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Africa Ability Trust leadership and community
OUR PEOPLE

Leadership shaped by expertise. Grounded in lived experience.

Africa Ability brings together disability advocates, professionals, caregivers, persons with lived experience, faith leaders, creatives and community practitioners who share one conviction: inclusion is strongest when the people closest to the realities help shape the response.

EMPOWERING ABILITY. RESTORING DIGNITY.

Our leadership combines strategic governance, professional excellence, disability lived experience and grassroots proximity so that our decisions remain both ambitious and deeply human.

GOVERNANCE

Board of Directors.

The Board provides strategic oversight, governance and accountability, helping Africa Ability remain mission-aligned, sustainable and responsive as the organization grows.

Eugene Muchai 01
BOARD DIRECTOR • STRATEGY, ENTERPRISE & CORPORATE INCLUSION

Eugene Muchai, MCIM

Eugene provides strategic leadership at the intersection of organizational culture, entrepreneurship, corporate inclusion, social impact and sustainable growth.

As a Chartered Marketer (MCIM) and accomplished Culture Champion, Eugene bridges grassroots necessity and corporate excellence, helping position disability inclusion as a strategic priority in the modern marketplace.

His Board contribution includes strategic governance and leadership, with particular attention to how Africa Ability's mission can engage Environmental, Social and Governance frameworks, especially the Social and Governance dimensions.

Eugene also contributes to resource mobilization, drawing on his professional networks across corporate and social innovation spaces to strengthen sustainable partnerships and diversified opportunities.

His wider professional experience includes community engagement, management and mentorship, including work associated with Amref Health Africa.

Gideon Thuku 02
CO-FOUNDER & TRUSTEE • STRATEGY, DATA & INNOVATION

Gideon Thuku

Gideon brings together economics, research, data, technology and lived family experience to strengthen strategic decision-making and inclusive innovation.

Holding a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Statistics, Gideon provides the Board with an analytical foundation for understanding complex social and economic challenges.

His professional background spans technology and human insight, with experience in AI software engineering, AI operations, data and multimedia production.

His experience in market and social research has included direct community engagement, surveys and interviews, giving him practical understanding of evidence gathering and the importance of accurate, community-informed data.

As an economist, multimedia creator and foster parent to children with disabilities, Gideon combines technical proficiency with lived family experience.

Dennis Karanja Denno Music 03
BOARD DIRECTOR • DISABILITY INCLUSION & ADVOCACY

Dennis Karanja
(Denno Music)

Dennis brings lived disability experience, national visibility, music, advocacy and a strong commitment to shifting the narrative from sympathy toward opportunity and excellence.

Widely recognized as Denno, Dennis brings a powerful national voice and profound lived experience to the Board.

His journey from Thika High School for the Blind to becoming a celebrated gospel artist reflects his commitment to possibility, contribution and excellence.

On the Board, he helps ensure disability inclusion moves beyond compliance toward a genuine culture of belonging. As an ambassador, he uses his platform to challenge limiting narratives surrounding disability.

Dennis is also a Co-Founder of Amani Gold, a strategic partner of Africa Ability Trust.

GLOBAL ADVISORY BOARD

Experience beyond our walls.

The Global Advisory Board brings external perspective, specialist knowledge, lived experience and mentorship into Africa Ability's work. Its role strengthens our thinking while organizational governance remains with the Trust's Board of Directors.

DISABILITY MINISTRY • MOBILITY • CHURCH INCLUSION

Michael Panther

Advisory Board Member • Patron of The Ability Band

Michael brings lived disability experience, disability ministry leadership and a commitment to mobility, church inclusion and the gifts of persons with disabilities.

Michael Panther is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Living With Hope, now Hope Mobility International, an organization working to provide mobility devices, training and support to persons with disabilities in Africa. Through its work in Kenya and other parts of Africa, the organization also partners with churches and communities to promote inclusion and help persons with disabilities live with dignity and use their God-given abilities.

Michael's commitment to disability inclusion is deeply personal. Originally from South Sudan, illness and the effects of war left him using a wheelchair. His own journey through disability, education, faith and leadership has shaped his desire to walk alongside other persons with disabilities and help create opportunities for them to participate fully in church and community life.

Michael has been a friend and encourager of Africa Ability Trust, particularly through The Ability Band. He has introduced the band to churches and ministry leaders, opened opportunities for our musicians to worship and serve alongside him, and continued to encourage members to use their gifts in ministry.

He serves as Patron of The Ability Band, where he provides encouragement and mentorship, helps strengthen relationships with churches, supports the band in identifying new ministry opportunities and partners, and champions the gifts and leadership of musicians with disabilities.

Michael also serves on the Africa Ability Trust Advisory Board, where he offers counsel to our leadership, supports church and ministry engagement, helps build relationships and partnerships, and brings his experience in disability ministry and inclusion as we continue growing our work.

We are grateful to have Michael walking alongside Africa Ability Trust as we work toward churches and communities where persons with disabilities are valued, included and given meaningful opportunities to serve and lead.

Dr Kesah Princely Nfotoh
PAN-AFRICAN DISABILITY INCLUSION

Dr. Kesah P. Nfotoh

Founder, Disability News Africa • Academic • Disability Advocate

Dr. Kesah brings a pan-African perspective on disability inclusion, advocacy, organizational development and mission alignment.

Dr. Kesah Princely Nfotoh is a member of the Global Advisory Board at Africa Ability Trust. As Founder and CEO of Disability News Africa and the visionary behind the Foundation for the Inclusion and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, his work brings a continental perspective to disability advocacy.

An academic leader and lecturer at the University of Buea in Cameroon, he combines scholarly expertise with lived experience and provides strategic counsel on mission alignment and organizational development.

Rev Bill Gaventa
THEOLOGY, DISABILITY & FAITH INCLUSION

Rev. Bill Gaventa

Founder Emeritus, Institute on Theology and Disability

Rev. Bill contributes decades of international expertise at the intersection of disability, spirituality, pastoral care and belonging.

Rev. Bill Gaventa provides expertise at the intersection of faith and disability. He is the author of Disability and Spirituality: Recovering Wholeness and Founder and Director Emeritus of the Institute on Theology and Disability.

His lifelong work has contributed to global understanding of pastoral care, belonging and the participation of persons with disabilities in the life and mission of faith communities.

Within Africa Ability's Global Advisory Board, Rev. Bill provides mentorship and strategic counsel relating particularly to theology, disability and faith inclusion.

PASTORAL LEADERSHIP • FAMILY • LIVED DISABILITY EXPERIENCE

David Nyoike

Pastor – R.E.A.L Groups & Assimilation, Mamlaka Hill Chapel Ruaka

David brings pastoral leadership, discipleship, family experience, authentic community formation and lived experience as an amputee to Africa Ability's faith inclusion work.

David Nyoike is a devoted husband, father and follower of Christ. He serves as a pastor at Mamlaka Hill Chapel Ruaka, where his ministry includes nurturing authentic Christian community through small groups and helping people become meaningfully connected within the life of the church.

He is passionate about discipleship, spiritual growth and Christ-centered leadership. He has a particular heart for encouraging men and other believers to walk boldly in faith, live with purpose and grow deeper in God's Word, fellowship and Christian community.

David is also an enthusiastic amputee who has learned to embrace and rejoice in his disability journey. His lived experience has become part of his testimony and ministry, and he desires to encourage other amputees and persons navigating disability to have a living hope in God and in Christ Jesus.

His experience as a husband, father, pastor and person with a disability gives him a valuable perspective on family life, faith, belonging, discipleship and the realities persons with disabilities can encounter within Christian communities.

On Africa Ability's Global Advisory Board, David brings together pastoral leadership, discipleship, community-building, family experience and lived disability experience, strengthening our understanding of disability inclusion within churches and Christian communities.

EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT

Turning vision into daily action.

Our Executive Management Team carries the organization's strategy into programmes, partnerships, community relationships and day-to-day operations.

Beryl Lung'ayi Ogutu
CO-FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Beryl Lung'ayi Ogutu

Special-needs education, disability inclusion and lived family experience shape Beryl's approach to leadership.

A visionary special-needs educator, Beryl's dedication to inclusive excellence helped give birth to Africa Ability Trust.

Beryl holds a Bachelor of Education in Special Needs (Visually Impaired) from Moi University and is professionally proficient in Kenyan Sign Language and Braille.

Her professional experience spans inclusive teaching, disability advocacy and strategic government service, including roles at NCPWD and KISE.

Her leadership is also deeply informed by her lived experience as a foster parent to children with disabilities. She combines technical knowledge, performing arts, community engagement and family experience to champion a culture where every person is valued.

Purity Ngyema
PROGRAMS MANAGER

Purity Ngyema

Grassroots relationships become stronger programmes when people are heard and ideas are translated into practical action.

Purity's passion for community service drives programme implementation and strengthens relationships with persons with disabilities, caregivers and families.

With a heart for advocacy, Purity works closely with persons with disabilities and their families. Her leadership is rooted in grassroots engagement, translating organizational vision into practical relationships and programmes.

She also brings professional expertise in Textile and Interior Design and Clothing Textiles. These skills contribute to her leadership within the AMAI Collection, where design, craftsmanship and economic empowerment meet.

Joyce Adhiambo
HEAD OF SEWING PROGRAMS

Joyce Adhiambo

Economic empowerment becomes meaningful when skill, dignity and lived family experience shape the opportunity.

Joyce leads technical instruction within the AMAI Collection, combining vocational training, high-quality craftsmanship and caregiver economic empowerment.

Joyce oversees the production of handcrafted textiles and technical instruction within the AMAI Collection.

Her leadership is deeply personal and informed by lived experience as a mother of two children who are deaf.

Through expertise in Clothing Textiles and Sewing, she helps create inclusive workspaces and pathways for caregivers to build skill and financial independence while ensuring products meet professional standards.

Edwin Omulama
HEAD OF MUSIC & DIGITAL INCLUSION

Edwin Omulama

Music, technology and lived disability experience come together in Edwin's work to expand practical opportunity and independence.

Edwin is a visually impaired musician, computer and music instructor, and disability inclusion advocate who leads Africa Ability Trust's work at the intersection of accessible music and digital inclusion.

Edwin Omulama is a visually impaired person, musician, computer and music instructor, and disability inclusion advocate who serves as Head of Music & Digital Inclusion at Africa Ability Trust. He brings both professional skills and lived experience into his leadership, helping shape practical opportunities for Persons with Disabilities in music, technology and everyday independence.

He plays piano and acoustic guitar, has experience with drums, and has trained in computer, employability and assistive technology skills. At Africa Ability Trust, Edwin helps develop opportunities for Persons with Disabilities to grow their musical abilities, strengthen their digital independence and gain practical skills that can support education, employment, ministry, enterprise and everyday life.

His work reflects Africa Ability Trust's belief that Persons with Disabilities should not only participate in programmes, but should also serve as trainers, mentors, artists and leaders.

Edwin is also the concept champion of Africa Ability Trust's Inclusive Music Academy and Digital Independence Hub, an initiative designed to bring together accessible music training, digital and assistive technology, independent living skills, employability and entrepreneurship. The vision grew from his desire to see other Persons with Disabilities gain the skills, tools, confidence and opportunities they need to participate in life on their own terms.

Through his leadership, Edwin contributes to programme design, training, mentorship and disability advocacy while helping Africa Ability Trust build spaces where ability is recognised, developed and given room to serve.

LEADERSHIP AT AFRICA ABILITY

We believe the people shaping inclusion should include the people who live it.

Our leadership brings together professional expertise, disability lived experience, family experience, grassroots relationships and strategic oversight. Good leadership listens closely, shares responsibility wisely and remains accountable to the communities our work exists to serve.

01 • LIVED EXPERIENCE

Lived experience matters.

Persons with disabilities and families affected by disability bring knowledge that cannot be replaced by theory. Their perspectives help keep inclusion practical, respectful and grounded.

02 • PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE

Expertise matters.

Governance, education, research, data, advocacy, communication, enterprise, pastoral leadership and programme management strengthen the quality and sustainability of our work.

03 • PROXIMITY

Community proximity matters.

Decisions should remain connected to persons, caregivers, families and communities experiencing the realities we are working together to change.

GROWING THE NEXT GENERATION

Learning through meaningful work.

Our internship programme gives emerging professionals practical exposure to disability inclusion, community engagement, advocacy and programme delivery while allowing Africa Ability to learn from the perspectives, experience and ideas they bring.

SOCIAL WORK & COMMUNITY INCLUSION INTERN

Mercy Kamwethya

Mercy is trained in Social Work and Community Development and brings practical experience in counselling support, home visits, case management, documentation and community outreach.

Mercy Kamwethya serves at Africa Ability Trust as a Social Work & Community Inclusion Intern. She is trained in Social Work and Community Development and has practical experience in counselling support, home visits, case management, documentation and community outreach.

Mercy is a person with visual impairment and brings both her professional training and lived experience to her work. She is passionate about community development, social inclusion and disability advocacy, as well as supporting individuals and families.

At Africa Ability Trust, Mercy works alongside our team in supporting Persons with Disabilities, caregivers and families, community outreach and other inclusion activities.

Mercy joined Africa Ability Trust through our partnership with Kilimanjaro Blind Trust Africa (KBTA) and its Young Graduate Employability Skills Training and Internship Program for persons with visual impairments.

Gillian Awuor
PROGRAM & DISABILITY ADVOCACY INTERN

Gillian Awuor

Gillian is a social work professional and disability advocate who brings lived experience, empathy and practical accessibility knowledge to her role.

Gillian studied Social Work and Community Development at the Kenya Institute of Social Work and Community Development. She has more than three years of experience supporting persons with disabilities, providing counselling and participating in community programmes.

As a visually impaired person, she brings lived understanding of accessibility. Her skills include counselling, case management, basic Braille and sign language.

Her background includes counselling work at the Kenya Institute for the Blind, inclusion programmes at Kilimanjaro Blind Trust Africa and volunteer experience with the Association for the Physically Disabled of Kenya.

HOW LEADERSHIP CONNECTS

Different roles. One mission.

Strong organizations need clarity about who governs, who leads daily work, who provides specialist counsel and how community voice remains close to decision-making.

01

Governance

Protects mission, accountability, sustainability and strategic direction through the Board of Directors.

02

Executive Leadership

Turns strategy into programmes, partnerships, community relationships and daily operations.

03

Advisory Leadership

Brings specialist knowledge, external perspective, lived experience, mentorship and strategic counsel.

04

Community Leadership

Keeps disability voice, grassroots relationships and practical realities close to the work.

ABILITY ADVOCATES

Expertise lives across our community.

Africa Ability is strengthened by people who contribute professional knowledge, lived experience, practical skills and creative gifts across communication access, counselling, disability advocacy, music, education, human resources, community engagement and faith.

Davine Achieng

Davine Achieng

Kenyan Sign Language Interpreter

Opiyo John

Opiyo John

Kenyan Sign Language Interpreter

Lewis Wachiya

Lewis Wachiya

Kenyan Sign Language Interpreter

Ivan Omurwa Speedix

Ivan Omurwa (Speedix)

Gospel Artist • Disability Advocate

Linda Mandela

Linda Mandela

Psychologist

Antony Wambua

Antony Wambua

Braille

Cherotich Maureen

Cherotich Maureen

Teacher • Disability Advocate

Daniel Ngure

Daniel Ngure

Student • Disability Advocate

Edwin Omulama

Edwin Omulama

Gospel Artist • Computer & Music Instructor

Aurelia Tanki

Aurelia Tanki

Certified Human Resource Practitioner

Mercy Obala

Mercy Obala

Programme Coordinator • New Routes Foundation

June Nasimoni

June Nasimoni

Vocalist • Disability Advocate

WHAT OUR LEADERSHIP BRINGS

Our people bring different forms of knowledge into one mission — from disability lived experience and family life to governance, education, technology, pastoral leadership, communication access, enterprise and community development.

Lived Disability Experience Governance Special Needs Education Data & Innovation Kenyan Sign Language Braille Pastoral Leadership Psychology Human Resources Economic Empowerment Disability Advocacy Community Development Creative Arts
MORE THAN AN ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

Leadership should make room for more voices.

Africa Ability is building an organization where professional excellence and lived experience do not compete with one another. They strengthen each other. The result is leadership that can listen carefully, think strategically and remain close to the people our mission exists to serve.

CONNECT WITH OUR TEAM

Inclusion is built through relationships.

Connect with Africa Ability to explore partnerships, disability inclusion, training, community work or opportunities to collaborate.

Contact Africa Ability →
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