Catherine Ngatia is an experienced higher education administrator and a strategic, forward-thinking professional with over 12 years of experience in designing, developing, and implementing administrative systems, processes, and policies across corporate and non-profit organizations. She has a strong track record in improving organizational efficiency, governance, and operational effectiveness.
Previously, Catherine served as Executive Assistant to the CEO at Securex Agencies, where she played a key role in streamlining executive operations and supporting high-level strategic initiatives. Her solid background in administrative leadership has informed her current role as Regional Admin and Procurement Officer at the Regional Education Learning Initiative (RELI). In this position, she oversees and coordinates administrative functions across multiple country offices, ensuring alignment with RELI’s mission, strategic objectives, and governance standards.
Catherine holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management, with a specialization in Procurement and Supply Chain Management, from St. Paul’s University, Nairobi. She is currently pursuing a professional certification in Project Management at Corporate Staffing, reflecting her ongoing commitment to professional growth and excellence in organizational management.

Dr. Irene Nyamu is an experienced Southern Childhood Studies scholar, social policy analyst, and child protection expert. With a deep commitment to advancing children’s rights, welfare, and protection, she has held key leadership roles, including as inaugural CEO of Childline Kenya. Under her leadership, Childline Kenya transitioned into an independent national organization, successfully managing the challenges of growth, governance, and resource mobilization. Irene has a solid understanding of education issues having worked as an academic and taught in public universities (Kenyatta University and University of the Western Cape) as well as private ones (Strathmore University). She is also the current chairperson of Women Educational Researchers of Kenya (WERK) a research and advocacy organisation focusing on gender and education concerns in Kenya and beyond Irene’s research interests in young people’s rights, passion for improving public education, and advocating for children’s rights, combined with her vast experience in leadership and governance, uniquely position her to lead RELI Africa in its next phase of growth.

Gaudence who holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Community Economic Development from Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania works as the Country Coordinator, Tanzania Chapter with the responsibility of coordinating the RELI work in the thematic groups, facilitating communication with stakeholders, development partners, and within the network between members and leadership. He is also responsible for representing the network in various occasions and platforms, developing, and managing linkages with the government. In program implementation, he oversees the implementation of the country chapter strategy and the growth of the network.

Gaudence has over 10 years in the civil society space within East Africa in different capacities in National and International NGOs including coordinating a country-level research project in Tanzania with the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) in 2016, Sector Program Specialist with WUSC from 2017 to 2020 where he a five-year project in technical and employability skills development for youth and women in Tanzania. He specializes predominantly in the development of new projects, delivering projects effectively, monitoring and evaluation of projects and to the highest possible standards, facilitating and catalyzing learning in program implementation, evidence generation, and policy influencing.

Having worked in RELI for over three years, he believes that education is a powerful tool to address diverse forms of marginalization and poverty in developing countries, and as such his interest in working in civil societies focusing on developing and implementing education projects that emphasize skills development, data-driven assessment, and building competencies to enable young people to thrive in life.

As a CPA(K), Irene is a registered Member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) and holds a Master of Business Administration (Finance) Degree from the University of Nairobi as well as a Bachelor of Education Degree from Egerton University. She has extensive experience in both Practice and Industry; having worked across various industries as head of finance. She has a proven track record of accomplishing challenging goals and creating value by setting a vision and focus to succeed. These positions have given her extensive hands-on experience in senior management and finance. Irene has interacted and coordinated with various stakeholders including bankers, auditors, consultants, and business partners. As a member of executive teams, her responsibilities have diversified from assisting in formulating the entities’ future direction to developing financial strategies and monitoring the implementation of strategic plans.

Irene is the Senior Finance Officer at RELI Africa, overseeing the financial and administrative functions to ensure the development and implementation of up-to-date appropriate administrative, financial policies and procedures. She is also in charge of establishing and implementing internal controls, policies, and systems that align with approved strategic initiatives. Irene’s work revolves around the financial management and reporting activities for RELI Africa including budget planning as well as supporting the executive management team in offering insights and financial advice for decision-making for the RELI network.

Nyambura brings a decade of valuable experience to the field of education as a Country Coordinator, Kenya Chapter. Prior to her role at the Regional Education Learning Initiative Africa (RELI Africa), she served as a Research Officer at the African Population and Health Research Center for five years. During this time, she held the responsibility of managing the urban education project.

One of her key strengths is her proven track record in project management. Nyambura has successfully executed various projects across East Africa, showcasing her ability to navigate the intricate landscape of education in the region with efficiency and efficacy. This experience has honed her skills in project planning, execution, and monitoring, ensuring that initiatives are carried out smoothly and achieve their intended goals.

Nyambura possesses a keen insight into the education policies and political dynamics of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. This knowledge allows her to adeptly synthesize complex educational issues within the context of these countries.

She has also authored articles, blogs, op-eds and contributed to scientific writing on relevant educational topics. This commitment to sharing knowledge and insights reflects her passion for the sector and a desire to contribute to meaningful discourse and solutions.

Nyambura holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and Community Development and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Environmental Health at Kenyatta University, which enhances her ability to address the broader context of health and well-being within the education sector.

Edith Kemunto is the Regional Gender Officer at the Regional Education Learning Initiative(RELI Africa), with over a decade of experience in gender equality and social inclusion across multiple sectors. She provides strategic and technical support on gender integration in education programmes and systems, contributing to organisational learning and partnerships that prioritise marginalised learners.
She leads the Girls’ Education Programme across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, using her cross-sector gender expertise to shape regional priorities on adolescent girls’ education, school-related gender-based violence, and the intersection of education and mental health. Her work spans programme and strategy development, gender and power analysis, stakeholder engagement, and strengthening the use of data and local evidence to inform policy, practice, and advocacy.
Edith works closely with civil society organisations, development partners, and regional actors to support collective learning and coordinated approaches to inclusive, equitable education. She brings a strong equity lens to discussions on evidence-based investment, including how resources are mobilised, whether they reach the most marginalised learners and address intersecting barriers, and in understanding the outcomes of those investments, advancing education systems that improve learning outcomes for all.

Fidelis Nasong’o is a dynamic and impact-driven education and development professional with extensive experience across Kenya and Africa. He currently serves as the Values & Lifeskills Officer at the Regional Education Learning Initiative (RELI), where he coordinates the implementation of a multi-partner programme focused on life skills and values education. In this role, he convenes diverse stakeholders, facilitates peer learning, and links grassroots efforts with national and global education ecosystems to drive sustainable impact.
His expertise in project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and research has been strengthened through progressive roles at Instill Education, where he led instructional leadership programming. Earlier experience includes project management at Wellness for Greatness and field research coordination with Innovations for Poverty Action.
Fidelis holds a Bachelor’s in Education from Moi University and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Project Planning and Management at the University of Nairobi. Passionate about collaborative learning and systemic change, he is committed to advancing values-based education and strengthening networks for lasting community impact.

Sebule Nambohe Solomon is a professional teacher educator and social worker by practice based in Mbale City, Uganda. He holds a master’s degree in education planning and management from TEAM University, a bachelor’s degree in education from Islamic University in Uganda, as well as a Post Graduate Diploma and Diploma in Education.

With over 6 years of professional experience, Solomon has developed expertise in program management skills, strong leadership, team supervision, stakeholder engagement, report writing, Budget management, capacity building, facilitation and coordination skills. He is a resourceful professional who excels at building and strengthening management teams to maximize organizational performance and efficiency. His ability to plan, implement, and monitor projects has contributed to the successful delivery of dynamic and impactful programs including serving as a Teaching Methodology Advisor with VSO in Rwanda, where he led in Coaching and mentoring teachers. He also worked as a Program Officer for Education and Child Protection with Save the Children International in Uganda, where he provided technical support and Coordination of the education project in Bidibidi Refugee settlement leading to the overall improvement in Education interventions.

His career also includes a role of Learning Support Coordinator with Mott MacDonald-SESIL project in Uganda, where he focused on ensuring inclusive education for all children and strengthening community structures. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his ability to coordinate complex projects, manage resources, and maintain effective communication among teams and stakeholders to ensure timely and successful project completion.

He remains committed to leveraging his expertise in education and social work to drive positive change and improve the lives of communities, particularly in the areas of education and child protection.

Aside from his professional pursuits, Solomon finds joy in contributing and supporting his community where his abilities can afford. His interests are making new friends and watching football.