Mr. Karanja Njora - Representative, Principal Secretary State Department of Industry

Mr. Joel Bett - Representative of the Principal Secretary, National Treasury and Planning

Mr. Joel K. Bett is a career public servant with extensive experience in public financial management, economic policy, and strategic planning. Currently the Programme Coordinator at the Public Financial Management Reform Secretariat-National Treasury, he has played key roles in advancing Kenya’s PFM reforms agenda that aims to achieve a public financial management system that promotes transparency, accountability, equity, fiscal discipline and efficiency in the management and use of public resources for improved service delivery and economic development.

Mr. Bett holds a Master’s Degree in Economics and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics both from the University of Nairobi. Additionally, he has also attended various management courses including Strategic Leadership Development, Senior management training, Good Governance, Project Management, M&E and  Public Sector Financial Management both within and outside Kenya. His nearly two decades career as an Economist includes working at the former Ministries of Co-operatives Development, Industrialisation and currently the National Treasury where he has served in various roles. His contributions have been instrumental in shaping Kenya’s fiscal and economic policies, particularly in the areas of public finance management and economic development.

As the Programme Coordinator of the PFM reforms programme, Mr. Bett is responsible for the strategic leadership and coordination of PFM reforms at both levels of Government. The reforms centres on issues of revenue mobilization and fiscal space, strategic prioritization and public investments, cash management, value for money in procurement and HR, financial reporting and audit & oversight. Mr. Bett has also played a significant role in the automation of key processes within the PFM reforms Secretariat, which is in line with the Government’s BETA agenda on digitalization.

Mr. Bett’s extensive experience also includes involvement in public expenditure and financial accountability assessments, monitoring evaluation and reporting and also working in collaboration with international organizations and development partners. His commitment to public service as well as contributions to the formulation of key policy/regulatory frameworks and systems that govern Kenya’s public financial management sector continue to play significant role in defining public financial management reforms in Kenya for sustainable economic development.

Ms. Schola Mbilo, Representative, Attorney-General

Schola Mbilo is a skilled Attorney of over 17 years with in-depth knowledge and experience in public law litigation, democracy, governance and employment matters. She is a certified mediator and a Certified Secretary. Core values include professionalism, integrity and accountability. Schola Mbilo is currently a Deputy Chief State Counsel working with the Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice.

Tobias Ouma Alando - Acting Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer at the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM)

Tobias Ouma Alando is an accomplished leader with over 17 years of experience in corporate vision execution, public policy development, and government relations. Currently, he serves as the Acting Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer at the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), where he has successfully enhanced operational efficiency and driven revenue growth.

Tobias holds a Master of Management & Leadership from the Management University of Africa and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University in India. His professional development includes certifications in private sector development, the green economy, and corporate governance.

Renowned for his strategic relationship-building with stakeholders, including government officials and industry associations, Tobias is committed to advancing organizational objectives and fostering impactful change.

Ms. Noreen Wambui N. Kanyua - Representative, Inspectorate of State Corporations

Ms Noreen Kanyua is an astute Organization Development and Policy Expert who possesses an unwavering commitment to investing in people. She is currently serving as an Assistant Inspector General based at the Inspectorate of State Corporations in the Executive Office of the President of Kenya. She prides herself in setting up efficient workflow processes, monitoring productivity and implementing tactical modificationsmodifications, aimed at improving the overall effectiveness of the personnel
in all her assignments Noreen has a stellar record of managing successful and impact-filled programmes throughout her professional career.

She has demonstrated exceptional expertise in Project and Change Management, Governance, Corporate Communication, Knowledge and Performance Management and Consultancy underscored by 15 years in humanitarian projects, communication strategy, operations, stakeholder management and intermittently providing high level support to management teams.

Noreen has graduated from the United States International University Africa with a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and moved on to pursue an Executive Masters in Organisational Development from the same institution. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Project Management.

Julius Chege Macharia - Deputy Commissioner for Border Control and Enforcement at Kenya Revenue Authority

Mr Chege Macharia is currently the Deputy Commissioner for Border Control and Enforcement at Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

He holds a Master’s Degree in Sociology (Criminology) from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management from Kenyatta University. Other certifications he has acquired include Surveillance Group Training from the United Kingdom. He is an associate Member of Certified Fraud Examiner and a member of the Institute of Human Resource Management. He has also attended Senior Management Leadership Program (SMLP) at Strathmore University, Project Management at Eastern & Southern African Management Institute (ESAMI) and Ethics and Leadership for National Security at National Defence College Kenya among others.

Prior to this deployment, Mr Macharia was a Chief Manager in the Intelligence and Strategic Operations Department in KRA. He has also worked for the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) as a Chief Inspector. During his tenure at the DCI, he gained extensive experience in fraud investigations, intelligence collection, enforcement skills and presentation of evidence before Court. 

Mr Macharia is credited for initiating the Internal Affairs Division in KRA and the Integrity Assurance Division that deals with vetting of staff, background checks of new employees and lifestyle audit of KRA staff. He has trained staff in countries such Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania and Malawi where he guided and supported them to operationalize similar offices in their countries. 

He has also developed a Lifestyle Audit Framework for East African countries. From his wealth of experience in surveillance, he has been passing on this knowledge as a trainer and has developed a surveillance training module for KRA. His other achievements include taking lead in major tax investigations, prosecuting cases that has led to collection of revenue.

Mr. Macharia also prides in training of KRA staff and spearheading the operationalization of the Market Surveillance Division, currently the Enforcement Division in Domestic Taxes Department of KRA.

As the Deputy Commissioner in charge of Border Control and Enforcement, he is spearheading initiatives geared towards enhancing security and border protection within the country such as the acquisition and deployment of drones for surveillance along the borders and also for supporting marine operations, initiating a K9 Centre that will include K9 breeding and training. He is also operationalizing the use of body worn cameras for surveillance, enhancement of patrols and verification of cargo as well as general coordination of airports and border stations among many other activities geared towards coordinated border management for enhanced national security, facilitation of legitimate trade and travel and revenue collection.

Esther Ngari

Esther Ngari is a highly accomplished professional with a distinguished career in the agri-food industry. Currently serving as the Managing Director of the Kenya Bureau of Standards. At the international level, Esther holds a key role within the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), serving as a member in the ISO Council, Commercial Policy Advisory Group, and the Developing Countries Chairman Advisory Group.

Esther holds a Master of Business Administration from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, coupled with a bachelor’s degree in Dairy Science and Food Technology from Egerton University. Her commitment to continuous learning is reflected in her Professional Diploma in Supply Chain Management from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supplies (CIPS) in the United Kingdom, as well as specialized training in Agribusiness and Value Chain Analysis & Development from the University of Queensland, Australia.

Beyond her academic achievements, Esther possesses a diverse skill set. She is a certified Lead Auditor for Food Safety Management Systems, Quality Management Systems, and Environmental Management Systems. Her dedication to excellence is further evidenced by her completion of the Strategic Leadership Development Program, showcasing her as a comprehensive and strategic business leader. With over two decades of experience in the agri-food industry, Esther has played a pivotal role in shaping industry standards in her capacity as Director. Her contributions extend beyond her official duties, demonstrating a commitment to fostering innovation and growth within the sector. Esther Ngari's professional journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence, strategic leadership, and the continual advancement of standards within the agri-food industry.

Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge - ED / CEO / (Secretary to the Board)

Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge, an advocate of High Court of Kenya, has been a key player in numerous governmental initiatives. Dr. Njoroge currently serves as the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority. In this role, he leads efforts to combat the proliferation of counterfeit goods, enforce intellectual property laws, and advocate for legitimate trade practices, all contributing to safeguarding consumer interests and fostering a fair market environment.

Dr. Njoroge's diverse professional background is a testament to his multifaceted expertise. One of his notable roles was as a task force member on Government Communication, where his direct involvement in shaping strategies and promoting transparency within government agencies showcased his expertise and leadership. His transformative tenure as the Vice President of the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK) from 2018 to 2021, where he introduced electronic voting systems and formulated key policies, underscored his ability to drive significant improvements and enhance transparency and efficiency in PRSK's operations.

Dr. Njoroge's commitment to societal issues is evident in his active role in combating corruption. From 2009 to 2011, he was an Alternate Committee member at the National Anti-Corruption Campaign Steering Committee, where he successfully advocated for communication campaigns that raised awareness and mobilised efforts against corrupt practices, making significant contributions to the committee's anti-corruption initiatives.

Dr. Njoroge's governance experience extends to the academic sphere, where he served as a Council member at Tom Mboya University. During his tenure, he oversaw critical transformations, such as the award of a Charter elevating Tom Mboya University College to Tom Mboya University. As Chairman of the Academic Committee, he played a vital role in shaping the institution's strategic direction, enhancing academic standards, and fostering a conducive learning environment.

Dr Njoroge's contributions extend to the media industry, where he served as a Council Member of the Media Council of Kenya for three years. At the Council, Dr. Njoroge served as the Chair of the Finance & Administration Committee. His media regulatory expertise has been crucial in upholding standards and transparency within the media sector in Kenya.

Furthermore, Dr. Njoroge held the Head of Corporate and Public Affairs position at the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) where he developed and implemented effective communication strategies, managed media relations, and spearheaded corporate social responsibility initiatives that enhanced the organization's reputation and impact.

Dr. Njoroge's academic qualifications include a PhD in Film Studies from Kenyatta University, a Master's in Intellectual Property (MIP) from Africa University, Zimbabwe, a master’s in communication from the University of Nairobi, a Bachelor of Education (Arts) from Egerton University, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Mount Kenya University, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Law and Mass Communication from Kenya School of Law and University of Nairobi respectively. This robust educational background complements his practical experience, allowing him to apply a well-rounded perspective to his professional endeavours.

Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge's extensive experience, strategic leadership, and commitment to promoting effective corporate governance, strategic focus, communication, transparency, and integrity across various sectors make him a valuable asset in driving positive change and fostering public trust.