Ojoo Lena Ngesa is a Kenyan urban planner, writer, analyst and youth advocate passionate about governance, public policy, economic governance, climate change, ethical leadership, women’s empowerment and sustainable development. She combines professional experience in banking, urban development and academia with active engagement in youth-led civic initiatives, community development and policy conversations. Through her writing and advocacy, Lena promotes informed civic engagement, inclusive leadership and meaningful youth participation in public affairs. Her interests span Africa’s development, governance and place in the world, with a strong commitment to amplifying African perspectives and strengthening the role of young people in shaping policy and decision-making. Her work and perspectives are grounded in the belief that Africa’s development must be shaped by Africans, particularly its young people. She is committed to advancing Africa’s voice, influence and leadership in global affairs.
Ilitha Mpandla is a public policy and governance professional specialising in public administration, governance, institutional development, and youth development. He holds qualifications in Public Administration, Development Studies, and Public Policy and Management, with experience in academic research and policy analysis. His research interests include youth political participation, governance, and evidence-based policymaking. His expertise includes policy research, institutional analysis, public management, policy evaluation, strategic planning, social science research.
Lennox Kanyoe Kahati is an Electrical and Electronics Engineer, researcher, and technology developer based in Nairobi, Kenya. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at the University of Nairobi, where he also works as a Research Assistant. His interests span artificial intelligence, machine learning, embedded systems, IoT, telecommunications, and technology for social impact. Lennox has contributed to projects involving multilingual voice-based survey systems, air-quality monitoring, and modular electronics prototyping. He is passionate about developing reliable, practical technologies that address real-world challenges and support innovation, inclusive development, and evidence-based decision-making across Africa in diverse African communities.
I am Kefa Simiyu, and I believe that each generation must lay the foundation upon which successor generations build. My research interests lie at the intersection of social finance, bargaining, networks, and applied microeconomics. I free up time to write one stanza commentaries on social sustainability and governance—on the blog City of Apes— alongside infusing meaning into memes. I am affiliated to the student-based think-tank, Economics Scholar Panel which I founded, previously coordinated the Macro Studies Group under Peter Doyle’s guidance, and I am a mentee at the Gender, Growth, and Labour Markets in Low-Income Countries. I also enjoy membership to UNECA’s Pan-African Young Economists Network, and i-NET’s Young Scholars Initiative. I am a research editor at the Continental Pot, and convenor to national events at the Economics Students Association of Kenya (KESA), where I chaired the Advisory Board in the 2023-2025period. I hold a degree in Master of Arts in Economics from the University of Nairobi, and a Bachelor of Economics and Statistics from the same institution. Currently, I am a doctoral student at the University of Nairobi, and a fellow under the Ryoichi Sasakawa Young Leaders Fellowship Fund.
Tony Agutu Awiti brings 5 years of exprience in youth works, on International youth exhanges on global governance, climate works and transnational land investment. He holds a Master Degree in Politics and Governance is Global challenges , University of Bergen and BA in political science and public administration , UoN. He is research interest explores the nexus between Global – local devevelopment, Energy policy , Democratisation and youth social movements .At CMDG he serves as Asst. Chief Editor in charger of the Global Governance podcast.