3rd National Conference on Career Guidance & Development

Dr. Mercy Maina serves as the Director of Learning, Research and Development at the College of Career Guidance and Development (CCGD) Kenya, where she leads curriculum design, instructional development, and academic delivery for the KNQA Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development, co-awarded with ABMA Education UK. She also serves as the Head of Standards at the Career Development Association of Kenya (CDAK) and as the Training Coordinator at the Career Guidance Institute (CGI). Across these complementary leadership roles, she works to strengthen career guidance systems in Kenya by advancing professional standards, developing competency-based training programmes, and building practitioner capacity across the education, training, and labour market sectors.

Dr. Maina has provided technical leadership and consultancy for national and international organizations, including the International Labour Organization (ILO PROSPECTS), UNESCO, and Danish Church Aid (DCA), leading initiatives focused on career guidance systems development, workforce transition, and practitioner capacity building.

An accomplished researcher and thought leader, Dr. Maina has authored and presented scholarly and professional papers at both national and international forums, including the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA), Global Career Month, and the Career Development Institute (CDI–UK). Her work continues to influence policy, professional practice, and the development of high-quality career guidance systems in Kenya and beyond.

Ruth Nthenya Mailu is the Director of Local Placements, Internships and Attachments at the National Employment Authority (NEA), where she leads the design, promotion, and implementation of national employment policies and active labour market programmes. With over 19 years of experience in public service, she has built a career centred on connecting people to sustainable livelihoods and strengthening the institutions that make that possible.

In this role, Ruth oversees career guidance, internship, and placement services for youth and job seekers, while championing programmes that build employability and entrepreneurial skills among young people and women. She is a strong advocate for inclusive employment creation, leading initiatives that expand economic opportunities for minorities, marginalized groups, and persons with disabilities. Ruth also ensures institutional compliance with the National Employment Act, 2026, the Labour Institutions Act, 2007, the Employment Act, and other local and international employment policies and regulations, safeguarding fair and lawful labour practices across the programmes under her purview.

Ruth holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Human Resources Management and is a certified practitioner in Labour Market Information Usage—credentials that inform her evidence-based, data-driven approach to employment policy and programme design. Known as a strategic leader, she combines deep technical expertise in labour market systems with a people-centred commitment to equity, skills development, and inclusive economic growth.

Throughout her nearly two-decade career in public service, Ruth has remained focused on building employment systems that work for everyone—from first-time job seekers navigating career choices to entrepreneurs building new enterprises, and from mainstream job markets to the communities too often left out of them.

Dr Andrea M Lane is a faculty member of CCGD. She has previously worked in academia in the UK, Austria, Dubai, and China and was a social entrepreneur based in China. She is a qualitative researcher with interests in entrepreneurial ecosystems and career management in Higher Education. Andrea holds a PhD from Newcastle University (UK), an MA in Education from the University of Bath (UK), and a Master in East Asian Studies from the University of Bristol (UK). Her expertise is in management.

Rev. Dr. Phidel Adah Baraza is an educator, disability advocate, and specialist in Special Needs Education. She serves as Deputy Head of Christian Education and Discipleship at CITAM, lectures part-time at Pan Africa Christian University, and leads Beauty Out of Mire (BOOM) Trust, supporting children and youth with Neurodevelopmental Disorders. She is the International Women's Think Tank Honorary Ambassador for African Children and Youth with NDDs and an ICETE Impact Team Lead on Neuro-Physical Disability. She holds a PhD in Education with a focus on Child Development and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDDs).

Nicki Moore is an international consultant in the field of career development. Previously, as Senior Lecturer and researcher in Career Development at the International Centre for Guidance Studies at the University of Derby, she had responsibility for the Centre's programme of continuing professional development. As a researcher and writer, Nicki contributes to industry sector publications and books. She has worked on a variety of projects, including serving as the lead evaluator for the Gatsby Benchmark pilot in the Northeast of England and project managing several transnational EU projects.

Nicki is particularly interested in the career development and transitions of children and young people. She is a NICEC Fellow and a Fellow of the CDI. She is a member of the NICEC Board, where she leads on marketing and communications. She is currently co-authoring a book on career development in childhood and teaches on the Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development in Kenya.

Chris Webb RCDP is a Career Consultant, Freelance Writer, Trainer, Podcaster and Speaker, with over a decade of experience delivering careers support in UK schools, colleges, universities and adult guidance settings. A co-creator of the Foresee Framework, Chris has spent the last 3 years writing, speaking, consulting and delivering training on the subject of AI in the Career Development space.

Nelson Komba, PMP®, AMPRSK is a strategic communications and youth employment professional with extensive experience in career guidance, employability, alumni engagement, and mentorship. As the Communications, Alumni and Mentorship Manager at Generation Kenya, he leads initiatives that connect young people to employment opportunities through strategic partnerships, employer engagement, mentorship programmes, and impactful communications. His work focuses on strengthening pathways from education to employment and promoting evidence-based approaches to youth workforce development.

Nelson has championed key youth-focused partnerships, including the Generation Kenya and Coursera partnership, which is currently upskilling 1,000 young people through access to industry-relevant digital and professional courses. He has also designed and delivered stakeholder engagements, mentorship initiatives, and knowledge-sharing programmes that bring together employers, government, development partners, training institutions, and young people. He is passionate about developing practical and scalable solutions that improve career guidance and employability outcomes, particularly for youth who are not in employment, education, or training.

Dr Katie Wray has been a Lecturer in Enterprise & Innovation for the Science, Agriculture & Engineering Faculty at Newcastle University, UK since 2011. She recognises that graduates are going to be leading and creating in a complex and uncertain world. To support them, innovation and entrepreneurial development is embedded across the University's learning and teaching activities. Katie oversees the strategic development of enterprise and entrepreneurship across the schools of Engineering, Natural and Environmental Sciences, Computing, Mathematics, Statistics and Physics and at their international campus in Singapore. Her role is to design, develop and engage students and staff in the Faculty into innovation and entrepreneurial development activities. In addition to her curriculum development, teaching and research commitments, she has developed commercialisation programmes for early-career researchers and initiated the unique pre-accelerator programme, which is part of the University's START UP offer.

Katie's passion, research and scholarship lies in supporting students to find their individual contribution to economic and social development and to create value and wealth from their knowledge and education. This has taken Katie across Europe, the USA and to Africa and India to work with educators, students and entrepreneurs.

Jay Walemba is a Career Development, HR and Employability Consultant and the Founder and CEO of Jay CVS, driven by a genuine passion for helping people discover their potential, build confidence and pursue meaningful career opportunities. Through his work in CV development, career guidance, professional branding, recruitment and HR consultancy, Jay has supported professionals and job seekers in telling their stories, positioning their skills and navigating the competitive world of work. Beyond his professional work, he is passionate about mentorship, youth empowerment and community impact, believing that every individual has unique talents and potential that can be transformed into meaningful personal and collective impact.

Johnson Ireri Kinyua has a long career in Higher Education and specifically at the University of Nairobi. Before joining the University of Nairobi in 2012, he served at KCA University as Ethics and Governance Manager. At UoN he has served as Head of Alumni Affairs, working on alumni relations, mentorship and networking. He subsequently became involved in the University's advancement and resource-mobilisation activities.

He was appointed Director, Career Services before being appointed Dean of Students with effect from 2 June 2020. At Career Services, his portfolio included skills development, job placement, industry linkages, career fairs, academic advisory services, counselling, apprenticeships, student exchanges, alumni networking and mentorship.

John Kipkemboi is an education policy specialist and executive leader with over 14 years of experience spanning Kenya's public and private education sectors. He currently serves as Head of Tertiary Education at MPESA Foundation Academy, where he directs tertiary education strategy, scholar welfare, and international transition pathways, while acting as a key liaison to national regulatory bodies including KUCCPS, KNQA, KNEC, and TVETA. Earlier in his career, he led program design and corporate training at Strathmore University Business School and helped design and scale Equity Group Foundation's landmark Wings to Fly mentorship programme. He brings deep expertise in strategic partnerships, policy formulation, and leadership development frameworks for young people navigating fast-changing global job markets.

Faith Mercy Wambui is a dynamic programme manager and innovation strategist with a strong background in leading initiatives that bridge academia, industry, and entrepreneurship across Africa. Currently serving as the Programme Manager at Co-Creation Hub (CcHub)/iHub Limited within the Higher Education Institutions (HEI) Innovations Unit, her work involves designing and managing innovation challenges, innovation programs, and summits that empower academic innovators in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and the blue economy. Her work spans multiple countries, including Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Namibia, where she has orchestrated high-impact events, strategic partnerships, and stakeholder engagements. Previously, she served as Centre & Community Manager at PAUSTI Incubation Centre of Excellence, where she developed community engagement strategies, led storytelling initiatives, and managed events and communications to enhance innovation visibility within the first university-based innovation hub funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB). Her career began at Fuzu Limited, where she worked in content development and community management, and later at AMREF, supporting youth counseling and healthcare services in Kibera. Faith holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Kenyatta University. She is also an alumnus of AIESEC, the world's largest youth-run NGO. A passionate advocate for youth development, community building, and the future of work, she brings a unique blend of empathy, strategic thinking, and leadership to every initiative she undertakes.

Francis Wanyeki has worked in Government for the last 20 years where he has served in The Directorate of National Labour Planning and Development, focusing on skills needs analysis, matching of Skills to the Labour market demand, and provision of labour market information through the Kenya Labour Market Information System. He has served as the System Administrator Kenya Labour Market Information System, a one stop shop for labour market information. He has served as Technical Advisor to the Cabinet Secretary for Labour, and also has served as The Chief of Staff to the Governor Naroka county. He has an MBA in Strategic Management, Bachelors in Economics and Public Administration. Trained in productivity, labour market analysis and mediation.

Kamiri Samuel is a teacher by training, a Data Scientist, Theologian, a former High School Principal, Publisher, Banker and an author of 15 titles. He is an International Certified Career Analyst and the Senior Career Analyst at Career Track Africa. He is currently pursuing an EdD in Career Discovery and the Science of Learning.

Patricia Kuria is an educator, Certified Career Analyst, Career Practitioner and Founder of Nawiri Career Enhancement Services. With over a decade of experience in education, she combines career assessment tools, scientific insights and professional expertise with the human experience to support young people in making informed career decisions.

Through Nawiri, Patricia works with students, parents and schools to make career guidance a structured, ongoing journey - moving beyond grades and assumptions towards clarity, confidence and alignment. She is passionate about equipping families and fellow practitioners with practical tools that make career guidance more meaningful and impactful.

Virginiah Gitome is a career development practitioner and Founder of Yugrow (https://www.yugrowcareers.co.ke/), a career development practice supporting individuals to navigate career decisions, transitions, and the world of work with greater clarity. With over 10 years of experience across career development, education, employability, mentorship, and programme management, Virginiah has built Yugrow from the ground up developing career coaching and group programmes, working directly with clients, and experimenting with different approaches to delivering career support.

Her experience has given her practical insight into what it takes to build an independent practice beyond finding your niche, developing your offer, attracting clients, pricing your services, creating systems, and building a practice that is sustainable and aligned with your strengths.

Virginiah is passionate about making career development practical, accessible, and relevant to the realities of the African workplace.

Victor Obora is an Educational and Development Professional, registered and Licensed Senior TVET Trainer, Assessor and Verifier in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. He is also a Professional Project Manager, Monitoring & Evaluation specialist and Data Analyst. He has a proven record of program management in designing and delivering industry-aligned TVET programs that empower youths with market-driven hands-on skills. Other than training delivery, he does CBET Curriculum Design, Implementation and Quality Assurance that drives excellence, promotes inclusivity and lifelong learning.

Brenda Nambatya is a venture building and jobtech expert with over 10 years of experience designing and scaling inclusive digital work ecosystems across Africa. She currently serves as Regional Platform Inclusion Lead at Jobtech Alliance, where she leads strategies that connect youth, women and displaced populations to meaningful and sustainable work opportunities through digital platforms.

Her career spans over ten years across East Africa's startup and innovation ecosystems scaling digital ventures, securing strategic partnerships and funding, and led growth initiatives across diverse sectors bringing a practitioner's perspective.

Caroline Aseto is the Founder of Lucati Ventures Limited, where she provides HR and career-related services. She is a Certified HR Practitioner with extensive experience in Human Resource Management across corporate and international settings. She is currently undertaking professional training in Career Guidance and Development and is passionate about supporting individuals to understand their strengths, interests and potential in making informed career choices.

Keith Clinton Nyaburi is a backend software engineer based in Nairobi, Kenya, specializing in Python, Django, and scalable API design. He has led the end-to-end development of institutional systems, including a full Learning Management System overhaul at the College of Career Guidance and Development, and more recently has been building hands-on with AI agents, including an LLM-powered coding tutor with built-in evaluation and testing. A graduate of ALX Africa's software engineering program, Keith combines strong technical fundamentals with a genuine passion for mentorship, having trained and mentored young people through the Africa Youth Leadership Forum. He is currently exploring the intersection of AI, engineering, and education, and is always keen to share what he's building and learning along the way.

Sheena Raikundalia is an Africa-focused innovation, investment and development leader with over 20 years' experience across the private sector, government, impact investment and technology, and over 10 years of board experience. She has worked with governments, investors, development agencies, corporates, financial institutions and entrepreneurs across Africa, including senior roles with the UK Government and in impact investment. Sheena has also served on several boards and governance bodies, including the Brink Foundation, ACTS and previously the Kenya National Innovation Agency. She is a UK-qualified solicitor and holds an MBA.

Geoffrey Ochieng is the Regional Head of Learning and Education – Africa at ACCA. He is a Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA). He also holds an MSc in Computer-Based Information Systems from Strathmore University, Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) as well as a BSc in Mathematics and Chemistry from the University of Nairobi. Geoffrey is passionate about professional accountancy education, family life and mentorship.

Muthoni Muthwa is a Career Development practitioner demonstrating a wealth of experience spanning over 13 years. Currently the Associate Manager for Career Development Services at Strathmore University, she drives employability outcomes and leads her team in initiating strategies towards the fulfilment of being a leading entrepreneurial university.

She was the institutional mentor for IPRC Gishari - Rwanda in the System Change Program - Employability pilot by Education Collaborative where she provided support in strengthening their Career Services including building a strong alumni network (2024).

Muthoni is an IT alumna of Strathmore University and completing the Master of Science in Management and Organizational Development at USIU Africa.

Christine Nzisa Nzyoka is a passionate Career Coach and Career Development Practitioner and currently serves as an Internship Coordinator at United States International University–Africa (USIU-Africa). She is dedicated to bridging the gap between education and industry by creating meaningful opportunities for students and young professionals to gain practical experience and build career-ready skills.

With expertise in career counselling, stakeholder engagement, strategic partnerships, employer relations, and workforce integration, Christine coordinates career workshops, internships, mentorship programmes, and employer engagement initiatives. She is passionate about empowering individuals to navigate the evolving labour market and build meaningful, sustainable, and adaptable careers.

Madam Monday-Wa-Kyendo is a passionate educator, transformational leader, mentor, and youth empowerment advocate with over 30 years of experience in the education sector. She is a champion of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), disability mainstreaming, life skills education, and women's empowerment through WITED. Throughout her career, she has dedicated herself to mentoring and equipping individuals with the skills, knowledge, and values needed to transform their lives and communities.

A devoted born-again Christian, Madam Wa-Kyendo is committed to servant leadership, spiritual mentorship, and community development. She continues to inspire others through her faith, leadership, and unwavering passion for education and empowering the next generation.

Stephen Mwangi is the National Programme Coordinator for Skills Development and Digital Economy at the International Labour Organization (ILO). He brings over 10 years of experience in TVET reform, skills development, employment services and refugee economic inclusion.

Stephen works with government, employers, workers' organisations and training institutions on Recognition of Prior Learning, Competency-Based Education and Training, quality apprenticeships, micro-credentials and career guidance. He holds an MSc in Digital Transformation from Nexford University.

Josephine is a trained and certified Career Guidance and Development Specialist, a Global Educator and a Curriculum Developer. She has over 20 years of experience spanning learner development, STEM education, guidance and counselling and educational administration.

With over two decades of practice bridging the gap between high school learning and global career pathways, Josephine specializes in supporting learners through critical transitions.

Her work focuses on subject selection aligned with long-term career goals, exposing students to real-world industry ethics and equipping them with the critical thinking skills needed for an evolving work landscape in this era of Artificial Intelligence and machine learning.

Josephine actively engages key educational stakeholders, collaborating with institutional bodies like KUCCPS, HEF and international education agencies to help learners and their guardians navigate higher education placement, funding and international opportunities.

As a trusted partner to parents and guardians, Josephine facilitates guided exploration to ensure learners and their guardians are fully supported when making pivotal educational choices.

By combining practical industry exposure, stakeholder engagement, and personalized coaching, Josephine brings a wealth of expertise to career development empowering young people to navigate pathways, understand their potential and build purposeful career-ready futures.

David Jeffa is an ICT professional with hands-on technical and management skills having led multiple ICT projects. David is a holder of a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology, and a Master's degree in Business Administration majoring in strategic management, both from JKUAT. He is experienced in project management, software development, network management and end user training and support. David has led multiple projects spanning over 15 years, and managed systems that have integrated with different platforms including District Health Information Software (DHIS2), Lab Information Management System (LIMS) from the national laboratory, Regional Electronic Cargo and Driver Tracking System (RECDTS) for long distance truck drivers and more. David has vast experience in managing both funded and commercial projects. Some of the innovated solutions led by David include Emergency Alert and Reporting System (EARS), developed for MoH, Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC), JITENGE system for COVID-19 management, both funded by Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) under the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) grants, and the commercial projects include, LiMA system developed in partnership with International Center of Insects Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), AfyaPoa system developed for Insurance For All (IFA) and many more. David is currently heading the ICT department at National Employment Authority (NEA), leading in the development, training and management of the NEAIMS system.

Stella Njambi is an Employment Officer in the Local Placements Department at the National Employment Authority (NEA), where she supports the delivery of public employment services. She has extensive experience in employer engagement, job matching, and facilitating linkages between job seekers and employers, and has been involved in initiatives to expand employment opportunities and strengthen partnerships between NEA and its stakeholders. Stella brings a practitioner's perspective to today's discussion on career guidance in public employment services.

Lameck Mito is the Business Relationship Manager at ACCA East Africa.