Dr. Melissa Omino is an intellectual property (IP) expert with a research focus on the development and negotiation of IP provisions in international trade agreements by and with Global South countries. A cum laude graduate with practical legal experience both in academia and practice, Dr. Omino holds a Doctorate in Law (focusing on Intellectual Property and Trade Law). Her range of expertise also includes the legal frameworks within the sphere of Artificial Intelligence, Data Protection, and Digital Rights.
She also focuses her energies in mentoring and nurturing researchers as part of her role as Director at the Center for Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law (CIPIT). Dr. Omino is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, Commissioner of Oaths, and Notary Public.
She is also a co-host of the Friendly Troll Podcast where she disseminates research to a wider audience in the Global South in accessible language.
Kendi holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Strathmore University in Finance and Business Administration, a CPA 5, and an MBA in Finance from USIU-Africa (2020). She joined the team in 2014 overseeing all the administrative and finance functions of the Centre. Beyond CIPIT, she enjoys conversations on wealth creation, financial freedom and entrepreneurship.
Chebet is an experienced advocate of the High Court of Kenya, who has specialized in intellectual property law. One of her focal areas is intellectual property education with an emphasis on commercialisation of intellectual property assets. At CIPIT, she leads research on the intersection of intellectual property law and innovation with the aim of informing policy change in Kenya, regionally and globally.
Nelly is a Doctor of Laws Candidate at the University of Pretoria. She holds a Master of Law (Pretoria) and a Bachelor of Laws (Kabarak). Nelly is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a Certified Professional Mediator. Her research interest and areas of practice are digital trade, digital rights, and data protection and governance. Nelly currently heads the Data Policy and Governance and Cyber Law and Policy Departments.
Florence Anyango Ogonjo is a Tech Policy Researcher and Advocate of the High Court of Kenya pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy at Strathmore University. Her research focuses on critical issues in Artificial Intelligence Policy and governance, Data Governance, Data Protection Policy, Digital Rights, and the intersection of technology and human rights. Through her expertise in tech policy research, she endeavours to contribute to shaping critical areas of technology and law.
Akua Gyekye is Microsoft’s Head of Government Affairs for Africa, responsible for shaping the company’s public policy agenda and leading a team of policy professionals across the continent. Together, they focus on key policy areas including artificial intelligence, cloud computing, data privacy, cybersecurity, digital safety and integrity, and international trade. The team engages with governments, civil society, and industry leaders to help shape inclusive and future-focused technology policy across Africa.
Akua brings over 20 years of cross-sector experience in public policy, technology, law, finance, and international development, with a career that spans the private sector, multilateral institutions, and government affairs. She joined Microsoft from WhatsApp, where she led public policy and government affairs across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Prior to that, she spearheaded election integrity efforts at Meta in Africa and played a key role in establishing and expanding the company’s first Africa Policy Team. She also created and implemented pan-African campaigns on digital connectivity and online safety.
Earlier in her career, Akua served as a legal advisor in Liberia and Nigeria for the World Bank, IFC, and USAID, and later worked as a project finance lawyer at Clifford Chance. She also has years of experience working with government departments, NGOs, and international think tanks across the U.S., Europe, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Akua holds an LL.M. in International and Comparative Law from George Washington University, a Law Degree from Cambridge University, and a BA in Law and Society from American University, with minors in International Relations and Spanish. She is admitted to practice law in both New York and the United Kingdom, fluent in English and German, and currently lives in Nairobi with her husband.
Nanjala Nyabola is an independent writer and researcher based in Nairobi, Kenya. Her work focuses on the intersection between technology, media, and society. She holds an MSc in African Studies and an MSc in Forced Migration, both from the University of Oxford, as well as a JD from Harvard Law School. She has held numerous research associate positions including with the Overseas Development Institute (ODI), the Oxford Internet Institute (OII) and other institutions, and has worked as a research lead for several projects on human rights broadly and digital rights specifically around the world. She is a Fellow at the Stanford Digital Civil Society Programme, and the Centre for International Governance Innovation. Nanjala has published in several academic journals including the African Security Review and The Women's Studies Quarterly, and contributed to numerous edited collections. Nanjala also writes commentary for publications like The Nation (US), Al Jazeera, The Boston Review and others. She is the author of Digital Democracy, Analogue Politics: How the Internet Era is Transforming Politics in Kenya (Zed Books, 2018) and Travelling While Black: Essays Inspired by a Life on the Move (Hurst Books, 2020).
Award-winning Research Analyst and Corporate Strategist with over 10 years’ experience working in the Digital Identification sub-sector. Proficient in researching, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting data related to markets, operation, and economies. Extensively adept in helping organizations design paths to growth and profitability amidst competition and constant change. Holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and two Master’s degree respectively in International Affairs and Political Economy. Certified in Project Management and Data Analytics. Received a Diploma in ICT from ISP Computer Institute. Obtained an International Certificate in SME Banking and Financial Analytics from the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII). Participant in the 2020 Digital Identity and National Security Fellowship from the Center for African Affairs and Conflict Research (CAACOR). Policy Ambassador at the Nigerian Global Affairs Council (NIGAC). Currently a Doctoral Student at the University of Abuja, Nigeria.
Dr. John Otieno Oredo, PhD is an educator with over twenty years teaching experience in secondary and university levels. John is a lecturer in the Department of Information Science at the University of Nairobi and previously served as a Research Associate at Kenya Education Network (KENET). He holds a PhD degree in Business Administration - Strategic Information Systems (University of Nairobi); MSc. in Information Technology (Strathmore University); and a Bachelor of Education (Moi University). John is a researcher who has published on educational technology and information systems. His current research revolves around Public Automation, Machine Learning, Data Science, Adoption of Emerging Digital Technologies, Data Analytics, ICTs in Education and Technology Related Stress. He has facilitated workshops on educational technology and academic integrity for University staff and Library Professionals. John is trained in scientific communication and publishing (UON); Research writing (INASP), Item Writing (KNEC), E-Learning course design (ETSU) and supporting faculty in developing online course proficiencies (EDUCAUSE), Advanced Research Design (PASGR) and Critical Discourse Analysis (Stellenbosch University). He is an active member of several professional bodies: ISACA; Full member of Kenya Institute of Management (KIM) and a columnist for its MANAGEMENT magazine; Computer Society of Kenya (CSK), Association for Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE); Project Management Institute (PMI) and Association for Information Systems (AIS) where he serves as the Eastern Africa Chapter President. He is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Big Data Engineer and Artificial Intelligence Analyst. John also has an Executive Education in Supply Chain Management from Kuhne Logistics University (Germany). He spends his free time tinkering with open-source productivity and research tools.
Felix Atandi is a cybersecurity consultant, data governance expert and an applied researcher in privacy-preserving technologies. He is the Security Solutions Architect at CyberTembo, a cybersecurity company in East Africa and has been a Subject Matter Expert with over 10 years of experience in the field. His research interests span theoretical and applied cryptography and their application to everyday problems throughout computer science regarding Security by Default and Design. He has a BSc. In Computer Science from Kabarak University and an MSc. Computer Forensics and Cyber Security; ‘Threat Intelligence using Honeypots’ from the University of Greenwich, London. Throughout his career, Felix has developed a skill set directly relevant to cybersecurity including an intersection of digital forensics, cyber policy & governance, information security regulatory compliance, development of strategic cybersecurity frameworks as well as industry best practices and methodologies. His research interest covers the design, analysis and implementation of efficient privacy-preserving cryptographic techniques and their applications. Specifically, with a strong focus on topics covering Homomorphic Encryption, Secure Multiparty Computations, Differential Privacy and Post-Quantum Cryptography. His research is inherently ground-up and driven by the co-production of knowledge with diverse groups of people, in order to understand the wider security implications of information technology.
Faith is a Kenyan lawyer, an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya of over twelve (12) years standing. She holds a Bachelor of Laws degree (LL.B) from Moi University and a Master of Laws degree (LL.M) in Intellectual Property Law from Ankara University, Turkey. She currently works at the Kenya Copyright Board as a Senior Legal Counsel where she doubles up as the country focal point in the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) project on the use of IP in the software sector. Faith has great passion for emerging technologies for instance artificial intelligence, blockchain technologies, internet of things etc. She likes interrogating the interplay between these technologies and the law. She is also interested in intellectual property and intangible asset valuation and helping SMEs and start-ups make the most of their intangible assets.
Gitinywa Louis is an attorney and litigator, specializing in Constitutional law and International Human Rights law, where he has a particular interest on issues related to digital rights for instance: Freedom of expression online, Data privacy, Internet governance and Fintech. Before joining the private practice he also served as public Prosecutor for the Rwanda National Public Prosecution Authority since 2011 up to March 2016where he has been involved in many cases related to prosecution of economic crimes, and others criminal cases before domestic courts in Rwanda. He is also a regular contributor to Global Voices where he has published different articles on issues related to freedom of expression online, the massive use of surveillance technologies and their impacts on data privacy in Rwanda. He is called to Rwanda Bar Association and holds a Masters of Law (UDSM) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Constitutional law (CEU-Budapest).
Oscar is a recognized and results-oriented Cyber Security Leader and researcher with over 7 years’ experience in Cyber security and Technology risk management. Oscar begun his career at The Copy Cat Ltd as a Management trainee then later as a Pre-sales Systems Security Engineer where he led the go to market in Security technologies. He then Co-founded an IoT based technology company, Sine solutions Ltd that carried out location-based adverts in public service vehicles in Nairobi and had a partnership with IBM research Africa, The government of Kenya and major advertising agencies. He later worked as a Systems analyst at the Christ Is the answer ministries (CITAM). Oscar is a Chevening Scholarships alumni of (2018-2019) through which he pursued an MSc IT Cyber Security at the University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK. Where he researched on the application of Artificial intelligence on Cloud data loss prevention and developed a model to demonstrate the research, a project that earned him an entry into the University of Glasgow School of computing Science Hall of fame. Oscar is also a US-Aid Scholar at the Strathmore University for a Bachelor of business Information & Technology (2009-2013) and holds a diploma in Computer studies from the Technical University of Kenya. Oscar is also a member of the John Smith centre for public policy at the University of Glasgow as well as a general member of the Chatham house. Oscar Okwero is currently a Cyber security researcher with particular interest in Cyber threat intelligence and general application security in the cloud. His other interests are in Technology Law, Artificial intelligence & Machine learning as pertains to Cyber Security.
Wakesho Kililo is the Africa Coordinator, Digital Rights, Greater Internet Freedom (GIF) Project at Internews. Previously, Wakesho worked with the Kenyan Section of the International Commission of International Jurists where she managed the International Justice Program, implementing programs geared at pursuing accountability for victims of autrocities. She also worked on electoral governance Issues at Act change Transform in their Democracy Governance and Human Rights Program, Transparency International Kenya, and Article 19 Eastern Africa. She serves as a member of the Law Society of Kenya Public Interest Litigation and Legal Aid committee. Wakesho was named Civil Society Lawyer of The Year 1st Runners Up in 2019 and Top 35 under 35 Youth Advocate of the year 2020. She is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya and has a post graduate diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.
Phionah holds an LLB (Moi University), a Postgraduate Diploma in Law (Kenya School of Law), and an LLM in Intellectual Property and Competition Law (Munich Intellectual Property Law Center). She is a member of the Kenyan Bar with a special interest in research and policy development, particularly in the areas of Intellectual Property Law, Competition Law, and Information Privacy. She is currently focusing on research in the areas of pharmaceutical patents and health data privacy.
Oarabile is a Policy Researcher and a Technologist whose focus is Public Interest Technology at the intersection of digital governance, policy, and regulation. He also assists AUDA-NEPAD in driving strategic approaches to Africa's scientific capacity for regionally oriented regulation and management of the innovation ecosystem and emerging technologies as a Member of the writing team for the AU-AI Continental Strategy for the AU High Level Panel on Emerging Technologies (APET).
He currently serves on the MIT Sloan Management Review's Responsible AI Expert Panel, which assesses how companies design and approach Responsible AI practices, policies, and standards. Oarabile is also a recipient of the Media Democracy Fund and Ford Foundation's Public Interest Technology Exchange Fellowship. He is currently a Policy Specialist working in the Africa AI Observatory project, where he specializes on mapping AI country policy practices, strategies, and data governance legislation.
Lilian Olivia Orero is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and Award-winning writer based in Nairobi, Kenya. She is a Researcher with Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University. She has participated in a research sprint examining the challenges of navigating digital identity amid crises. She is a Fellow of the Kenya School of Internet Governance, Future Africa and East Africa Emerging Public Interest Advocates Programme. She serves as Civil Society Regional Reference Group Member with UN Women Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Program advocating for ending violence against women and girls. Olivia has published with London School of Economics and Political Science, Manchester Journal of International Economic Law and Youth Law Journal. She has published a blog titled “Balancing the protection of fundamental rights in the fight against disinformation” with the African Union-European Union Digital for Development Hub. She has also published on gendered topics such as domestic violence, sexual consent, rape, abortion and digital gender divide. She holds Advanced Human Rights Certificates on the right to privacy from Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, Post-Graduate Diploma in Law from Kenya School of Law and Bachelor of Laws Degree from Moi University.
Joshua Kitili is an Advocate of the High Court and also holds an LLM (University of Strathclyde) in Information Technology & Telecommunications law. His interests are in privacy, data protection and Information Technology law in general.
Josephine Kaaniru is a legal researcher enthusiastic about technology policy, with an emphasis on AI policy, digital rights and data governance. She also works on inclusion projects for people with disabilities, taking into account how technology may help close gaps that people with disabilities face. She is committed to making sure that technological advancements solve problems rather than infringe upon human rights.
Calvin Mulindwa is a graduate of Strathmore University with a background in Law. Currently serving as a Research Assistant at the Centre for Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law, he focuses on the intricate realms of Data Governance and Intellectual Property.
Cynthia Nzuki is a young lawyer with expertise in policy, research, and legal consulting on intellectual property matters within the creative economy. She graduated from Strathmore University and additionally gained certifications from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Academy and Harvard Law School (Online IP Courses – CopyrightX and PatentX). Currently pursuing an LLM at Strathmore Law School (2025 intake), Cynthia Nzuki is dedicated to advancing legal frameworks that support creatives, innovation, artificial intelligence and digital economies.
Irene Makau is a dynamic lawyer passionate about the intersection between data protection and Artificial intelligence with a focus on how these technologies shape global trade and innovation. She is committed to ensure that Africa moves beyond being a consumer of transformative technologies by actively participating in their development. Her focus is on promoting ethical and inclusive innovations designed for Africa’s unique problems.
Catriona is a CPA Finalist and a holder of a Bachelor of Commerce Degree (Accounting Option) from the University of Nairobi.
Kevin Muchwat is a Bachelor of Science degree holder in Physics from South Eastern Kenya University and possesses extensive experience in developing desktop, mobile, and web applications as a full-stack developer. He served as a technical consultant for IFRC, contributing to the design and implementation of Volunteer Management Systems for national societies across Africa. Kevin's expertise lies in the efficiency and performance of server applications and their scalability, which is fueled by his immense passion for the field.
Christine Mwangi is a communications professional with expertise in public relations, digital media, and strategic storytelling. She specializes in media engagement, and knowledge dissemination for impactful communication of research and policy insights.
Nelson is a Kenyan Advocate with passion for practice and research interests in data protection law, data justice, and business and human rights. He is currently helping clients to navigate the data protection regulatory space in Africa. A TGCL scholar holding LL.M in cybersecurity regulation in East African Community, he is currently undertaking PhD studies in design and practice of data protection impact assessment in Africa at the University of Bayreuth, Germany where he also doubles up as a Teaching and Research Assistant to the Chair of African Legal Studies. His doctoral research project is undertaken as part of the International Doctoral Programme on business and human rights hosted at the Centre for Human Rights at the Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg. Nelson has participated in certified trainings on data protection and fellowships in research centres and think tanks in Kenya, East Africa, and Europe. He has also published literary work on legal aspects of data protection and trains on Advanced Human Rights Course in Data Protection in Africa with Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria, South Africa.
During the course of the fellowship, he will research on the intersection between data protection law and epistemic data justice.
Teresia Munywoki is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree at Liverpool John Moores University. She holds a Bachelor of Laws from Strathmore University and is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, as well as a Certified Professional Mediator. Teresia is actively engaged as a Technology Policy Advocate, focusing her research on data protection and governance, digital rights, cybersecurity law, and intellectual property law. Her goal is to contribute to policy development and change in Kenya, as well as on a regional and global scale. During the course of the fellowship, she will research on "Data Protection and Empowerment: Enhancing Resilience through Data Literacy and Privacy Enhancing Technologies for Refugee Women in South Africa, Uganda and Nigeria".
Dorine N. Wanjeru is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a leading expert in technology policy and regulatory compliance with over nine years of legal experience spanning both public and private sectors. She currently serves as the Principal Data Protection Officer at the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, where she spearheads legal strategy, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement in data governance at national and international levels. Dorine has been instrumental in shaping Kenya’s digital policy framework, contributing to cross-border data protection initiatives and advising on critical legislative reforms. Her legal expertise is deeply rooted at the intersection of technology, innovation, and law. She is an LLM candidate at the University of Nairobi, specializing in Technology and Intellectual Property Law, and is a certified Data Protection Officer by Maastricht University. Dorine is also an active member of the East Africa Law Society’s Technology, Media, and Telecommunications Committee. Her work reflects a deep commitment to developing inclusive, innovation-driven legal systems across Africa.
Kevin Mwiti Njeru is the Assistant Director in charge of Research, Digital Innovations, and Incubation at the State Department for Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy. He plays a key role in formulating and implementing policies that drive digital transformation, innovation, and research within the public sector. Kevin holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Master’s degree in Information Technology. His work is focused on promoting a forward-looking digital ecosystem that supports innovation and economic growth in Kenya.
Yvonne Ndirangu is a seasoned legal and public policy practitioner with over a decade of experience, including eight years specializing in legal drafting and public policy development. She currently serves as the Head of Legal and Public Policy at the Murang’a County Assembly. Yvonne is passionate about data-driven legislation and policy formulation for county governments. Her work has been pivotal in crafting progressive legal frameworks that have positioned Murang’a County as a leader in effective governance and impactful policy initiatives both nationally and regionally.
Stella Murungi is a seasoned ICT professional with a decade of experience in technology, strategic partnerships, and IT project management. She currently serves as the Chief Digital Officer at the Ministry of Justice, Rwanda. Stella previously advised the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority on regional ICT policies, including the One Network Area, cybersecurity, and the Single Digital Market. Her prior work includes implementing national ICT in education policies, managing software projects in governance, banking, and health, and serving as Software Product Manager at Pivot Access Ltd. She also played a foundational role in establishing the Rwanda office of the Norrsken Foundation, a Swedish impact entrepreneurship organization. Stella holds a Master of Science in Electrical and Communications Engineering from the Technical University of Kaiserslautern, Germany. She is also a published author of *The Adventures of Feza*, an educational children’s book about robotics, and is an active member of Girls in ICT Rwanda. Stella is deeply committed to accelerating technology adoption and inspiring the next generation of African innovators.
Farajael Tumaiyo is a data scientist with a strong foundation in software development and database administration. At NAOT, he applies data science and artificial intelligence to create transparent, inclusive, and equitable systems that drive social and economic impact. Combining technical prowess with a commitment to societal change, Farajael specializes in building AI-driven models and digital tools to address complex challenges. His work reflects a broader vision for using technology to build resilient, connected, and innovative communities.
Gilbert Muyesu is an ICT professional from Kenya, currently serving as Assistant Director of ICT at the Ministry of Information, Communications and The Digital Economy. He has a strong background in IT governance, risk and compliance, and previously held the position of IT GRC specialist at Equity Bank. He holds a Master’s degree in Strategic Management from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, and professional certifications including COBIT 5 for IT Governance and Huawei Data Centre technologies. Gilbert is driven by a passion for digital transformation in the public sector. He values innovation, leadership and collaboration, and is committed to using technology to strengthen institutions and improve service delivery.
Cece Ojany Bekhor teaches leaders who value making an impact, how to BE well and DO well. She’s the Director and accredited Coach at TMP Coaching, a practice that is 11+ years old. Cece has worked with leaders of all genders, from diverse cultures & industries, both in Kenya and overseas. Her coaching style is entirely unique, putting humanity, creativity and effectiveness at the centre of the work. Together with 1:1 coaching, she also facilitates workshops, online and face-to-face for diverse organisations including CIPIT, The World Resources Institute, Stanford Seed, AHL Venture Partners, Zipline, The European Union, PULA to name a few. She’s also a published author. Her memoir “I’ll take some self love with that” is a book that particularly resonates with leaders living, working or who have teams in the global south.
Mark Irura has extensive expertise promoting transparency and accountability in international development. He previously developed a number of process-focused software systems and customer-facing applications, including backend integration of financial management systems as well as automation of tax management processes.
Further, he has experience in policy development – especially as far as adoption and use of data in decision support for contracting and other sectoral support at national and subnational levels. He is an analyst with extensive experience heading end-to-end digital implementations for bilateral and multilateral development agencies, government ministries, and the private sector. He has served as an artificial intelligence advisor for a global AI initiative, a systems designer for a national tax authority, and has held roles with an international data for development organization. Due to this technical background, Mark is an advocate of using emerging technologies whilst ensuring that capacities and understanding are created for sustainability as well as meeting functional or unit business goals.
He holds an undergraduate Degree from the University of Cape Town, an MSc from Strathmore University and is pursuing Doctoral studies at the University of Eastern Finland.
Leonida Mutuku is a Nairobi-based data scientist and AI researcher with over 13 years of experience specialising in inclusive technology and AI innovation to address development challenges across Africa. She is currently the AI Research Director at the Local Development Research Institute (LDRI), where she leads research on the development, scaling and governance of responsible AI applications for sustainable development and climate resilience in emerging economies. In this role she has built an AI system that supports smallholder farmers to adapt to climate change and mitigate losses from crop failure. Leonida is also the founder of Intelipro, where she leads a team building reja.ai, an AI- powered financial management platform enabling small business owners to make sustainable and profitable decisions. Globally, she is recognised as a thought leader in technology and responsible AI innovation, AI governance, and data-driven policy implementation. She holds a number of advisory roles, including serving as the Civil Society Digital Governance Cluster Lead at the Open Government Partnership, collaborating with the Kenyan government on ethical, safe, and inclusive AI adoption. She also serves on the advisory boards for Open-Source AI at Digital Futures Lab in India and the New Commons Challenge by the GovLab and Microsoft, where she provides guidance on investments and policies in responsible, sustainable, and open AI innovation ecosystems. Leonida holds a Master of Business Analytics and Big Data from IE Business School in Madrid and a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Actuarial Science from the University of Nairobi.