Josphat Ngonyo || Executive Director, Africa Network for Animal Welfare

Josphat Ngonyo is the Founder and Executive Director of Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW). A hands-on, non-governmental organization that promotes humane treatment of all animals by working with communities, governments, partners and stakeholders. He also co-founded Africa Network for Animal Welfare – USA based in Denver – Colorado, USA.  In this role, Josphat is leading ANAW’s strategy focused on ensuring that animals do not suffer in practice at the grassroots and policy levels. Through the annual Africa Animal Welfare Conferences, a platform that ANAW cohosts with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) and the Government of the country in which the conference is held, Josphat champions for the integration of animal welfare, wildlife and environmental conservation into policies and strategies for the achievement of sustainable development goals. Mr. Ngonyo has worked extensively in wildlife conservation and animal welfare for over 20 years.

Josphat earned his MBA in leadership from Africa Leadership University School of Business following a Bachelor of Education (Arts) degree from Moi University, and a Diploma in the Management of Not-for-Profit Organizations from the Kenya Institute of Management. He serves on the Boards of ANAW – USA, Riverine Nature Reserve Trust, Kenya Biodiversity Coalition and the World Federation for Animals.  He has also been a long-standing Honorary Warden with the Kenya Wildlife Service due to his achievements in wildlife and environmental conservation. Previously, he served in a national steering committee to review Wildlife Conservation and Management Act of Kenya (cap 376) and develop a wildlife policy; and as a member of the Ministerial Task Force on Animal Welfare Policy Development and Cap 360 review committee spearheaded by Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock & Fisheries in Kenya; and as an Environmental Advisor to Vision 2030 of the Government of Kenya.

Josiah Ojwang || Programmes Director
Josiah is an accomplished educationist and project management professional with over 18 years’ work experience across various sectors in Government public service, animal welfare and humanitarian development. He holds experience garnered from Teacher Service Commission, Save the Children UK, Kenya Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (KSPCA) and Donkey Sanctuary and consultancies. He is currently serving as the Director of Programmes at Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW).

Josiah holds academic degrees in Education at both Bachelors and Masters levels,and post graduate qualifications in Project Planning and Management, Monitoring and Evaluation and NGO Management, among a host of other qualifications and achievements. He is well versed with practical project designs and implementation using the project cycle approach and competent in both Theory of Change and Logical Framework approaches in the project process.

He is also a certified Trainer of Trainers (TOT) and Project Management Professional (PMP).
He has been involved in many education, development and animal welfare initiatives including the development of Peace Education Manuals for schools in Kenya, published articles in colloquiums in Kenya and internationally. He has been very active in the promotion of animal welfare education in schools across and contributed significantly towards the process of mainstreaming animal welfare education in national curriculum for schools in Kenya.

Away from his professional work, Josiah is actively involved in church ministry and philanthropy, with a passion for promoting access of children to decent education.

Maureen Magalasia || Finance and Human Resource Director
Maureen has considerable expertise and experience working in all aspects of finance and provides leadership and strategic direction for all financial functions, and directly oversees finance , accounting , and payroll. In this capacity, she is also responsible for the organization's financial management, administration, financial planning and human resources. Maureen is an experienced auditor, CPAK holder as well as a member of ICPAK and also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance.

Wachira Benson Kariuki || Policy and Public Affairs Director
Wachira is focused on Developing and reviewing corporate instruments such as Memoranda of Understanding, Grant Agreements and other legal documents to facilitate necessary collaborations for ANAW with strategic partners in inter-governmental, government, non-government and private sectors at local, regional, national and international levels.

He provides legal advice on operational and governance issues on matters concerning ANAW’s corporate governance, functional operations, planning procedures and programs management in accordance with government policies, legislation and set standards for non-governmental organizations.

As a director for Legal Affairs and Advocacy, Wachira organizes legal forums such as judicial dialogue, and other agreed forums aimed at promoting ANAW and achieving the organizational strategy. The forums have led to unprecedented improvements for animals in the Kenyan legal system.

Sebastian Mwanza || Communications Manager
Sebastian Mwanza is a communications expert (Public Relations) with a great desire to curve a niche in protecting Africa's animals. With adept experience in the government and corporate world, Sebastian has mastered strategic communications and public relations specifically corporate communications, media relations, internal and external communications, government relations, public policy, public affairs, stakeholder management, development of creative brand, and communication campaigns for not-for-profits organizations.

From his love for writing, he has published several topical articles on conservation and animal welfare in Africa, in both local and international media space - Daily Nation, The Star Newspaper, Animals 24/7, Ubuntu Times and UNEP Perspective's Publication.

Mr. Mwanza is a dedicated, dependable, and take-charge individual with great interpersonal skills, who strongly believes that ‘communication is what is heard, not what is said’ and endeavors to make both spoken and written words, more heard than said.

He holds a B.A degree in Communication (Public Relations) from Daystar University in Kenya and is currently pursuing his M.A degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from Kenyatta University, Kenya.

His favorite quote is, “Ninety-nine percent of world’s failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses.” - G. W. Carver.

Mr. Mwanza's dexterity in the field of communication parallels his musical prowess. He loves using his deep, rich baritone voice to do solo singing. In his leisure time, he plays both keyboard and guitar.

Brenda Oliwa Okumu, PhD || Education and Development Manager
Dr Brenda Oliwa holds a doctorate in Educational Psychology from Kenyatta University. She has over ten years’ experience in the education and development sector with a recent focus on enhancing education opportunities for vulnerable populations. Brenda coordinates the Africa Conservation Education Fund (ACEF), ANAWs education initiative that is dedicated to the provision of financial scholarships for needy students from communities that border wildlife areas whilst also supporting physical infrastructure in poorly resourced local schools. Her work has covered designing curricula that integrates psychological principles to enhance empathy towards animals, while encouraging responsible stewardship of the environment. She is a fundraiser and has authored a book on alternative schooling. Her current research interest is on how educational interventions can shift attitudes toward wildlife conservation while fostering pro-environmental behavior. Through her work, she aims to cultivate a generation of informed, compassionate advocates for animal welfare and environmental sustainability.

Dr Brenda can be reached via email on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Duncan Muthiani || Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Manager

Duncan is an information and Communication Technology professional with over 7 years experience in developing dynamic websites and web-based applications. He has wide knowledge and experience in software development, testing and debugging, systems installations and upgrades. He is Proficient in programming languages such as PHP, C++ and JavaScript. He is also excellent in Mysql, and Microsoft SQL Server databases.

In addition, he has extensive knowledge in automated large scale data conversion and analysis techniques. He has past experience in converting huge volumes of data from one form to another to enable detailed analysis and reporting.

At ANAW, Duncan is in charge of IT-related operations. In collaboration with the communications department staff, he ensures timely delivery of IT-related services and equipment to all staff. He is in charge of developing and maintaining ANAW's online presence, both websites and online applications to communicate its mission and vision.

In his spare time, he enjoys playing chess.

Dr Dennis Bahati || Programs Manager – Animal Care
Dr Bahati is a veterinary surgeon and holds a Bachelors’ Degree in Veterinary Medicine from the prestigious University of Nairobi, an Advanced Diploma in Project Management from the Kenya Institute of Project Management, and a Strategic Leadership Certificate from the Xcelerator Program (a subsidiary of the Africa Leadership University). He is also presently pursuing a Masters in Environmental Planning and Management at the University of Nairobi. Combined with a vast 6-year experience in clinical medicine, companion animal care and surgery, Dr Bahati has developed outstanding skillsets in Project Planning & Design, Strategic Project Management, Proposal and Grant Writing, Monitoring and Evaluation as well as Project Leadership and Governance.

With a high regard for life, Dr Bahati accentuates key sentiments of The Dalai Lama who believed that at the most fundamental level, our nature is compassionate, and that cooperation, not conflict, lies at the heart of the basic principles that govern our human existence. By living a way of life that expresses our basic goodness, we fulfill our humanity and give our actions dignity, worth, and meaning.

Eunice Robai || Capacity Building, Education & Awareness Manager
Eunice is responsible for leading the organization to develop and implement Capacity building, Education and Awareness strategy and comprehensive campaign that advance animal welfare education goals. This is achieved while conducting animal welfare clubs and community education that address systematic issues in animal welfare. She is committed to empowering others to learn, grow, act and achieve their potential for the common good. Eunice is a creative and big picture thinker. She has extensive experience in graphic design, concept development and different kinds of creative problem-solving skills. She designs campaign and activities that increase as well as change behaviours and attitudes in animal welfare.

Working with ANAW has given Eunice deep insights into stakeholder management, change communication and campaigns within the field of animal welfare where she has proven ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders while maintaining influential partnership. Eunice is committed to living her values through her work at ANAW and feels extremely grateful working for the organization.

She graduated from The Technical University of Kenya with a Bachelors of Technology in Journalism and Mass communication and a Diploma in Journalism and Public relations. She also holds an International Certificate in Humane Education, certificates in Leadership Xceleration Program, Leadership and emotional intelligent and Certificates in Content Writing and Translation. She is currently studying for an MSc in Sociology (Rural Sociology and Community Development).

Eunice spends her free time helping charities to inspire communities as well as empowering the destitute and the incarcerated.

Isaac Maina || Human-Animal Co-existence Manager
Isaac has over 20 years’ experience in conservation and project management. He is a trained teacher in Technology Education with a master’s degree in project management and an ongoing PhD in Project Management. He has also been trained by the British Army in the fields of patrols, where he has spent most of his career in field operations curbing bushmeat menace.

Mr. Maina is an experienced trainer in Conservation Education and has been engaged in many animals’ emergency rescue operations.

To his record, Isaac participated in the first de-snaring operation ever in ANAW - which birthed full-time de-snaring patrols in the organization. He has headed over 40 de-snaring operations which have recovered over thirty thousand (30,000) snares, rescued over 20 animals from snares and apprehended more than sixty poachers. To augment his work, Isaac is trained in first aid by the Kenya Red Cross Society.

In his free time, Maina likes listening to music and dancing.

Catherine Chumo || Communications Manager
Catherine Chumo is a multilingual print journalist in a now five-year quest to promote the protection and care of animals through generating, gathering and distributing information on animal welfare. Her stealth is utmost when working with individuals, groups and organizations to bring out opportunities that foster public insight and impact through participation in hands-on animal welfare initiatives. Her past work as a writer has seen her investigative features published in Destination Magazine, Sarova Spotlight and the Institute for War and Peace Reporting. She has won awards for her Spanish short stories, La Memoria Dolorosa and Un Pasado Rojo, from the Embassy of Spain. Though not of the musical persuasion, she is certain she would beat you in a dance-off on the streets any day.

CPA Angela Chepkurui Langat || Finance Manager
CPA Angela is ANAW’s finance manager who has diverse work experience in finance and accounting. She is responsible for managing finance and accounting operations. She is a finance expert skilled in project accounting, financial analysis, financial modelling and financial statement review alongside thorough knowledge on principles, procedures and practices of accounting and financial records. Angela is well versed in finance forecasting, analyzing financial risks and budget creation while ensuring operational efficiency. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K) and a member of ICPAK. She holds a Bachelor Of Commerce (Finance) degree from Kenyatta University.

Cedella Shikuku || Partnership and Development Officer & Assistant to the Executive Director
Cedella plays a vital role in recruiting, managing and nurturing ANAW’s Network Partners, supporting strategic collaborations, and contributing to the organization’s growth and sustainability. With a proactive mindset and skilled resourcefulness, Cedella constantly collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, facilitates communication, and ensures that deadlines and deliverables are met. She is highly adept at fostering positive working relationships and building rapport with team members across all levels of the organization. She is a natural collaborator and possesses excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural skills, which enable her to effectively communicate and coordinate with diverse stakeholders including other NGOs, government agencies, and community organizations.

As a Postgraduate Alumna of Middlesex University, Cedella has a rich background in Business Management and is skilled in scoping and planning, trend analysis, identifying and optimizing new opportunities, and creating innovative strategies to drive development. Her strategic thinking and strong project management skills ensure the seamless alignment of ANAW’s mission with those of the organization’s Network Partners in pursuit of meeting organizational goals.

Cedella also serves as a trusted assistant to the Executive Director, effectively managing his calendars, travel arrangements, and meeting logistics. She is adept at prioritizing and coordinating complex schedules, ensuring seamless coordination of appointments, meetings, and events. With a great written and verbal communication skills set, Cedella assists the Directors in drafting and editing correspondence and reports with a high level of professionalism, accuracy and confidentiality.

Dr Elynn Njeri || Programs Officer (Animal Care)
Dr Elynn is a veterinary surgeon with a Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Medicine. Her experience encompasses companion medicine and surgery, wildlife medicine as well as welfare awareness trainings. She has particular interest in wildlife conservation. She is passionate about creating awareness on good animal welfare practices and incorporating creativity through science.

She is currently undertaking her masters in Wildlife Health and Management. She is also taking a certified course on safe Capture Chemical Immobilization by San Diego wildlife Zoo Academy. When she is not working with animals, she keeps her hands busy crocheting, playing guitar while she spends time with her four (4) cats.

Agnes Haloni || Programs Officer

Agnes’ role in ANAW involves developing community-based conservation programs with an objective of supporting and creating livelihoods for the communities that live in proximity with the wildlife, especially the Waatha community of Tsavo ecosystem.

Ms. Haloni’s passion involves working with marginalized communities to restore their identities in Kenya and help improve their wildlife conservation skills.

Agnes holds a Bachelor's degree in Science (Sports and Exercise).

Caroline Triza Njiru || Administration Officer

Caroline is a confident, dedicated, and dependable administrative officer with experience in hospitality management, conservation leadership and customer care service. She is a graduate of Hospitality and Tourism Management from Kenyatta University and a certified UPG sustainability Leader. Her role in the organization is to offer clerical and administrative services to our clients, undertake personnel work within the company and carry out secretarial, administrative, and clerical duties under the direction of the Manager, acting as the point of contact for all employees.

She strives to make the world a better place for everyone. “We don’t have to engage in heroic actions to participate in change. Small acts when multiplied by millions of people can transform the world “By Howard Zinn.