Anastacia is the founding Chairperson of the AMT Board and has served in this capacity since 2003. With first-hand experience of living in informal settlements, her professional career has exemplified a holistic approach to improving the health and wellbeing of vulnerable communities. In addition to her role as an educator, she has been an active community health promoter since 1988. Having experienced evictions and lack of stable housing, she is a passionate advocate for the rights of slum dwellers. Anastacia holds a certificate in Theology.
Mary is a seasoned slum upgrading advocate with over three decades of experience in enumeration, loans and savings. She is driven by a personal commitment to advocate for better living conditions for the urban poor in marginalized communities. Her expertise centres on fostering a culture of loans and savings among diverse groups with an aim of promoting empowered communities. Mary has spearheaded a comprehensive enumeration process across several Nairobi’s informal settlements and is a frontline campaigner of loans and savings specifically targeting women, men and youths in informal settlements in Nairobi County. Mary became a mobilizer and enumerator for Muungano wa Wanavijiji in 2000, following which she joined the AMT Board in 2003.
Milton Omondi plays an integral role in designing and piloting inclusive financial solutions to improve living conditions in informal settlements. A strategic thinker with a commitment to serving individuals, businesses, organizations, and communities, Omondi has actively contributed to community development and financial empowerment in Eastern and Southern Africa for the past two decades. Omondi is a certified Empretec/UNDP Entrepreneurship Trainer and Business Studies Educator and holds a IBA Fellowship in Inclusive Business Accelerator.
For the past 25 years James has dedicated himself to the formation of savings and loans groups for small businesses across various regions in Kenya. His work has left a tangible impact, particularly in Nakuru and Nairobi, where he has spearheaded the establishment of several notable groups. In Nakuru, he played a pivotal role in the formation of groups such as Shikamoo, Nyamurutu, and Daima. Meanwhile, in Nairobi, Wagathiru's efforts have contributed to the creation of impactful groups including New Muungano wa Ghetto, Self Help Group Gitathuru, Kambi Moto, Redeemed, Mahela Self Help Groups, and Badilisha Maisha Korogocho. His commitment to fostering financial inclusion and empowerment has been instrumental in driving positive change within these communities. James joined the AMT Board in 2004.
A lawyer by profession, Jane has over 30 years experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder partnerships to address the needs of marginalized urban communities. She has contributed to numerous public interest litigations to stop forceful evictions and violent demolitions, and influencing policy processes to safeguard the land tenure rights of people living in informal settlements.
Since August 2018, Jane has served as Project leader of the Mukuru Special Planning Area, a project of the Nairobi County Government, aimed at developing an integrated development plan to improve the lives of the 100,000 households that presently occupy over 600 acres of land within the city. Jane is an Ashoka Fellow and also served as a member of the National Task Force for the preparation of the Community Land Bill and the Evictions and Resettlement Bill.
Jane holds a Master’s Degree in NGO Management from the London School of Economics.
Joan joined AMT as an Accountant in May 2024. With a robust background in banking, internal audit, and compliance spanning 4 years, she plays a crucial role in budgeting, financial planning processes, and donor reporting, ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency in organizational operations.
Patrick Njoroge, Deputy Director
With over one decade of experience in community mobilization and managing projects in urban informal settlements, Patrick is responsible for strategic planning and overall coordination of AMT’s diverse portfolio. This includes supporting communities in urban informal settlements to self-organize and advocate for their rights. Patrick has played an instrumental role in developing the flagship Mukuru Special Planning Area project, and other important initiatives to strengthen land tenure security and access to basic services for marginalized urban communities.
Patrick holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration, Bsc. in Communication and Public Relations, and a Diploma in Project Management.
Nyang'wara joined AMT in March 2024 as a Planner. He is responsible for conducting research and developing land use plans and programs aimed at creating livable communities, accommodating population growth, and revitalizing physical facilities.
David joined Akiba Mashinani Trust (AMT) in August 2023 as a Physical Planner. He has been actively involved in several impactful projects, including the Urban Fabric Initiative, School Feeding, Riparian Planning, Climate Action, Water and Sanitation.
Jacinta is a long-serving staff member with over 13 years of experience. At AMT, she coordinates the organization's programs in the North Rift and Coast regions of Kenya. She is actively involved in housing projects in Nakuru, Naivasha, and Rongai, as well as livelihood projects and capacity building for groups in Nakuru. Previously, Jacinta served as a Credit Officer with CRS Kenya and as a Branch Manager with SASA Microfinance in Homa Bay County.
Jacinta holds diplomas in Cooperative Management and Sociology.
Evans Otibine joined AMT in 2015. He is the team lead for the products development and innovations team. He is in charge of monitoring the project timelines, budgets and quality standards. He has a wealth of experience in financial and project management and community organizing and has published diverse articles in the area of urban development and planning, low-income housing, access to finance, and social inclusion.
Evans holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nairobi and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Environmental Planning & Management. He is also a registered EIA associate expert with Kenya’s National Environment Management Authority
Projects Involved in: Water, Sanitation and Waste Management, Riparian reserve planning and Climate action initiatives.
Bett joined AMT in March 2024 as a Physical Planner specializing in urban planning, research, monitoring, and evaluation. He is involved in water and sanitation, riparian reserve planning and climate action initiatives projects. Prior to his current role, Patrick gained valuable experience at Talanta Kenya Ltd.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Planning (Urban and Regional) degree from the University of Nairobi.
Projects involved in: Sexual Reproductive Health, Water, Sanitation, and Waste Management, School Feeding Program, Urban Farming Initiative (UFI)
Christine is the Social Development Officer at AMT, having joined the organization in February 2024. In her role, Christine focuses on community sensitization and awareness campaigns, emphasizing proper management, governance, and sustainability of AMT's projects within the community. She has been actively involved in diverse projects including the Sexual Reproductive Health Program, Water, Sanitation, and Waste Management initiatives, School Feeding Program, Urban Farming Initiative (UFI), as well as data collection, mapping, and enumeration efforts.
She is currently pursuing a course in Social Work and Community Development at the Technical University of Kenya, enhancing her skills in community engagement and project management.
Joan joined AMT as an Accountant in May 2024. With a robust background in banking, internal audit, and compliance spanning 4 years, she plays a crucial role in budgeting, financial planning processes, and donor reporting, ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency in organizational operations.
Joan holds a Bachelor's degree in Commerce with a major in Banking and Finance and a certificate in Enterprise Risk Management (ERM).
Projects Involved in: Water, Sanitation and Waste Management, Riparian reserve planning and climate action initiatives
Nyang'wara joined AMT in March 2024 as a Planner. He is responsible for conducting research and developing land use plans and programs aimed at creating livable communities, accommodating population growth, and revitalizing physical facilities.
Prior to joining AMT, Nyang'wara amassed extensive experience in land use planning, baseline studies, and data management. He was involved in notable projects including socio-economic surveys for Hola Municipality, Local Physical and Land Use Development Plans for informal settlements in Tana River County, and an Integrated Strategic Urban Development Plan for Mikinduri Township. He also co-produced a study report for the Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi Initiative on Recasting Advocacy Civic Space Dynamics in East Africa.
Nyang'wara holds both a Master's and Bachelor's degree in Urban and Regional Planning and is a graduate member of the Kenya Institute of Planners.
David joined Akiba Mashinani Trust (AMT) in August 2023 as a Physical Planner. He has been actively involved in several impactful projects, including the Urban Fabric Initiative, School Feeding, Riparian Planning, Climate Action, Water and Sanitation.
David brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles. He worked with Udelc Consultants as a Physical Planner Intern and Graphic Designer, where he honed his skills in urban planning and design. Additionally, he served as a Physical Planning Intern at Nairobi Metropolitan Services.
David holds a Bachelor's degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Nairobi.
Projects involved in: UFI, Riparian Planning, School Feeding and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights, Menstrual Health and Hygiene
Michelle is a Project Lead at AMT, actively contributing to various projects such as the Urban Farming Initiative (UFI), Riparian Planning, School Feeding, and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights projects. Before joining AMT, she was a Project Assistant under the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP), where she was involved in the planning of 9 informal settlements in the North Rift Region for tenure regularization.
Michelle holds a Bachelor's degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Nairobi and is a certified Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Expert.
Projects involved in: Water, Sanitation and Waste Management, Trading to Eat and Riparian reserve planning
Eddy serves as an Urban Planner and Researcher at AMT, where he has been a pivotal team member since October 2021. Eddy is a key leader in AMT's Water, Sanitation, and Waste Management Programs. He has played a significant role in developing work plans and implementation guidelines for these programs in Mukuru. His contributions led to the successful scaling up of water and sanitation projects beyond Mosque Road, Mukuru Kwa Reuben. His collaborative efforts with the Global Centre on Adaptation and Miramar International focus on co-creating solutions for waste management in Mukuru, particularly through the innovative farming of Black Soldier Fly.
Projects Involved in: Water, Sanitation and Waste Management Program, and Trading to Eat program
Roda serves as the Livelihood Officer at Akiba Mashinani Trust (AMT), having been part of the team since February, 2024. She plays a crucial role in mobilizing new beneficiaries for toilet loans, ensuring all necessary documentation is in place for loan appraisal and approval. She actively follows up on loan recovery through communication via calls, messages, and personal visits. Roda is also a certified Chamasoft Trainer of Trainers (TOT) at the community level across Mukuru kwa Njenga, Reuben, and Viwandani villages, where she promotes transparent and accountable record-keeping among Chamas (community savings groups) involved in the Trading to Eat project.
Roda has a Bachelor's degree in Business Information Technology (BBIT) from Muranga University of Technology.
Projects Involved in: Water and Sanitation Project, Riparian Reserve Planning, and Climate Action initiatives.
Edward joined AMT in March, 2024 as a Physical Planner. He specializes in urban planning, research, monitoring, and evaluation, contributing to key projects such as the Water and Sanitation Project, Riparian Reserve Planning, and Climate Action initiatives. Prior to his role at AMT, Edward gained valuable experience at Metropolis Planning and Environment.
Edward holds a Bachelor of Arts in Planning degree with First Class Honors from the University of Nairobi.
Terry is the Finance and Admin Officer at AMT, having joined in February 2022. She oversees administration and systems management, ensuring efficient operational support within the organization. With a strong foundation in financial management and administration, Terry contributes to AMT's mission by maintaining robust financial controls and effective administrative processes.
Terry holds a professional qualification in CPA-K.
Vincent has served as the Water & Sanitation Technical Officer at AMT since January 2023, where he is responsible for overseeing technical work related to water and sanitation. He is actively involved in the Mukuru SPA Implementation Project, focusing on water and sanitation initiatives which includes connectivity of sewers, construction of water PPDs and toilets in Mukuru.
Vincent brings a wealth of experience to his role, having previously worked as a Technical Supervisor for Nairobi Metropolitan Services for 2.5 years, a Site Supervisor at Optiva Africa Ltd for 2 years, and a Water Technician for Bomet County Government for 2 years.
Vincent holds a Diploma in Water Engineering with Distinction.
Project Lead People's Adaptation Planning
Rex Otieno is an urban professional with a Master's in Urban Management and Development from Erasmus University Rotterdam. He Joined AMT in November 2021 and has led projects improving both social and physical infrastructure in informal settlements, this has been through projects such as the Urban Fabric Initiative and simplified sewer System Monitoring and evaluation Rex played a key role in the Rapid Climate Risk Assessment for Mukuru and co-designing of nature-based flood mitigation strategies.
Skilled in geospatial analysis, Rex is a lover of mapping and proficient in spatial transformation analysis using advanced remote sensing techniques. He also contributes to policy development and promotes sustainable urban practices, with a focus on nature-based solutions and food security in Nairobi's informal settlements.
