standards and Ethics, and Capacity Building committees, and is passionate about advancing inclusive, resilient transport systems that foster social and economic development.

Mary Abungu is a Transportation Engineer and Road Safety Specialist with a Master of Science in Transport Engineering, Planning, and Management from Newcastle University, in the UK.

She has specialized in sustainable mobility, road safety, and transport planning and works at TIMCON Associates, an engineering firm in Canada, based in the East Africa office. Her work includes transportation planning and modelling, traffic operations analysis, designing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems, and road safety audits and assessments.

She is the founder of SUMO Africa, an NGO committed to enhancing sustainable transportation solutions. Additionally, she is actively involved in empowering women and youth through education and skills development, ensuring inclusive and equitable access to opportunities in the transport sector.

Eng. Magdalene Nafula is a seasoned civil engineer with over a decade of experience in road and highway infrastructure, including bridges and interchanges. She also lectures in transportation engineering at Dedan Kimathi University, where she mentors the next generation of mobility experts.

Her work bridges technical practice and policy advocacy, with a focus on accessibility, safety, and climate resilience in African transport systems. Eng. Magdalene is currently establishing a consultancy to help cities and institutions adopt smart, equitable, and sustainable mobility solutions that deliver lasting impact for both people and economies.

Palesa Hekandjo is an Incorporated Engineer and a leading voice in sustainable, inclusive transport across Africa. With over 18 years of experience, she currently serves as Engineer: Technology Transfer at the Roads Authority of Namibia, where she spearheads multi-national projects and capacity-building initiatives that drive innovation and regional integration. She also periodically assumes the role of Acting Principal Engineer for Research and Development, overseeing strategic research, project execution, and stakeholder engagement at both national and regional levels.

Palesa has played a pivotal role within the Association of Southern African National Roads Agencies (ASANRA), co-chairing the Technology Transfer Regional Committee for five years and serving as Chairperson of the Research and Development Regional Committee since 2022. Her contributions include co-authoring Namibia’s Road Transportation Sustainability Plan, which prioritizes rural accessibility and equity for vulnerable populations. She also pioneered an inter-governmental skills transfer program that has significantly strengthened regional collaboration and technical exchange.

A committed advocate for knowledge sharing, Palesa is an active member of ASANRA’s bi-annual Africa Technology Transfer Conference, hosted by rotating member countries. She also contributes to the Women in Transport group, where she leads community education on road safety and develops capacity-building programs for law enforcement and traffic officials.

Her expertise spans project management, policy formulation, and the integration of gender-responsive approaches in transport systems. Palesa remains deeply committed to advancing equitable mobility solutions and fostering cross-border knowledge exchange to shape a more inclusive transport future for Africa.

Dr. Lawrence Mbugua is an experienced project and programme manager; a chartered quantity surveyor and an expert in real estate, construction and infrastructure matters. He has worked extensively across the full real estate development lifecycle from strategy development, preparation of feasibility studies, financial models, transaction models, economic viability analysis and project financing, through to construction project implementation and asset management.

He has over 25 years of experience in supporting clients in both UK and Kenya across a wide range of real estate and construction sectors including housing, urban regeneration, transport, healthcare, education and ESG. He has also taught project management and quantity surveying at various universities in both UK and Kenya. Lawrence has also published on various topics relating to project and programme management, procurement, construction, and infrastructure.

Lawrence has supported Nairobi City County Government (NCCG), UNEP, UN-HABITAT and other agencies on developing strategies for promoting investment in Non-Motorised Transport in Nairobi.

Lawrence is registered as a Chartered Surveyor (MRICS); a professional member of the Institute of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya (IQSK), registered with the Estate Agents Registration Board (EARB); a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), PRINCE2 Practitioner, and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).

For more than a decade, Phoebe Okoth has served within the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) in various capacities, contributing to workers empowerment, organisational development, and sector-wide advocacy including championing ratification of C190.

She currently serves as the ITF Women Coordinator for Eastern and Southern Africa, where she leads programmes that strengthen women’s leadership, promote gender-responsive workplaces, and advance structural reforms in labour movements across the sub- regions.

She holds a Master of Arts degree in Project Planning and Management from the University of Nairobi and is an alumna of the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITCILO) in Turin, where she strengthened her expertise in gender, labour standards, and workers’ rights.

Judith Nafula is a dedicated labour rights advocate serving as the Africa Railway Vice Chair at the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and the Organising Secretary of the Railway Workers Union – Nairobi Branch. With over eight years of experience in the railway sector, she has been at the forefront of championing decent work, strong occupational health and safety (OHS) standards, and fair working conditions for transport workers.

Judith is passionate about strengthening worker voices, advancing gender-responsive workplaces, and ensuring that railway environments uphold dignity, fairness, and safety for all. She envisions a future where transport work across the continent is safe, dignified, and decent, recognising that the transport industry is a vital lifeline that connects people, economies, and the world.

Pamella Wangari is an experienced transport professional with over ten years of service in Kenya’s matatu industry. As a long-standing conductor and proud member of the Matatu Workers Association, she brings passion, resilience, and deep practical knowledge to her work.

For Pamella, the matatu industry is more than a job—it is a calling. Her commitment to the sector has enabled her to support her family while contributing to a vital industry that keeps communities moving every day. She continues to advocate for dignity, respect, and improved working conditions for all workers in the public transport system.

Morrine Mangoja is a dedicated labour rights advocate serving as the Women Representative for East Africa at the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). She also works with the Kenya Hotels & Allied Workers Union (KHAWU) as the Women Representative, where she plays a key leadership role in promoting fair treatment and equal opportunities for workers.

With over 10 years of experience in the Tourism and Hospitality industry, Morrine has been instrumental in advancing workers’ rights by negotiating recognition agreements and Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs). Through her efforts, important protections—such as 8-hour workdays, maternity leave, leadership opportunities for women, sanitation standards, accountability, and “care before profit”—have been upheld.

Committed to building just and safe workplaces, Morrine stands firm in her mission: to continue moving the world forward.

Agnes Gacheri Mwongera is a dedicated labor rights advocate with over 10 years of experience in the transport sector (both road and aviation). She is the Kenya National Coordinating Committee Women Chair and Director of Women Affairs and Digital Cab Drivers Representative at Transport Workers Union Kenya (TAWU) affiliated to the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), Agnes champions women’s inclusion and participation in leadership, decent work, and fair working conditions for all transport workers.

With a proven track record of leading campaigns and developing training programs, Agnes has made significant contributions to advancing labor rights in the transport sector. Her expertise spans labor laws and regulations, gender equality, and transport sector policies.

I am a Civil Engineer specializing in urban transportation and traffic engineering, with extensive experience working alongside Government institutions, Civil Society Organizations, and Development Partners to advance sustainable mobility in the Nairobi Metropolitan Area. My academic foundation includes 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. Regional and international training has further equipped me to design people-centered solutions that address the unique urban transport challenges faced by Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

I have played a key role in shaping policies for the implementation of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in the Nairobi Metropolitan Area and have developed critical documents supporting sustainable transport initiatives. My current work focuses on establishing travel demand profiles for major public transport corridors and leading the development of a Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) to guide future transportation investments in the region. I am also a strong advocate for gender and social inclusion in public transport, recognizing that systems designed for vulnerable groups ultimately benefit society as a whole.

She leads strategic communications, brand positioning, and story telling driving awareness, adoption, and trust in e-mobility solutions across East Africa. Her work focuses on shaping compelling narratives around sustainable transport, amplifying strategic partnerships, and advancing Africa’s shift toward zero-emission, future-ready public transport systems.

She is passionate about leveraging technology to create opportunities across Africa and driving responsible organizational growth that benefits people, communities, and the planet.

As a built environment professional with over 4 years of experience, Evans looks at transport through the lens of Urban Planning and Integrated Systems. He believes that true innovation happens when we combine technical planning with social inclusivity.

He will be part of the discussions on: “Advancing Gender Inclusive Business Models in Africa’s E-Mobility Transition.”

Evans is dedicated to evidence-based research that improves the quality of life for everyone. Come hear how he is shaping business models that leave no one behind in the green transition.

Previously, Ariadne worked with C40 Cities on the rollout of BRT systems and the GEF UrbanShift programme. She later joined GIZ, where she led global work on gender and inclusion in transport with the Women Mobilize Women initiative, and managed major projects including the TUMI E-Bus Mission in Africa.

She holds a Master’s degree in Urban Planning and Economics from the London School of Economics (LSE) and has extensive experience shaping policy, investment, and implementation frameworks for sustainable, equitable mobility across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

With a strong background in public policy, community engagement, and organizational leadership, he has led the design, resource mobilization and successful implementation of various programs aimed at empowering communities to positively transform their neighbourhoods through innovation and inspired social action. He has also led formulation and influenced enactment of various legislations on public participation; structured community engagement; solid waste management; sustainable mobility; urban planning among others.

Henry has a Masters Degree in Strategic Management from the University of Nairobi and skill-based trainings on leadership & management; strategic policy development and implementation; social accountability strategies; resource mobilization; community mobilization and capacity building; effective networking & partnership development; project cycle management among others.

Before founding eWAKA, she held senior roles at Citibank, SwissRe, ABB, and Credit Suisse, advising on international finance and regulatory frameworks. A licensed attorney with a JD from Northwestern University and a BA in Economics and International Studies from Ohio Wesleyan University, she blends technical rigor with visionary leadership.

Celeste is also a co-founder of PROWAH (Professional Women of African Heritage) in Switzerland and serves on boards advancing education and health in underserved communities. Her work has been recognized by Google for Startups and the Miller Centre for Social Entrepreneurship. Passionate about sustainability and empowerment, Celeste is driving Africa’s e-mobility revolution—making clean transport accessible, practical, and inclusive.

Her advocacy has been showcased through bold initiatives, including a 500+ km cycling journey from Nairobi to Diani, promoting cycling culture and resilience. She has organized inclusive cycling events during World Cities Day and Placemaking Week, partnering with ITDP Africa, UN-Habitat, and Nairobi City County to highlight non-motorized transport.

Wendy’s leadership extends internationally—she has hosted delegations such as the Government of Eswatini to demonstrate eBee’s e-mobility model. A former radio presenter and freelance writer, she brings strong communication skills to her advocacy, inspiring women and youth to embrace cycling as a tool for empowerment and climate action.

Regina’s story is one of grit and transformation. Starting as a makanga, she faced daily challenges, from public disdain to harassment by male colleagues. But today, she tells a different story.

Through training with Flone Initiative, Regina says: “Now we know our rights. No assault, no mistreatment, no harassment.”

She has also leveraged the power of community, joining the Women in Transport table banking group to grow socially and economically. Regina is proving that women belong in every seat of the transport sector, and men are finally coming to accept it.

With over 7 years of experience as a Gender and Human Rights Specialist, Lucy doesn’t just advocate for change; she structures it. She is the strategic lead behind three major industry pillars:

🔹 The Women in Transport Movement
🔹 The Women in E-Mobility Network
🔹 The Moving Barriers Technical Working Group

From guiding County Governments on policy to fostering safe spaces for marginalized groups, Lucy is dedicated to sustainable, transformative change.

She will be speaking on “Breaking Barriers – Women Leading In Transport.” Come hear from the expert who is helping rewrite the rules of mobility in Kenya.

With an impressive 15 years of experience in the matatu business, Felistus embodies hands-on leadership. Her journey in the transport sector is unique; she entered the industry as an investor and owner, operating a fleet that has included Nissans and 33-seater mini-buses. However, driven by a desire to truly master the operational challenges of the trade, Felistus took the bold step of working as a conductor despite being the owner. This practical experience has given her unmatched insight into the daily realities of Kenya’s transport sector.

With a remarkable 15 years of experience as a professional driver, Nancy possesses a wealth of technical knowledge and road mastery, holding licenses in categories A2, D1, D2, and G. Her career is defined by the values of resilience and self-assurance. As she notes, “One of the things I value most is confidence. It has helped me navigate this industry without fear or doubt.”

Nancy’s vision extends beyond the driver’s seat. Her goal is to transition into a Matatu Investor, owning her own fleet and creating employment opportunities for others. Join us to hear from a leader who is driven by ambition and dedicated to uplifting the next generation of transport workers.

Reuben Wanjihia Gachau is a Development Economist with over 12 years of experience steering system-level initiatives that strengthen market ecosystems, expand financial inclusion, and advance climate-resilient livelihoods across East Africa. His expertise spans market systems development, value chain optimization, institutional strengthening, and gender-responsive programming. Reuben provides strategic leadership in program design, financial stewardship, policy alignment, and evidence-driven learning, ensuring high-impact interventions for MSMEs, cooperatives, and community enterprises. He is widely respected for convening and leading multi-stakeholder platforms, championing climate-smart and inclusive innovations, and guiding organizations toward operational excellence, accountability, and sustainable development outcomes.

Kamami Musyoka is a mechanical engineer with a BSc Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nairobi (UoN), an MSc in Project Management from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), and currently pursuing an MSc in Development Finance at KCA University (KCAU). His qualifications are complemented by professional certifications including Certified Public-Private Partnerships Professional Foundation (CP³P) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) accreditation from Strathmore Business School (SBS).

He has over 15 years of experience in sustainable infrastructure development, specializing in energy planning and transport systems within Kenya. Kamami has been instrumental in the development and implementation of the Makueni County Energy Plan and Energy Policy, evidencing his expertise in strategic energy management and policy formulation at the county level. Presently, he is leading the development of the Makueni County Public Transport Policy, focused on creating safe, efficient, and sustainable public transport solutions. Previously, he worked in the regional railway sector in infrastructure maintenance.

“Santa Mukabanah is the administrator at KBS Driving School, where she leads curriculum development, oversees training quality, and serves as the school’s primary liaison for strategic partnerships

She is responsible for shaping training programs that prepare PSV drivers and conductors to deliver safe, professional, and inclusive public transport services in Kenya’s transport system”span>

“Prof. Ernest Agyemang is an Associate Professor of Transportation Geography at the University of Ghana. A celebrated Danida Fellow and the proud recipient of the 2017 award from the China-Ghana Urban Development Forum, he brings passion and expertise to his field. Specializing in travel behavior, Prof. Agyemang dives deep into the exciting realms of informal and shared mobility, ride-hailing services, and ensuring inclusivity in transportation. His impressive portfolio includes 25 peer-reviewed scientific papers published in esteemed international journals, along with 5 technical papers focused on electric vehicle policy in Ghana and 11 dynamic conference and media engagements.
Currently, he leads the charge for the Ghana Living Lab as part of the innovative Partnership for Research on Informal and Shared Mobility (PRISM) consortium. This groundbreaking global research initiative is proudly funded by the Volvo Research and Educational Foundations (VREF).”span>

“Belzénia Matsimbe is an Independent Consultant and Researcher specializing in sustainable mobility, road safety, and transport systems across Africa. A Civil and Transport Engineer pursuing a PhD in Civil Engineering, she focuses on road safety under climate change scenarios. Her work bridges research, policy, and practice to promote inclusive, resilient, and feminist approaches to transport planning.”span>

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