Our Team

Meet our dedicated leaders and innovators, committed to excellence, innovation, and impactful Energy solutions.

We Bring the Value of Professionalism

Deep expertise
Passion
Commitment
Impact-Driven

Combining deep expertise with a passion for translating ideas into social impact, our team delivers cutting-edge solutions that unlock new possibilities, inspire action, and create exceptional value for people across East Africa and beyond.

Become Part Of Our Team
A strong team

Meet Our Team

Jon Leary

Jon Leary

Director
Chepkurui-GAMOSEA

Chepkurui Karen

Co-Diretor
Lilian-Gamos-EA

Lilian Maina

Programme Manager
Beryl Onjala - Gamos EA

Beryl Onjala

Research Associate
Joh Kariuki - Gamos East Africa

Joseph Kariuki

Research Associate
Syphrose Ochieng-1

Syprose Ochieng

Research Associate
Emmanuel Cyoy - Gamos EA

Emmanuel Ngeywo

Lead of the EDM East Africa Hub
Jechoniah Kitala

Jechoniah Kitala

Policy Expert
Millicent Ochieng - GamosEA -1

Millicent Ochieng

Finance Consultant
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Jean-Marc Kabamba

Project Officer
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Mbinya Mutiso

Strategic Advisor, Researcher & Trainer
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Peninah Edah

Programme Administrative Assistant
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Joseph Kariuki

Research Associate

Biography

Joseph Kariuki is a Research Associate at Gamos East Africa, where he has served since January 2023. He is a highly motivated research and project support professional with a strong commitment to sustainable development, particularly in advancing the transition to modern, clean cooking technologies.

He contributes extensively to high-impact programmes under Gamos East Africa and the Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) programme, focusing on research and implementation of commercial, industrial, and institutional clean cooking solutions. His expertise spans the full research cycle, including stakeholder mobilization, survey tool development, data management, insightful data analysis, and technical report writing.

Joseph brings a unique blend of technical and communication skills, strengthened by prior experience in technical engineering support, software testing under the Sunsafe Project at Strathmore University, and digital content creation. This multidisciplinary background enables him to translate complex technical findings into actionable insights for diverse stakeholders, ensuring reliability and productivity in dynamic, collaborative environments.

Education

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the Technical University of Kenya.

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Beryl Onjala

Research Associate

Biography

Beryl Onjala is a Research Associate at Gamos East Africa and part of the Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) Programme team. She specialises in energy access, clean cooking transitions, and institutional cooking, with over seven years of experience working across Kenya and the broader East African region.

Her work focuses on designing and delivering evidence-based solutions for modern energy cooking services in households, commercial enterprises, and institutional settings. She has led multiple institutional cooking pilots in grid-connected, off-grid, and humanitarian contexts, generating practical insights that inform national clean cooking strategies and large-scale transitions.

Beryl also plays an active role in coordinating clean and modern energy cooking initiatives nationally, contributing to high-level sector discussions, advisory processes, and collaborative platforms that shape Kenya’s transition away from biomass-based cooking in schools, hospitals, prisons, and other community-centric facilities. Her work supports the development of coherent national frameworks, strengthens alignment between government bodies, utilities, private-sector stakeholders, and research institutions, and informs emerging financing and implementation approaches for clean cooking programmes

Education

Beryl holds a Master of Arts in Economics and a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Nairobi. She brings strong research, analytical, and stakeholder-engagement skills, with experience spanning qualitative and quantitative methods, policy analysis, and programme design. 

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Lilian Maina

Programme Manager

Biography

As Gamos East Africa’s Programme Manager, Lilian plays a strategic role in overseeing all programmatic, functional, and operational activities across the organization. In this capacity, she supports the development of shared priorities and ensures organization-wide coordination. With over 10 years of experience in program coordination, project management, and grant management, she has built a reputation for successfully leading program implementation, monitoring and evaluation, stakeholder engagement, and resource management.

Lilian is adept at fostering collaboration across diverse teams, streamlining processes, and ensuring results are delivered within set timelines. A patient communicator with strong interpersonal skills, she excels at inspiring and motivating teams toward achieving shared objectives and ensuring the successful execution of projects.

Before joining Gamos East Africa, Lilian served as a Project Lead at RefugePoint International and Hiveonline ApS, where she further strengthened her leadership and program management expertise.

Education

She holds a Master of Science in Finance from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Masinde Muliro University.

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Emmanuel Ngeywo

Lead of the EDM East Africa Hub

Biography

Emmanuel Ngeywo is a seasoned sustainable energy development and planning professional with more than 17 years of experience spanning international NGOs, development partners, the private sector and research institutions. His experience encompasses inclusive and integrated energy planning using the Energy Delivery Models (EDM) approach, clean cooking transition research productive use of energy and development of sustainable energy enterprises in underserved communities across east Africa. He has demonstrated track record of delivering impactful, cross-sector initiatives, managing donor-funded programs that advance equitable access to reliable energy, support market-based solutions, and strengthen local, including government capacity for sustainable energy outcomes

Education

Emmanuel holds an MSc in Environmental Management and an MSc in Environmental Chemistry, complemented by extensive professional training in energy, climate, and project management. He currently serves as the Lead of the EDM East Africa Hub (EDM Website), hosted by Gamos East Africa

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Chepkurui Karen

Co-Director

Biography

Karen is a co-director at Gamos East Africa and the organization’s gender lead, bringing more than seven years of expertise in Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), sexual and reproductive health rights, and gender-based violence programming. She ensures programs are GEDSI-sensitive, inclusive, and transformative, guiding strategy, monitoring, and capacity-building across the team.

She is also the founder and executive director of Wonder Woman Elgon, a community-based organization in Bungoma County focused on empowering adolescent girls and improving access to sexual and reproductive health rights, education, and protective services through youth-centred partnerships with schools, health facilities, and local authorities.

Education

Karen holds an MA in Gender and Development from the Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, with training that supports translating gender-responsive theory into practical, measurable impact. She emphasizes collaborative leadership, safeguarding, and evidence-based decision-making, and is dedicated to mentoring emerging GEDSI leaders and advancing inclusive development at local and national levels.

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Jechoniah Kitala

Policy Expert

Biography

Jechoniah Kitala is a senior clean cooking and energy planning expert with over 15 years of experience in sustainable energy development across sub-Saharan Africa. He has provided technical advisory services for national and county governments, humanitarian agencies, private sector and development partners.

He has led several high-profile assignments directly relevant to the WFP feasibility study, including the UK PACT institutional cooking assessments in schools, health facilities, and correctional institutions; the Danish Embassy clean cooking sector analysis with strong focus on institutional kitchens; and the GIZ-supported development of national KPIs for household and institutional cooking under the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum. His extensive work includes evaluating clean cooking technologies, analysing fuel-use patterns, assessing operational constraints in ASAL counties, and developing investment roadmaps for public-sector institutions.

Jechoniah previously consulted for FAO, the World Bank (KOSAP), EU, GiZ and SNV, where he conducted energy assessments in refugee settings, crisis-affected communities, and rural public institutions. As the Founding Chair of the Clean Cooking Association of Kenya, he has played a leading national role in shaping institutional cooking policy and strengthening market systems for clean energy solutions.

Education

He holds an MA in Economic Policy Management and is widely recognized for his expertise in data-driven feasibility studies, institutional energy diagnostics, stakeholder engagement, and the design of scalable, efficient, and context-appropriate clean cooking solutions.

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Millicent Ochieng

Finance Consultant

Biography

Millicent Ochieng is the Finance Consultant at Gamos East Africa. Her 15 years of service to some of the top organizations in Kenya has seen her excel in her work over time as a finance and human resource management expert. She specializes in developing accounting & finance management systems and installing strong internal controls for organizations wishing to stay on top on matters financial resources utilization.

She has a vast of experience from other roles where she was the finance, human resources and administration manager at Auma Obama Foundation – Sauti Kuu, where she served diligently for 4 years. She has also served as the procurement officer at Villa care Management, a property management & real estate firm and as a senior accountant at Pulse, an advertising agency specializing in below the line advertisement. Other areas where she has gathered a vast experience in her profession include construction & public works, hospitality, and humanitarian organizations.

Education

Millicent has a Bachelor’s degree (finance option), from the University of Nairobi & a Diploma in Business Administration from the same university. She also pursued a professional accounting qualification – ACCA from KCA University.

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Jon Leary

Director

Biography

Jon is an eCooking specialist with extensive international experience, having lived and worked in over 20 countries across 6 continents. He is a Senior Researcher with the Moden Energy Cooking Services (MECS) programme

Education

MEng in Mechanical Engineering and a PhD in Energy Futures from the University of Sheffield.

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Syprose Ochieng

Research Associate

Biography

Syprose Ochieng is a purpose-driven research and development professional with over a decade of experience working on the intersection of sustainable energy, climate, sustainable communities and development in Kenya and the wider region. As a Research Associate at Gamos East Africa, she plays a central role in enhancing Kenya’s clean cooking and energy transition initiatives through applied research, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building under the MECS Programme. Syprose played a key role in the implementation of the eCooking Capacity Building and Market Development Programme (eCAP) and supports the development and roll-out of the Kenya National Cooking Transition Strategy and National eCooking Strategies. She currently coordinates a UKPACT-funded project that aims to strengthens the capacity of local clean cooking manufacturers and fuel producers across Kilifi, Kisumu, Nakuru, Nairobi, and Kajiado, with a focus on building resilient local supply chains and inclusive markets.

She also coordinates county-level eCooking hubs, convenes monthly eCooking Intersectoral Dialogues, and coordinates the Electrify Cooking Series, a learning and engagement platform that showcases innovations, evidence, and practical experiences on eCooking in Kenya and beyond. She actively undertakes knowledge brokerage by synthesizing research findings and facilitating exchange between policymakers, practitioners, and market actors, alongside leading strategic communication efforts that translate technical evidence into accessible insights through briefs, blogs, and learning platforms.

Education

Syprose holds a Master of Arts in International Studies from the University of Nairobi, where she developed strong analytical and research skills focused on global development, International Law, policy, and International Cooperation. Her academic training continues to inform her practical work in energy transitions, climate resilience, and locally driven Development Solutions.

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Jean-Marc Kabamba

Project Officer

Biography

Jean-Marc Kabamba is a collaborative project leader and multilingual strategist who thrives at the intersection of operational coordination and global communication A Strategic Energy & Operations Expert: At 11th Hour, Jean-Marc provides critical advisory support, analyzing energy infrastructure frameworks and improving project approval speeds His sharp analytical eye was also honed during his time as a Quality Assurance Controller at the Nielsen Company, where he managed data compliance and accuracy.

A Trusted Cross-Cultural Voice: Fluent in English, French, Swahili, and Lingala, Jean-Marc doesn’t just translate words; he translates intent and cultural nuance. He serves as the principal interpreter for high-stakes international meetings at Teach For All. Additionally, through his Freelance / Contract Medical Interpretation

An Adaptable, People-First Leader: Jean-Marc has a proven track record of managing diverse, cross-functional teams. As a Project Coordinator and Team Lead at both Urban Dubbing Company and African Dubbing Company, he successfully directed multimedia projects.He also brought his leadership skills to KNC Construction Company Limited as a site supervisor earlier in his career.

A Champion for Client Success & Safety: In the digital space, Jean-Marc spent years ensuring community safety and high-quality engagement. At Cloud Workers, Prior to that, as a Client Success Representative at Credit Pros, he managed hundreds of active client accounts via Salesforce, resolving complex inquiries

Education

Jean-Marc’s practical expertise is backed by a solid academic and technical foundation. He holds a Master’s in Project Planning and Management and a Bachelor’s in Political Science from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, alongside specialized professional credentials from Drift Consulting and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
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Mbinya Mutiso

Strategic Advisor, Researcher & Trainer

Biography

Mbinya brings over 20 years of experience driving sustainable market systems and financial inclusion across Africa. As an expert in rural development, she bridges the gap between informal and formal markets, partnering with financial institutions, MSMEs, and agricultural organizations to design research-backed, practical solutions that facilitate green growth and community empowerment.

Core Expertise & Impact

  • Energy Transitions & Participatory Research: Leverages deep grassroots insights to plan just energy transitions and design programming that positions energy access as a critical development enabler.
  • Inclusive Financial Products: Codesigns experimental digital and gender-inclusive financial solutions with banks, co-operatives, and MFIs to drive climate adaptation, sustainable agriculture, and green energy access.
  • Green Agriculture & MSME Support: Conducts rigorous assessments to enhance rural value chains, tailoring financial value propositions and consumer protection strategies for smallholders and MSMEs while mainstreaming the needs of women and youth.
  • Training & Capacity Building: A certified Trainer of Trainers (ToT) in Eco-Inclusive Enterprise Development, highly skilled in adult learning facilitation and Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) programming.

Education

Mbinya holds an M.A. in Rural Sociology and Community Development and a B.Ed. She is a Certified Digital Finance Practitioner with specialized training in energy delivery models, food systems, GEDSI empowerment, and market research. Demonstrating a commitment to innovation, she is actively advancing her expertise in sustainability excellence, gender studies, and climate action in agriculture.
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Peninah Edah

Programme Administrative Assistant

Biography

Peninah is a Programme Administrative Assistant at Gamos East Africa with over five years of experience supporting donor-funded projects and development programmes. Throughout her career, she has contributed to the successful delivery of programmes by strengthening administrative systems, supporting grant and financial management processes, and ensuring compliance with organizational and donor requirements.

Education

Peninah holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance Option) from the University of Nairobi and a Diploma in Management of Information Systems (IMIS). She is currently pursuing CPA qualifications, further strengthening her expertise in finance and administration. Passionate about development work, she is dedicated to supporting impactful programmes and helping organizations achieve sustainable positive change in the communities they serve.