Kenya Office Staff

Dr John Mugo, Country Coordinator – Uwezo Kenya

John Mugo is currently the Country Coordinator of Uwezo Kenya, a post that he has held since January 2011. John holds a PhD (specialized in Special Needs Education) from the University of Hanover, Germany. He is a seasoned researcher, and has conducted over 40 studies in both academic and applied research. Besides, he is a trained manager with lengthy experience in both theory and practice of project cycle management. Previously, he taught research methods and project management at Kenyatta University (Nairobi), where he also headed the Department of Special Needs Education. His research passion encompasses the domains of quality in education, education policy, alternative provisions, special needs education, girl education and education for excluded communities including pastoralists, nomads and minorities.

Izel Kipruto, Assistant Program Officer (Communications) – Uwezo Kenya

Izel is the current Assistant Communications Officer in Uwezo Kenya, having held this post since July 2011. Amongst many responsibilities, Izel is responsible for assisting the Communications Manager in ensuring the effective communication of Uwezo throughout Kenya; for ensuring communications materials adhere to the Communication Standards; for maintaining an effective social media presence for Uwezo Kenya and for editing print materials in both English and Kiswahili. Izel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Kiswahili and History from Egerton University, which is complemented by training in Photoshop software, Statistical software’s –STATA/SPSS and Ms Project.

Winnie Cherotich, Assistant Program Officer (Research) – Uwezo Kenya

Winnie has been a staff member at Uwezo Kenya since July 2011, when she assumed the role of Assistant Program Officer. Winnie has a background in the Education Sector, possessing a Bachelors degree in Special Needs Education from Kenyatta University, and having previous experience teaching at both Muiywek High School and Bomet Teachers Training College. At Uwezo Kenya, Winnie is responsible for a wide range of tasks that include managing the Uwezo Kenya partners; planning for the national assessments; overall monitoring of the assessment processes; managing the data entry and supporting data analysis.

Brian Odinga, Program and Administrative Associate – Uwezo Kenya

Brian first joined Uwezo Kenya in September 2012 as a  Program and Administrative Associate. Brian is responsible for coordinating all Uwezo Kenya Office operations and activities. Other than undertaking and supporting a wide range of operational tasks, Brian conducts research and writing assignments; participates in Uwezo processes (training, assessment, communication) and prepares and submits operational plans, budgets and reports. Prior to working at Uwezo Kenya, Brian was a Programme Assistant at Hivos Foundation giving support in programme coordination and implementation. Brian holds a BA in Journalism with a specialization in Broadcast Media and Public Relations and a minor in Sociology from United States International University Africa (USIU).  In his spare time, Brian is keen on attending motivational talk forums and relishes to mould young adults in the society through community work and knowledge sharing. His favourite quote:  “ALWAYS remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”

Francis Njuguna, Program Assistant – Uwezo Kenya

Francis has assumed the role of Program Assistant in the Program and Administration department at Uwezo Kenya since July 2012. Francis is the custodian of organizational assets including the Uwezo motor vehicle; he is responsible for maintaining an effective record of Uwezo publications and materials, supporting in logistics and undertaking reception duties amongst many other supporting duties. Francis holds a Diploma 2 and is currently pursuing Diploma 3 in Purchasing and Supplies Management from the Kenya Institute of Management. Francis is also pursuing a Diploma in Theology from the Presbyterian University of East Africa.

Ezekiel Sikutwa, Accountant – Uwezo Kenya

Ezekiel has been a staff member at Uwezo Kenya since conception of the initiative in 2009. Ezekiel is responsible for the overall financial administration of Uwezo Kenya, ensuring that financial management meets all legal requirements in line with national and internationally recognized financial reporting practices (IFRS). Ezekiel is also responsible for ensuring that partners meet requirement to manage funds on behalf of Uwezo and he is tasked with the preparation of the financial reports and budgets. Ezekiel holds a Bachelors Degree in Accounting from Kenyatta University, is a member of the Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (CPAK); the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and Institute of Certified Public Accountants (ICPAK).