Meet the speakers
Hear from leading youth advocates, politicians, young professionals and community leaders.
Ayub Abdikadir
Africa Youth Forum moderator and Royal Media Services (Citizen TV Kenya) journalist, Kenya
Ayub Abdikadir Abdi is a professional journalist working with ‘Royal Media Services’ under Citizen TV Kenya. Abdi hosts Citizen TV’s #DayBreak, a current affairs show that airs from 6-8AM. The show reviews the newspaper headlines and thereafter shifts on specific targeted topics of deliberations (politics, economy, social issues, environment, health, et al).
He played a part in the 2022 Kenya Presidential Debate, an umbrella of journalists from all media houses in Kenya, which teamed up to holding debates. Abdi hosted the Nairobi Gubernatorial Debate under this umbrella on 11 July 2022. Abdi conducted the Presidential interview with President William Ruto at State House in May 2023, on pertinent public issues touching on the state of the economy and political stability. His previous works included working with Ebru TV Kenya, under Everest Production between 2018-2021, before joining k24 owned by Media Max Ltd based in Nairobi.
Dr. Asha Mohammed
Permanent Representative of the IFRC to the African Union in Ethiopia
Dr. Asha Mohammed is the Permanent Representative of the IFRC to the African Union in Ethiopia and former Secretary General of the Kenya Red Cross. A former dentist, she focuses on underserved communities and has addressed issues like HIV/AIDS, climate change, and hunger crises. An advocate for women’s leadership, she mentors young women in their professional development.
Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, EGH
Former Prime Minister of Kenya and Party Leader Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)
Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga is the former Prime Minister of Kenya, who has played a significant role in the country’s political landscape. Raila is the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and has been an influential figure in opposition politics, as well as in efforts to promote constitutional reforms, including the 2010 Constitution of Kenya.
H.E. Hon. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka
Former Vice-President of Kenya and Party Leader of Wiper Democratic Movement (WDM)
Hon. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka was the 10th Vice President of the Republic of Kenya (2008-2013). He served as a minister in various government posts since 1993. While serving as Foreign Affairs minister, Mr. Musyoka mediated peace talks between Southern Sudan and Somalia.
He holds a post graduate diploma in legal practice from the Kenya School of Law (KSL) which he obtained in 1978. Additionally, he holds a postgraduate diploma in Business from the Mediterranean Institute of Management in Cyprus. Mr. Musyoka is the founder of the Kalonzo Musyoka Foundation, which aims to create peace and foment democracy in Africa by reducing poverty and promoting human rights.
Currently Hon. Stephen Kalonzo is the party leader for the Wiper Democratic Movement and one of the leaders of the Azimio Coalition.
Margaret Kiogora
AG. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL, MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS, KENYA
Margaret Kiogora is a visionary leader with over 12 years of experience in various industries, including banking, agriculture, tourism, and hospitality. She has a strong ability to drive change and inspire individuals and organizations. Margaret has a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and a master’s in business administration with a specialization in HR from the United States International University – Africa.
She contributed to the Youth Sector in Government for three years and is acting as Acting Chief Executive Officer at the National Youth Council. She is known for her assertive yet collaborative approach, fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders and maintaining an optimistic outlook amidst adversity. Margaret’s versatility and commitment to innovation make her a valuable asset to any organization.
Hon. Johnson Sakaja
Governor, Nairobi County
Hon. Johnson Sakaja is currently serving as the Governor of Nairobi County. Previously, he served as the Senator of Nairobi from 2017 to 2022 and as nominated Member of National Assembly from 2013 to 2017 by the National Alliance Party (TNA), which was part of the ruling Jubilee Coalition (now Jubilee Party). He was the National Chairman of The National Alliance (TNA) until 9 September 2016 when the party merged with 12 others to form the Jubilee Party,
H.E. Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa
Secretary General Muslim World League, Saudi Arabia
H.E. Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa is a globally renowned Islamic leader, lecturer, and philanthropist, he is the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL), the world’s biggest Islamic NGO. Dr. Al-Issa dedicated his life to combating hate speech and extremist ideologies. In 2020, he became the first Islamic prominent figure to visit Auschwitz. He condemned the genocide. This visit has changed many of the Islamic perceptions on Jews and the Holocaust.
He launched the initiative of ‘Building Bridges between the East and the West’ to counter the discourse calling for the clash of civilization between the East and West, especially after the Russia-Ukraine war. The initiative received support from the UN and the UN Secretary-General. This year Dr. Al-Issa brought together Muslim scholars from various Islamic schools of thought and sects, from across the world, to sign a historic charter, which acknowledges girls’ right in Islam to education of all levels, and that barring them from education is not Islamic. He established the International Interfaith Research Lab at the prestigious Columbia University to combat hate speech and hate crime.
Dr. Abbas Gullet
Chief Executive Officer, Boma Panafrican Ltd; Interim President, New partnership for Africa Red Cross and Red Crescent Plus
Dr. Abbas Gullet is a prominent figure in the humanitarian and business world. He currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Boma Panafrican Ltd, a company established in October 2019. Prior to this role, he held the position of Secretary General at the Kenya Red Cross Society from May 2005 to December 2019. Dr. Gullet is also the founder and Chairman of the Boma Groups of hotels in Nairobi, Eldoret, and Nyeri, all of which are fully owned by the Kenya Red Cross Society.
During his tenure at the Kenya Red Cross Society, Dr. Gullet played a pivotal role in establishing the Emergency Medical Services, which boasts the largest fleet of Critical Care Ambulances in Kenya and Sub-Sahara Africa, with over 128 ambulances in service. His leadership also led to the founding of Boma International Hospitality College (BIHC) in partnership with Business & Hotel Management School (BHMS) of Switzerland. Furthermore, in October 2018, under his guidance, the Kenya Red Cross Society established a television station called Switch TV.
Dr. Gullet’s leadership significantly contributed to the recognition of the Kenya Red Cross Society as one of the best-performing National Red Cross societies in Africa. In acknowledgment of his outstanding achievements in the humanitarian field, he has received numerous awards and recognitions, including The North–South Prize by the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe and the UN Person of the Year Award, among others.
H.E. Issa Timamy
Governor, Lamu County and Party Leader Amani National Congress (ANC)
Hon. Issa Tammy is the current Governor of Lamu County, a position he first held from 2013 to 2017 and regained in 2022.He is a distinguished leader and legislator known for his commitment to public service, community development and social justice advocacy. A lawyer by profession, he studied at the University of Nairobi and has extensive experience in both public service and private practice. He served as the chairperson of the National Museums of Kenya.
Hon Issa Timamy has also served as the chairperson of the National Museums of Kenya and worked as company secretary and director at the Sammer Group of Companies. He is actively involved in community development, including supporting orphanage centers and housing projects for impoverished communities.
Ivy Muchoki
Africa Union Peace Ambassador, Youth Advocate in Sustainable Agricultural Systems, Kenya
Ivy Muchoki is a youth Advocate in sustainable agricultural systems and a global champion in climate change and green systems. She sits at the youth advisory panel for Global Center on Adaptation. She is also the Peace Ambassador for the African Union. Her work as a Youth Advocate, Green Economist, and African Union Peace Ambassador highlights her commitment to both environmental and social causes.
Azmaira Alibhai
Faith and Ecosystems Coordinator, UNEP Faith for Earth, Kenya
Azmaira currently works as the Faith & Ecosystems Coordinator at the United Nations Environment Programme supporting management of the Faith for Earth Initiative, strategic partnerships and engagement across the UN system including at the UNFCCC, INC, CBD and focusing on culture and development. She is primarily responsible for the mobilization of faith actors for the implementation of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030).
Azmaira also volunteers her time managing the environment portfolio of the Aga Khan Youth Board for Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda and South Africa focusing on Sustainable Lifestyles and Islam & the Environment (2022, 2023), areas that she is interested in. Azmaira obtained her undergraduate degree Laws with a specialization in international law from Strathmore University, Kenya.
Hon. Gitonga Mukunji
Member of Parliament Manyatta Constituency and Chairperson Kenya Young Parliamentarians Association, (KYPA)
Hon. Gitonga Mukunji, also known as kijana ya Kujituma, is the Chairperson of the Kenya Young Parliamentarians Association (KYPA) and a committed legislator representing Manyatta Constituency, Embu County in the National Assembly. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Chemistry from the University of Nairobi and is pursuing a Master of Arts in Environmental Policy.
Mukunji’s leadership journey began as a student leader at the University of Nairobi, where he fought for the rights of fellow comrades and advocated cooking in hostels. He has made significant contributions to House Business, including the Masomo Bila Stress Program and the Kujituma na Kazi program. He was ranked the most active young Member of Parliament by Mzalendo Trust in 2023 for his contributions to House Business.
Hon. Emily Achieng
Minister Mombasa County - Water, natural resources and climate change resilience; former member of the Mombasa Youth Assembly (MYS), Kenya
Hon Emmily Achieng is currently serving as the CECm for Water, Natural Resources and Climate Change Resilience in Mombasa County. Ms. Emily Achieng Okello has been a vibrant youth advocate championing the participation of youth in decision making process, more specifically on matters of climate change.
Emilly was an instrumental member of the inaugural Youth Assembly established in Mombasa. She served as a clerk of the Mombasa Youth Assembly. Since then, she has been at the forefront in supporting the creation and strengthening of Kwale and Lamu Youth Assemblies.
Petrider Paul
Board of Directors, Imara Leadership Initiative, Tanzania
Petrider Paul works to advocate for youth, health and gender rights. She previously served as an African Union Youth Advisory Council to the 1st African Union Youth Envoy on an appointed role by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, an accountability hub member for Women and Youth in Democracy under the Kofi Annan Foundation, the Olso Center, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy and the European Partnership for Democracy.
Previously she in youth advisory boards for UNFPA Tanzania Office , the Office of the Commissioner of Human Rights Geneva office in partnership with Education Above All and Silatech for youth in vulnerable situations including conflict, violence, and insecurity
Petrider, led the coordination of Imara Democracy Talk Series learning sessions for young people and women in Tanzania to address the barriers of youth civic engagement, hate speech and gender targeted political violence to women which recruited over 200 youth and women democracy champions.
Petrider, holds a BA in International Relations from the University of Dodoma and a Post-Graduate in Economic Diplomacy from the Tanzania – Mozambique Centre of Foreign Relations in the United Republic of Tanzania, A Commonwealth Point of Light Awardee recipient from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2018 for her voluntary work to campaign to end gender-based violence in the commonwealth.
Kjell Magne Bondevik
FORMER PRIME MINISTER OF NORWAY
Kjell Magne Bondevik served as Prime Minister of Norway from 1997 to 2000, and 2001 to 2005. He was Minister of Foreign Affairs 1989-1990 and of Church and Education 1983-1986. Member of Parliament 1973-2005. He is founder and former president of The Oslo Center, committed to peace, democracy and human rights.
Bondevik was awarded the Grand Cross of St. Olav in 2004, is a member of the Club de Madrid, a group of former leaders of democratic states that works to strengthen democratic governance and leadership.
Kidi Mwaga
Lawyer, Columnist, Convenor Inter-parties' Youth Forum, Champion of Youth Inclusivity, Kenya
Kidi Mwaga is a Lawyer, Columnist, Convenor Inter-parties Youth Forum, Champion of Youth Inclusivity. IPYF is a platform that serves as a bridge between various political ideologies, uniting young minds with the common goal of creating positive change in the political space in Kenya. Through this forum, as a Convener, Kidi facilitate dialogue that transcends partisan boundaries, sparking discussions on pressing issues that affect the youth, the environment, and national unity.
Kidi is a weekly columnist for a nationally recognized newspaper and wield the power of the written word to shape public opinion and drive discourse. Kidi Mwaga is a champion of inclusive governance and serves as an inspiration for a generation yearning for positive change.
Al Hajj Hassan Ole Naado
NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, SUPREME COUNCIL OF KENYA MUSLIMS
Hassan Ole Naado is the current National Chairman of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), a Chevening Fellow, an alumnus of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) under the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Department of State of the USA. He has over 25 years’ experience in governance, prevention and countering violent extremism, national peace building and conflict resolution.
Nashiba Nakabira
Africa Youth Ambassadors for Peace – East Africa Region, Uganda
Nashiba Nakabira is the African Union Youth Ambassador for Peace (AYAP) for the East African region. The Ugandan national holds a master’s in peace and conflict studies and a bachelor’s degree in social sciences. She co-founded the Sisters for Peace Initiative (SPI) which is a women-led non-profit peacebuilding organization which builds women and girls’ capacity to prevent and respond to violent extremism through sports, exchange learning, knowledge mobilization, dialogues, economic development, advocacy, rehabilitation, civic engagement and training.
Nashiba is also a Senior Program Specialist at the African Youth Development Link (AYDL). She has eight years of experience working with youth from marginalized communities in advocacy, governance, leadership, gender mainstreaming, peacebuilding, project management. She has led the implementation of several projects geared toward community development, youth, and women’s empowerment. During her mandate, she looks forward to working closely with member states and other stakeholders to develop and implement National Action Plans (NAPs) on youth peace and security and to promote youth involvement at all levels of peacebuilding.
Joseph Kimani Njuguna
Program Manager Democratic Governance, Royal Danish Embassy
Joseph is a Good Governance, Human Rights, Socio-Economic Development and Civic Engagement professional. He currently serves as the Program Manager Democratic Governance, at the Royal Danish Embassy in Kenya, where he oversees Denmark’s assistance to Kenya on sub-national governance (devolution), civic engagement, human rights, anti-corruption and public financial management. He also coordinates the activities of the Embassy’s Youth Sounding Board and Co-chairs the Donor Groups on Devolution and Human Rights at technical level.
Joseph is a firm believer in the great power of citizen agencies in advancing democracy, human rights and equitable development. Joseph is a keen advocate of substantive engagement of youth in all facets of governance and socio-economic development, and in this regard, backs the promotion of youth voice and leadership.
Dr. Francisco Rojas Aravena
Rector, University of Peace - San Jose, Costa Rica
Dr. Francisco Rojas Aravena has been the Director of the University for Peace (UPEACE) since 2013, with a second term starting in 2018. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Utrecht and an M.S. from FLACSO. His expertise includes international relations, human security, Latin American politics, and international defense.
He has served as Secretary-General and Director of FLACSO, taught at institutions like Stanford University and the National University of Costa Rica, and is involved with various academic journals. He has received awards such as the Malinalli Prize and honors from Costa Rica, Paraguay, and the Dominican Republic for his work in Latin America and the Caribbean. He has also authored numerous books and consulted for international agencies and regional governments.
Hon. Seth Mwatale Kamanza
Speaker, County Assembly of Kwale, Kenya
Hon. Seth Mwatela Kamanza is a skilled legal and policy expert currently serving as the Speaker of the County Assembly of Kwale. He holds a Bachelor of Laws from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa and a Post-graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Kenya School of Law, as well as a Professional Diploma in Marketing. Known for his integrity and accountability in various sectors, Mwatela is a proactive administrator and a role model, particularly for youth, due to his commitment to personal and professional growth.
Ms. Phoebe Mungai
Country Director, The Oslo Center - Kenya and Somalia
Phoebe Mungai is a highly committed member of the Democracy Assistance team in Kenya. She focuses on providing technical support to political parties and empowering women and youth. With strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, she is able to translate strategies into actionable initiatives.
Phoebe has an extensive background in coordinating development partners with the government, managing programs, and overseeing grants. She has over 15 years of experience in democracy assistance, promoting youth engagement, advancing gender development, and establishing institutions in Kenya. Phoebe holds a master’s degree in project planning and management and a bachelor’s in communication.
Finn Jarle Rode
Executive Chairman, The Oslo Center, Norway
Finn Jarle Rode is the Executive Chairman of the Oslo Center. Previously, he was Executive Director at the Oslo Center, running a financial and strategic turnaround operation. Finn Jarle has previously served as Director of the Global Partnership team of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) headquarters in Geneva.
He has over 20 years of experience in IFRC/ICRC and the Norwegian Red Cross. He has been IFRC’s Country Director in Afghanistan and North Korea and Regional Director for Eastern Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. He is currently the executive Director of the Hepatitis Fund.