Legal team size: Two

Which recent political, economic, or regulatory changes have impacted your work the most in recent years?

As a nonprofit, we have experienced significant changes recently. The commencement of the Public Benefit Organizations Act, which repealed the Non-Governmental Organizations Coordination Act under which we were initially registered, marks the biggest change. We are now in the process of transitioning our legal registration from a non-governmental organization (NGO) to a Public Benefit Organization (PBO) and are working closely with the new regulator, the Public Benefit Organizations Regulatory Authority (PBORA) to achieve this.

Another major focus for us is the mainstreaming of the Kenya Data Protection Act, 2019, and the active regulation by the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner. The global emphasis on data protection and privacy has made this a priority issue for our organization.

Additionally, recent crises in Kenya, such as massive countrywide flooding and severe famine in other areas, have required us to be flexible. We are providing legal support to our program and department teams who are delivering urgent assistance and responses to people in need across the country.

Are there any causes, business or otherwise, that you are passionate about?

I am particularly passionate about Alternative Dispute Resolution, especially Arbitration. As a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitration (UK), Kenya Branch, I am currently working towards qualifying for Fellowship. Additionally, I have a keen interest in Intellectual Property and actively follow global trends in trademark, copyright, and patent law. Community empowerment is also close to my heart; I am dedicated to uplifting people in rural areas and informal settlements (“bottom of the pyramid”) by providing legal advice, education, and support. In my free time, I enjoy keeping up with current affairs, listening to music, engaging in sports, and reading.