Dr Peggy Oti-Boateng was appointed the Executive Director at the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) on 01 November 2022. In her role, she will provide leadership and strategic direction of AAS&rsquo;s programmes in order to achieve the Academy&rsquo;s vision, mission and objectives. She will oversee both the programmatic and operational management of the organization with a focus to sustainably drive the mandate of AAS through the secretariat team, and to represent the academy globally. Previously Dr Oti-Boateng was the Senior Science Advisor for Natural Sciences and the Director of the Division of Science Policy and Capacity Building in the Natural Sciences Sector at UNESCO Paris (France) In the past, she has been responsible for projects and programmes relating to science policy and capacity building in basic sciences and engineering at the multisectoral UNESCO regional office in Harare (Zimbabwe). She was regional thematic adviser for Africa for the formulation of policies and capacity building in science, technology, and innovation and engineering. She also served as focal point for the African Ministerial Conference on Science and Technology and was the Head of the Science in the UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). She had additional responsibilities in the area of local and indigenous knowledge systems, ecological and earth system sciences, water sciences, and intersectoral collaboration in Education, Social and Human Sciences, Culture and Communication Dr Oti-Boateng holds a PhD in Food Science and Technology obtained from University of Adelaide in Australia and BSc, with a specialization in Biochemistry, obtained from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi (Ghana).&nbsp; Dr Oti-Boateng began her career in 1985 as a researcher at the Technology Consultancy Centre at the College of Engineering at KNUST. In 1989 she was appointed Consultant and Trainer at the South Australian Department for Employment and Training in Adelaide (Australia) and from 2005 to 2010, she served as Director of the Technology Consultancy Centre, College of Engineering at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, working in collaboration with national and international strategic partners. In 2011, Dr Oti-Boateng joined the UNESCO Office in Nairobi, Kenya as a Senior Programme Specialist for Science and Technology. In this capacity, she was responsible for developing, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating projects and programmes of activities relating to the basic sciences and engineering and science policy for sustainable development in Africa. In 2015, Dr Oti-Boateng was transferred to the UNESCO multisectoral regional office in Harare (Zimbabwe) and since 2018-2022 she held the position of Director of Division at UNESCO Headquarters.

Dr. Peggy Oti-Boateng

Dr. Obed Ogega, PhD is a climate scientist and program management specialist with a focus on research capacity strengthening for development in response to Africa&rsquo;s developmental needs and priorities. In his role as Programmes Manager, Dr. Ogega leads a team at the AAS that is working towards the creation of a critical mass of emerging, and established, research leaders that will deliver the &lsquo;Africa We Want&rsquo; as envisioned in Africa&rsquo;s Agenda 2063.&nbsp; Before joining the AAS, Dr. Ogega worked with CORDIO East Africa and the Embassy of Sweden in Nairobi in various capacities. He holds a PhD in Environmental Studies (Climate Change &amp; Sustainability) and is well-published in climate science and its application to various sectors. Additionally, Dr. Ogega is an Adjunct Professor of Climate Science at the Department of Chemistry &amp; Physics, Saint Mount Vincent University,&nbsp;Halifax, NS, Canada. &nbsp;

Dr. Obed Ogega

Dr. Nkem Khumbah joined the African Academy of Science as Head of STI Policy Systems, Governance and Partnerships (STI-PGA), effective September 2023. He is also a Senior Fellow with the Washington-based Global Federation of Competitiveness Councils (theGFCC.org), faculty affiliate with the Science, Technology and Public Policy Program (STPP) at the University of Michigan, and Chairman of the Africa Development Futures Group. He previously was Lecturer of Mathematics and member of the STEM-Africa Initiative at the University of Michigan; Assistant Professor of Mathematics at North Georgia College and State University; and held research Fellows at Institute for Pure and Applied Mathematics at UCLA and the Mathematical Science Research Institute at UC Berkeley.

He has worked extensively with the breath of African Science, Technology and Higher Education bodies, including serving in 2015 as Founding Executive Curator of the Next Einstein Forum (NEF): Africa&rsquo;s Global Forum for Science, Policy and Society.&nbsp;

His articles have appeared in journals like the New York Times and the African Policy Review; he is frequent speaker at conferences and symposia in North America, Africa, Asia, and South America.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Dr. Nkem Khumbah

Cynthia Ouna Mwaniki is an adept leader with excellent communication skills and experience in mentoring and coaching teams to set and achieve high performance targets, building capacity through training and staff development programs, supporting HR, and cultivating cohesive multicultural teams. &nbsp;With over 10+ years of experience in Finance, Cynthia has worked with several international and local NGOs in various capacities. &nbsp;Her areas of expertise include Strategic thinking and management, Finance Management, Donor &amp; Grant Compliance, Risk Management, Policy Development &amp; Review, Donor Reporting, Internal Controls, Budgeting, Grants Management and Procurement. &nbsp;Cynthia is an eloquent English, Swahili, and basic French speaker and is conversant with a diverse range of cultures. With good communication and interpersonal skills, she is able to relay information concisely and accurately to both finance and non-finance persons. &nbsp;Cynthia is a Certified Public Accountant of Kenya (CPA K) with an MSc in Finance and Accounting from the University of Nairobi.

Cynthia Mwaniki

Yvonne Onsotti is an accomplished Human Resources professional with&nbsp;close to two decades of extensive experience in various HR functions, including strategic HR management, change management, workplace culture, organizational development, and talent management. Yvonne&#39;s expertise encompasses a wide range of HR practices, including recruitment and selection, performance management, development of competency frameworks, training and development initiatives, compensation and benefits management, HR operations and audits, employee welfare and engagement, as well as exit management processes. Her academic credentials are robust; she holds a Bachelor&#39;s degree in Human Resources Management from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) and is currently pursuing an MBA in Strategic Management at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). 
Yvonne has further honed her leadership skills through the prestigious Stanford Seed Programme in the UK, complemented by Corporate Governance training facilitated by Advantage Training in South Africa. This training has equipped her with a nuanced understanding of the role of committees in enhancing governance frameworks within organizations.&nbsp; 
Her professional journey is marked by a commitment to fostering high-performing teams and nurturing young HR professionals through mentorship. A strong advocate for sustainable organizational practices, Yvonne emphasizes the importance of employee satisfaction and engagement as key drivers of Return On Investment (ROI) for organizations. She is a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP-K) and an active member of the Institute of Human Resources Management (IHRM), reflecting her dedication to maintaining high standards within the profession. 
In her current role as HR and Operations Manager at the African Academy of Sciences, Yvonne continues to implement strategies that enhance employee satisfaction and align organizational goals with individual aspirations. Her passion for people development is evident in her approach to creating inclusive workplace cultures that empower employees to reach their full potential.

Yvonne Moraa Onsotti

Ms. Dorcas Waithaka is an accomplished administrator&nbsp; with over 15 years of work experience in diverse industries. She holds a Masters Degree in E-Commerce and Bachelors Degree in HR, She is known for her exceptional skills in coordinating executive-level activities and optimizing operations. With a remarkable track record of supporting C-level executives, she stands out for her unparalleled organizational ability, writing prowess and meticulous attention to detail.From managing complex calendars to orchestrating flawless travel arrangements, Dorcas ensures seamless execution of tasks while maintaining strict confidentiality. She is proactive problem-solver with a strong IT and communication skill set. 
In her role as an Executive Administrator at the African Academy for Sciences (AAS), Dorcas thrives in transforming chaos into streamlined efficiency. Her expertise in logistics planning for high-stakes domestic and international engagements guarantees successful outcomes. She excels in fostering collaborative relationships across departments, enabling smooth communication channels within the organization. 
Previously, as a Senior Administration Officer at Safal Group, Wananchi Group and Spencon Kenya Ltd,she showcased exceptional leadership skills. Her commitment to managing teams, improving processes, and developing administrative systems and policies resulted in enhanced efficiency and significant cost reductions. She also demonstrated expertise in HR management, Procurement, fleet oversight, asset management and ISO auditing ensuring compliance and driving success. As an Executive Administrator supporting C-suite executives, her personal vision is to be an indispensable partner to the C-suite, elevating their effectiveness and supporting them in leading the organization to new heights. Through strategic thinking, efficient operations, and effective communication, she aims to help the executive team achieve sustainable success and make a positive impact on the organization overall performance&lt;/p&gt;

Dorcas Waithaka

Gladys Wakaba is the Legal and Compliance Officer under the Executive Office at the African Academy of Sciences. She is an adept legal professional with over 8 years of experience in the legal sector, specializing in corporate governance, compliance, corporate and commercial law. She holds a Bachelor of Laws from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa and a Postgraduate Diploma from the Kenya School of Law. As an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, Gladys brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role.

With a rich background in both private practice and the nonprofit sector, Gladys has demonstrated a strong commitment to using her legal expertise to drive positive change. She is a Certified Secretary and an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and the Legal Society of Kenya. Her certifications in Strategic Management, Arbitration, Data Protection, and Intellectual Property Rights further strengthen her ability to navigate the complex intersections of law and policy.

Passionate about leveraging Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) for sustainable development, Gladys believes in the power of law as a catalyst for progress. She is dedicated to ensuring that robust legal frameworks and corporate governance practices support sustainable development across the continent. Known for her strategic thinking and unwavering dedication, she consistently strives to create impact in every aspect of her work.

In her role within the organization, Gladys continues to apply her expertise to advance the mission of transforming lives through the integration of STI, while ensuring compliance with legal standards that promote long-term growth and success within the organisation and in Africa.

&nbsp;

Gladys Wakaba

Dr. Boniface Ushie

CPA Fredrick Otiwu is the AAS&rsquo;s Finance and Grants Accountant. He has over 10 years&rsquo; experience in Financial Management, Grants Management, Review of Financial Management systems, Development of Financial strategy, systems and procedure manuals, Fred previously served as a Senior Finance Officer at Catholic Relief Services (CRS-Somalia Program). He oversaw Finance, Grants Management and reporting to USAID Program in Somalia. He gained experience in Guiding the Programs finance and programmatic proposals that lead to winning of grants and awards. This helped the NGO grow its funding level immensely through leverage of systems, technology and sound understanding of donor requirements. Before CRS, Fred worked at World Vision (WV) as Senior Grants Accountant in the Organizations Supporting WFP Emergency Program Funded Projects in 8 Counties. Fred also worked for WV in different positions namely Program Accountant &ndash; Moyale, Baringo and East Pokot where he participated in financial processing and reporting. He is passionate about sustainable development in the African continent and looks forward to making meaningful contributions to Africa&rsquo;s science space. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) from Kenya Methodist and has CPA-K. Currently Undertaking a Master&rsquo;s degree at JKUAT.

Fred Otiwu

Rowland is a program monitoring and evaluation specialist and has been key in, within the past two decades, the design and implementation of various programmes in Eastern Africa. His Programme management experience has ranged from early grade learning research, water safety and health, livelihoods and education in emergencies, health and nutrition, transition to scale programmes, governance and (research) grant management. Rowland is involved in the programme management roles of Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning activities for programmes at the African Academy of Science (AAS), which include ARISE. Rowland has a BSc Medical Microbiology, MSc Computing and Information Systems, MA and DPhil in Project Planning and Management. Most recently, co-lead authorship of the AAS 2023-2027 Strategic Plan.

Dr. Rowland Opisa

Dr. James Mushori in his capacity as Programme Officer- Monitoring, Evaluation &amp; Learning (ARISE Programme)| 
&nbsp; 
His role involves setting up and implementation of a system to support evidence-based programming and continuous and adaptive learning for AAS programmes, with a focus on ARISE. This includes developing, updating, and coordinating monitoring and evaluation (M&amp;E) activities and events for the ARISE grant, and promoting Monitoring, Evaluation &amp; Learning (MEL) knowledge transfer internally and externally. He will also ensure that MEL systems and capacity building effectively serve ARISE and other AAS programmes in contribution to the achievement of the AAS&rsquo; strategy.

Prior to joining AAS he worked with Olmanyara Tilil (OT), a Kenyan local NGO, where he served as the Director of Programmes, Research and Development, championing for environmental protection and climate change through adaptation and regeneration programs. While at OT, he led the development of a 5-year strategic plan, designed a theory of change (ToC) and also established the M&amp;E system. Between 2017 and 2019, he monitored and evaluated a Global Fund Programme implemented under ASWA Alliance/HIVOS Southern Africa Hub among other partners, dubbed, &ldquo;Key Population Representation, Evidence and Advocacy for Change in Health,&rdquo; (GFATM-KP REACH programme), in eight Southern Africa countries namely South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Eswatini formerly Swaziland.

Dr. Mushori is also serving as the current Board Chair of Agency for Child Resilience and Aids (ACRA-Kenya), Reviewer of two journals: International Journal of Construction Management by Taylor Francis and International Journal of Environment and Climate Change. He is a Part-Time Lecturer at the Department of Management Science and Project Planning, University of Nairobi and Operations Research Lecturer in the School of Business and Economics, Kabarak University in Kenya. He is well equipped with donor reporting experience for projects and programmes funded by the Global Fund, USAID, DANIDA, WORLD BANK among others. His mission is to foster a more equitable and just world where the voices of the right holders are amplified through strategic, collaborative, and impactful educational initiatives. Dr. Mushori holds a PhD in Project Planning and Management (M&amp;E Specialization) from the University of Nairobi and has authored several research articles in peer reviewed journals. He&#39;s a NEMA registered Lead Expert (Environmental Impact Assessment/Audit) and a Member of Kenya Association of Project Managers (KAPM).

Dr. James Mushori

Dedicated communications specialist with over 9 years&rsquo; experience in implementing communication strategies to enhance brand visibility through social media engagement, content development, and dissemination. Well-versed with media relations and branding of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials.

Shylee Mbuchucha

Caroline is the AAS Procurement Officer. She joined the AAS family in November 2021. Her core duties revolve around receiving and reviewing procurement requests and initiating procurement procedures in a transparent and cost-effective manner for key projects.&nbsp;

She works with our grantees in 38 countries in Africa to ensure their requests on procurement of equipment are processed on time in liaison with the host institutions and suppliers. She sources for vendors (Global and Local Sourcing) and negotiates for better terms to ensure added value, lowest total cost while ensuring quality.&nbsp;

In addition to these, Caroline assists the organization in sourcing and analyzing quotations/bids submitted by vendors and make a comparative analysis of the information provided in-order to make a procurement decision. She has contributed to the organization performance by preparing and managing Suppliers agreements and contracts to ensure compliance and risk mitigation. Streamlined procurement system by reviewing and renegotiating supplier contracts &amp; SLA&#39;s which has guaranteed the business value for money and improved bottom-line performance. Her daily routine is to conduct research (market pricing intelligence) to ascertain the best products and suppliers in terms of best value, delivery schedules and quality.&nbsp;

Her overall objective is to optimize cost efficiency while ensuring the seamless and timely supply of business requirements through the most strategic, convenient, and industry-best practices. She holds a Master&#39;s degree in Procurement and Logistics Management (Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). She is a member of&nbsp;Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM).

Caroline Yatich

Saida Abdul, our esteemed Grants Officer, holds a Master&rsquo;s in Business Administration-Project Management Option, a Degree in Biomedical Sciences, and a professional certification in Monitoring and Evaluation. Her extensive qualifications and experience make her an asset to our team. 
She has previously managed a portfolio of grants, implementing pre- and post-grant award processes and providing support to grantees to ensure the delivery of quality projects on time and on budget. Before joining the Academy, she was the Program Officer for the Miller Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of the disadvantaged. She also worked briefly at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), the US-army Medical Research Institute, the KEMRI Centre for Public Health, and Kenya Water for Health Organization. She is passionate about bringing positive change in Africa through research and quality reporting of research publications.

Saida Abdul Ramadhan

&nbsp;Sheila Wetugi is a Social Scientist with over twelve years of professional experience in international development. The gist of her experience has been program development, implementation, and grants management. Sheila has served in various roles with several International NGOs. These include Christian Aid, Amref Health Africa, Build Africa &ndash; Kenya, Population Service International &ndash; Kenya, and Adventist Development and Relief Agency &ndash; Kenya. Sheila has implemented programmes funded by different donors including USAID, DFID, World Bank, SIDA and EU from which she has acquired a unique blend of knowledge on donor requirements and operations. She is therefore well versed with establishing and managing donor relations.&nbsp; 
Before joining the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) in November 2021, Sheila had mainly worked within the Kenyan Country Context. However, through her current role as grants officer for AAS; she has broadened this to include working in Pan African Context with partnerships with the US National Institute of Health and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.&nbsp; 
Sheila possesses a vast set of skills and competencies, which she currently applies to contribute to enabling AAS, achieve the set objectives. She is precise, dynamic, has a high level of integrity, she is transparent and accountable. She is abler to multi-task, flexible and adaptive. She also possesses excellent people management skills. In addition, she is strong in community mobilization and working with grassroot organizations to bring positive change to social problems. She successfully implemented programs that benefited 39,950 Orphaned and Vulnerable Children and 8,000 HIV-positive households, strengthening them economically for sustainability and leaving them more resilient. One of her outstanding achievements was when she was assigned a local implementing partner that had been put on a performance improvement plan. She supported them to improve from 60% performance to 95% within 3 Months.&nbsp; 
Sheila has a Bachelor of Arts degree in social sciences, having majored in sociology. She is currently pursuing a master&rsquo;s degree in development studies. Sheila is zealous about utilizing her knowledge, experience, skills and competencies to advance the agenda of AAS on the African continent. Her vision for AAS is that AAS will grow and become a renowned Academy celebrated worldwide for transforming lives in Africa through science. This will only be possible by supporting research, propelling the research findings to be translated into relevant policies and supporting the successful implementation of such policies across the African continent. 
&nbsp;

Sheila Wetugi

Professional Summary 
Silomalo Joseph is a seasoned Software Engineer with 5+ years of industry experience. As a graduate in Software Engineering, he has honed his skills across multiple programming languages and frameworks, demonstrating proficiency in both front-end and back-end development.

&nbsp;Technical Expertise

<ul>
	<li>Platforms: Web, desktop, and Mobile,&nbsp;- (Full-stack)</li>
</ul>

Current Role 
ICT Assistant (Senior Developer) at the African Academy of Sciences

<ul>
	<li>Develops cross-platform software applications within the Academy</li>
	<li>Utilizes diverse programming languages and frameworks for comprehensive software solutions</li>
</ul>

Key Strengths

<ul>
	<li>Proven track record in project leadership and management</li>
	<li>Strong work ethic and results-driven approach</li>
	<li>Adaptable across various development environments and technologies</li>
</ul>

Joseph Silomalo

Caroline N Maswili is our Finance and Grants Officer. She holds a Master of Business Administration(MBA)&nbsp; Finance and a Bachelor of Commerce -Accounting Option, both from The University of Nairobi. She is a Certified Public Accountant CPA-K and a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK). Before joining the Academy, she worked with The African Development Bank ( AfBD) as a short-term accounting staff for the County Office of South Sudan and for the Eastern Africa Regional office in Nairobi, Kenya.&nbsp; Caroline has also worked as a Senior Accountant at Sidian Bank and served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the K-rep Group Staff Provident fund. With over 10 years of accounting and financial management experience, she brings a wealth of expertise to the team

Caroline Maswili

Nicholas Kiprop is a computer science professional with&nbsp; years of experience&nbsp; with strong foundation in web design, Networking, system administration, hardware maintenance, and project management. He holds a CCNA certification level 3 from Kenyatta University awarded in 2015 and Fortinet Network Security Expert 2 from Fortinet NSE institute in the year 2020. Currently, he heads the ICT function at the African Academy of Sciences where he&rsquo;s tasked with ensuring seamless system operation. 
His vision is to be at the forefront empowering individuals and organizations to leverage technology to achieve their goals and objectives by staying up to date with the latest technological advancements. He aspires to implement innovative solutions that enhance productivity, streamline processes, and improve user experience. In addition to his technical skills, he is a dedicated learner, passionate about exploring emerging technologies such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing.

&nbsp;

Nicholas Kiprop

Gordon Ochieng

Viscard Ronoh is a highly experienced Protocol Officer with expertise in government protocol and diplomacy. Committed to creating and maintaining positive relationships between government entities and external stakeholders. 
He has a Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of diplomatic conventions and protocol to ensure compliance and the delivery of appropriate services and events. He also has significant experience and background in the planning and conduct of official activities, hospitality and VIP visitor procedures to ensure the delivery of professional and high-quality services, Liaise with other &nbsp;government departments and external organizations to ensure consistency in protocol activities, such as permit, diplomatic IDs, Pro1B for vehicle importation/registration and handling customs matters. Oversee the preparation of documents and materials for protocol-related events Plan and execute high-level visits and events, including logistics, security, and protocol. 
Prior to joining AAS in 2017 he worked with The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) as Protocol and Liason Assistant for over 8 years managing over 30 expatriates on protocol matters. Viscard has Advanced Certificate in Business Management (ACBM) form Kenya Institute of Management and Public relations and customer care at Kenya Institute of Administration. 
My Vision is to create an environment that allows for the strategic goals and the mission of the organization to be achieved through communications, relationship building, and cross-cultural understanding. 
&nbsp;

The AAS

Governance

Building R&D Infrastructure

Media

Activities