TEAM

We are Changemakers

Our consultants have a wealth of experience, across many disciplines and sectors, institutions and geographies. We work for a healthy, equitable and prosperous Africa.

Denis Galava, PhD

Managing Partner

Denis is a communications strategist and public affairs specialist with a passion for social justice and human rights. A thought leader in media and advocacy in Africa, he supports organizations to achieve impact, policy and fundraising goals. He was previously managing editor of Kenya’s largest newspapers – The Daily Nation and The Standard – and a global media relations and advocacy director with the African Wildlife Foundation. Most recently, he was a consultant with the World Bank, tasked with helping Kenya’s National Treasury and the Cabinet Secretary to communicate effectively. He brings expertise in research, strategy development, knowledge translation, content creation, advocacy, journalism and media coaching. Denis holds a PhD from the University of Edinburgh, an MSc from the University of Oxford, an MA from Coventry University and a B.Ed from Kenyatta University.

galava@athari.ke | +254 720 947 612

Judith Mwobobia

Senior Advisor, health and science

Judith is a seasoned and accomplished science communicator with over a decade of journalism experience in Kenya. She is passionate about reducing health inequities and creating efficient health systems for low-and middle-income countries. Her expertise in problem-solving, coupled with her bilingual skills and deep understanding of global health, makes her an asset for any organization looking for a communication strategist and communicator. Judith is a Researcher at Duke Global Health Institute and is currently leading a project on Cancer Stigma in Sub-Saharan Africa. She has BSc. in Microbiology from Moi University and is pursuing an MSc. in Global Health at Duke University. She also has additional training in Science Communication from Venice International University.

mukiri@athari.ke

Kamau Wairuri, PhD

Senior Advisor, strategy and policy

Kamau is a researcher, educator and policy consultant with expertise in the politics of policing, violence and criminal justice in Africa. Presently, he is a lecturer in criminology at Edinburgh Napier University (Edinburgh, United Kingdom) and a Research Fellow at the Institute of Public Policy and Governance at the Strathmore University Business School (Nairobi, Kenya). He has extensive experience advising leaders and organisations in the public, private and development sector on matters relating to politics, public policy and governance. A published author, Kamau has also written for popular audiences in Kenyan newspapers (Daily Nation, The Standard and The East African) and respected blogs such as African Arguments. He is the host of The Kenyanist, a podcast that explores the social and political issues that Kenyans face. He holds a PhD in African Studies from the University of Edinburgh, an MSc in African Studies from the University of Oxford and a Bachelor of Arts degree (Political Science and Sociology) from the University of Nairobi.

kamau@athari.ke

Kagure Gacheche

Senior Advisor, data and evidence

Kagure has more than 15 years of experience in communication, media and publishing. She covers peace and security issues across the East Africa region as a commissioning editor at The Conversation Africa. She also manages communication around gender, media stability and digital transformation for Africa at WAN-IFRA Women in News. She was previously the head of investigations, data and research at the Standard Group. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Leeds, an undergraduate degree from Daystar University and is currently pursuing an executive master’s degree in media leadership and innovation at Aga Khan University.

kagure@athari.ke

Our Partners

We don’t do clients. We work with partners on causes we believe in to promote inclusive growth for an enterprising and resilient Africa.

Kamau Wairuri, PhD

Senior Advisor, Strategy and Policy

Kamau is a researcher, educator, and policy consultant specialising in policing, violence, and criminal justice in Africa. He is a lecturer in criminology at Edinburgh Napier University and a Research Fellow at Strathmore University Business School. A published author and public commentator, he hosts The Kenyanist podcast and holds a PhD and MSc from the University of Edinburgh and the University of Oxford respectively.

Pamella Sittoni

Senior Advisor, Strategy and Partnerships

Pamella is an award-winning journalist and thought leader in media, advocacy, and partnerships. She previously served as Group Managing Editor at Nation Media Group and as Communications Specialist at UNICEF Kenya, where she championed children’s and women’s rights. She is a Trustee of Thomson Foundation and Africa Check, a recipient of the WAN-IFRA Women in News Editorial Leadership Award, and holds an MA in Communications from the University of Leicester.

Judith Mwobobia

Senior Advisor, Research and Knowledge Translation

Judith is an accomplished storyteller and science communicator with over a decade of journalism experience. She previously served as Health and Enterprise Editor at The Standard and as a researcher at the Duke Global Health Institute. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Public Health at Washington University in St. Louis, USA, and ensures that data and insights are accessible, engaging, and actionable.

Kagure Gacheche

Senior Advisor, Data and Evidence

Kagure is a distinguished communications professional with extensive experience designing and leading strategic communications initiatives for social change. She has led major campaigns on governance and gender inequality and previously headed investigations, data, and research at The Standard Group.

She specialises in strategic messaging, media relations, and digital communication, and holds an MA in Development Studies from the University of Leeds.

Reyian M. Risa

Senior Advisor, Economic Inclusion and Sustainability

Reyian M. Risa is a dynamic legal professional and sustainability advocate with a proven track record in economic inclusion, land management, and community-driven development. Combining her legal expertise with hands-on experience in sustainable pastoralism, she has designed and implemented innovative approaches that integrate traditional knowledge with modern practices to enhance ecological sustainability and economic resilience.  Her experience includes serving as a Refugee Status Determination Officer and participating in Kenya’s Task Force Committee for the transition of refugee management from UNHCR to government, where she led policy development, capacity building, and stakeholder coordination.  Reyian is also the founder of Rennil Olchekut Ranch in Kajiado, promoting sustainable pastoralism, and holds an LLB from the University of Nairobi and entrepreneurship training from Future Female Business School and Honoris United University.

Denis Galava, PhD

Managing Partner

Denis is a seasoned communications strategist and public affairs expert with a deep commitment to social justice and sustainable development. He has held senior editorial leadership roles at Nation and The Standard, served as Media and Advocacy Director at the African Wildlife Foundation, and most recently worked as a Strategic Communications Consultant with the World Bank. Denis holds a PhD from the University of Edinburgh and an MSc from the University of Oxford.