Board Of Directors

Dr. Elijah Ambasa, PhD is a governance and policy expert with over 14 years’ experience on Human Rights, Good Governance, Access to Justice, Inclusion and Accountable Politics. He is also an expert in legislative procedure & practice, ethics, and policy and legislative drafting. He is currently a Senior Technical Advisor – Good Governance at the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).

He has worked with Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) as a Parliamentary Lead, African Parliamentarians Network Against Corruption as a National Coordinator, East African Wildlife Society as Head of Policy & Advocacy, Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) as Chapters & County Affairs Manager, Transparency International Kenya as a Governance & Policy Advisor, Task Force on Devolved Government (TFDG) in 2011 as a Research Officer, State University of New York (SUNY Kenya) seconded to the Kenya National Assembly as a Junior Legislative Fellow, Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC).

He holds Master of Arts Degree in Political Science and Public Administration (University of Nairobi), Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and Public Administration (Moi University) and Diploma in Business Administration (Kisumu National Polytechnic) and currently completing his Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science and Public Administration at the University of Nairobi.

Adrian is a recent graduate from the University of Nairobi. He brings a strong commitment to youth empowerment and civic engagement to the Siasa Place board. During his time at university, Adrian's passion for these issues manifested in the creation and production of "Leadership Lens," a groundbreaking weekly show on student leadership and accountability.

With a keen understanding of the issues facing young people, Adrian leveraged his work at the University's TV Station to cover student elections across eight out of ten campuses. This experience provided him with a deep understanding of the diverse needs and aspirations of Kenya's youth. Adrian's dedication to amplifying young voices aligns perfectly with Siasa Place's mission.

Eager to contribute to the organization's rich eight-year legacy, Adrian brings a unique perspective, strategic thinking, and an unwavering enthusiasm for realizing the rights of young people in Kenya and across Africa. Adrian's commitment extends beyond passion, with a willingness to dedicate time and energy to drive positive change and elevate youth involvement in decision-making processes.

Sylvia is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with five (5) years’ experience in Parliamentary engagement, democracy development, program implementation and legislative & policy analysis. Her specific interests lie in championing open governance as well as safeguarding digital rights for sustained citizen engagement and to enhance civic spaces. Currently pursuing a Master's degree in Public Policy, Governance & Politics at the University of Sheffield, Sylvia also holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.) from the University of Nairobi.

She has previously served as a Programme Officer at Mzalendo Trust, Kenya’s premier Parliamentary Monitoring Organization, where she spearheaded the notable Annual and County Youth Assemblies. Here, she has gained extensive experience in engaging young people, particularly young women, in political and parliamentary processes. Further, she has undertaken research on youth representation, supported the amplification of youth voices on relevant matters and convened forums to enhance dialogue between the young Parliamentarians and young people in political parties.

Ben holds a Master's degree in human rights and democratization in Africa from the University of Pretoria and is currently a part-time doctoral candidate at the University of the Western Cape in South Africa, where he studying federalism and the mechanisms used to protect internal minorities, with a comparative focus on Kenya.

Ben's professional interest is to make societies more equitable, just, inclusive, and peaceful through human rights, access to information, public participation, legal empowerment, inclusion, and accountability. Ben is currently the Program Manager for the Konrad Adenauer Foundation's Rule of Law Program for Anglophone Sub-Saharan Africa, and formerly worked as a Program Manager at the Katiba Institute, a non-profit Nairobi-based research, policy, litigation, and community engagement organisation.

Amanya Kuchio is a Social Worker, co-founder of Femme Logistics Limited, and an avid motorcyclist.

She is passionate about leadership and governance, SGBV, mental health, cancer awareness and support, environmental conservation, and road safety. She enjoys mentoring youth and women with a focus on equipping them for self-care and development to build their capacity for improved livelihoods.

She has a decade of experience in implementing youth programs in governance, employability, behavior change communication, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences (Social Work) and is an alumna of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). She serves as the Chairperson of the Private Bikers Association of Kenya (PBAK). In her free time, she enjoys music, art, and outdoor/sports activities.

Sarah Nyakio has a multifaceted background in strategic communication, media outreach, and advocacy for feminism and human rights. With an academic foundation that includes a Masters in Communication Studies from the United States International University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Sarah has consistently leveraged her education to advocate for change and amplify marginalized voices.

In her professional journey, Sarah has developed and executed comprehensive communication strategies, managed high-profile media relations, and spearheaded social media campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences. Her work has not only demonstrated her ability to craft impactful narratives but also her commitment to fostering inclusive and equitable dialogue.

Sarah's dedication extends beyond her professional endeavors to her passionate advocacy for women's rights and inclusion, particularly in amplifying youth voices in societal discourse. Her strategic thinking, combined with her ability to engage with stakeholders across various levels, has been instrumental in driving forward the missions of the organizations she has been part of.

As a board member, Sarah brings a wealth of experience in navigating complex political landscapes, executing strategic planning and communication campaigns, and advocating for legal and ethical standards in communication.

Mbuki Mburu is a Public policy and youth development advocate with significant experience in participatory development strategies, public policy research and analysis underpinned by a deep commitment to social justice. Ms. Mbuki currently serves as the National Coordinator of “Sauti Sasa Campaign” at AMREF Health Africa.

Ms. Mbuki has worked at national, regional and International levels where she has, among others, addressed the United Nations General assembly (UNGA) during the International Conference on Population and Development and a speaker at High Level Political Forum during the review of SDGs and UN 75th Commemoration at the United Nations Headquarters. Locally, she has co-founded youth initiatives, participated in development and review of policies affecting young people and championed Public Interest Litigation in favor of young people’s interest. Mbuki is an Africa Laureate on Advocacy and Community Action recognized by Africa Kitoko and serves as a board Member at Siasa Place.