The
Team
Wakiuru Njuguna
Managing Partner
Wakiuru is a creative industries expert who has led the development and innovation of novel hybrid financial models that combine the best elements of venture capital and impact investment, with a keen application of a gender lens to increase access to early and growth-stage business capital for youth and women in the creative economy. Through her work, she has contributed to the establishment of fit-for-purpose financing tools, evaluation processes, and investment portfolio management that has helped establish new industry best practices.
Kendi Kamwambia
Partner and Support and Compliance Manager
Ms. Kamwambia has over five years experience in financial management and has been responsible for managing our business investment portfolio to ensure recovery of disbursed funds for re-capitalization in subsequent investment cycles. She also identifies investees capacity-building needs and assists in the sourcing of consultants to address these gaps. Kendi is an ACCA affiliate and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Accounting from Strathmore University and is currently pursuing a Masters in monitoring and evaluation.
Mars Maasai - George Aloo
Program Manager and Research and Insights Manager
Built on his mathematical background, Mars' role involves research and study into HEVA's internal processes and external engagements with students, investees and industry practitioners/professionals, as well as state, philanthropic, developmental and corporate stakeholders at all levels. His findings and continued analysis inform our program strategy with regard to policy discourse both locally and regionally, and practical engagement with the wider HEVA community.
Dr. Akati Khasiani
Head of Grants and Inclusion
Dr. Khasiani is a multidisciplinary artist and author, with a focus on art that centres the experiences of women and the LGBTQI community. She has extensive experience as a project manager and grant-maker for the creative and cultural industries, with a particular interest in supporting innovation, prototyping and cultural preservation.
Building on expertise gleaned from private and public sector and the research field, she has led the development of collaborative, reflexive and inclusive grant funds with funders and partners alongside developing programs for capacity building and ecosystem strengthening for creative and cultural practitioners
Nehemia Kabugi
Finance Manager
Nehemia Kabugi is a seasoned finance manager known for his expertise in navigating the intricate landscape of financial economics. With a degree in Financial Economics from Strathmore University, Nehemia brings a comprehensive understanding of economic principles and their practical application in the financial world.
Currently serving as a finance manager at HEVA Fund, Nehemia plays a pivotal role inmanaging financial resources, crafting strategic investment plans, and ensuring fiscal prudence within the organization. His keen analytical skills coupled with a deep understanding of market dynamics enable him to identify lucrative investment opportunities while mitigating financial risks effectively.
Dr. Fridah Kirera
Grants Portfolio Manager
Fridah is a seasoned finance and accounting professional with experience spanning over the course of one decade. She is responsible for managing HEVA’s grants portfolio ensuring compliance to donor guidelines and regulations, budgeting, grantee capacity building, grant monitoring and financial reporting. She holds Doctorate Degree – Finance, Master’s in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in Commerce-Finance. Fridah is also a Certified Public Accountant of Kenya (CPA-K) and member of Institute Public Accountant of Kenya (ICPA-K).
Jesse Kang’ethe
Business Development and Partnerships
Jesse is a holder of a Bachelors Degree in Economics and Psychology. Combined with his 4 years of experience in business and partnership development, talent management, client support and event management, he brings utility to our administrative role. His past experience in youth leadership balances a passion for innovation and youth engagement as the future for industry within the region. He ensures the efficiency of our internal processes, through the creation of a sustainable office eco-system to maintain fluid operations while staying true to our dynamic organizational culture.
Olivia Muia
Communications Manager
Olivia has a background in brand strategy consultancy, storytelling and marketing communication. She built her expertise while working with various agencies which focused on a human-centered design approach to creative problem-solving. Olivia oversees the communication and communication-design activities at HEVA which include communication strategy and execution, investment and grant program branding and communication development, engaging our stakeholders on our various platforms, and developing content.
Diana Odero
Communications and Program Officer
Diana is a writer who holds a Master's in Multimedia Journalism. She has garnered years of experience in the print and digital media space as well as in the communications industry. Diana is part of both the communications and the programs team at HEVA where she conducts duties that include content production, social media management, report research and report writing; ensuring that our stakeholders are always engaged and informed on our various projects on our various platforms.
Jane Pauline
Communications Officer
JP is a communications officer proficient in messaging, website, and digital media management, seamlessly leverages her background in anthropology to navigate the realm of communication in the arts. Her expertise allows her to refine and apply an expansive skill set, contributing to her effectiveness in conveying messages and managing various digital platforms.
Vivian Kimemia
Finance Officer
Vivian is a seasoned Finance Officer with expertise in finance and accounting. With a keen eye for detail and strong understanding of financial principles, Vivian assists in managing our financial operations and reporting within the realms of grants management. She ensures financial transparency and compliance with regulatory requirements. Furthermore, she provides comprehensive finance and grant reporting capacity building services that help streamline our financial and grant reporting efficiency. She holds a bachelors degree in Economics and Statistics and is currently pursuing Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.
Hussein Anekeya
Grants Officer
Hussein is a skilled Grants and Finance Management professional with extensive experience in managing large, donor-funded programs across various fields, including Peace Building, Governance, Democracy and Human Rights, Devolution, and Agriculture-led initiatives. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce, Accounting from the University of Nairobi and is currently pursuing an MBA in Finance from UNICAF University. His expertise lies in budget planning, grants management, and donor reporting. As the Grants Officer at HEVA Fund, Hussein excels in administering the grants management cycle, ensuring compliance, timely execution, and quality reporting for projects across projects. His work is supported by experiences gained from working with prominent donors such as AGRA, USAID, FCDO, DANIDA, GCERF, and SIDA, making him a valuable asset to his team. Hussein is a critical thinker with an open mind. He is motivated to see a changing world driven by location-evidence-led solutions and innovations. He believes in giving everyone equal opportunity.
Pauline Oduke
Grants Accounts Assistant
Pauline has over seven years experience in the field of Finance five of which are in the non-profit sector, she has expertise in grants management, project finance management, financial analysis and interpretation of financial data, accounting and audit. Besides having a knack for numbers, Pauline is proficient in providing top-notch grants management solutions hence the impeccable skills including strong people skills, solid communication and budget management knowledge. She holds a Bachelor's Degree of Commerce in Accounting and currently pursuing tax administration course, and Certified Public Accounts advanced level
Caren Ndiwa
Office and Administartion Assistant
Caren holds a certificate in ICT and has over ten years experience in an administrative role. Caren pays an integral role in our day-to-day operations such as managing files, updating paperwork and other documents, performing general office clerk duties, assisting in accounts, errands and receiving clients at the HEVA office. She is also currently pursuing a BBA certificate.
Carolyne Mumbi
Grants Accounts Intern
Carolyne is a dynamic finance professional with a Bachelor's degree in Economics and ongoing CPAs studies. With experience in finance and accounting, Carolyne now serves as a Grants Accounts Intern at HEVA. In this role, she supports the finance team in conducting financial analysis, expenditure verifications, budget monitoring and ensuring compliance with funding requirements. Passionate about finance and dedicated to continuous learning, Carolyne exemplifies commitment to excellence in her field.
Alex Muia Kimilu
Accounts Intern
Alex works in grant management providing support through thorough review of financial reports, assessing the accuracy, completeness and compliance to donor guidelines and regulations as stipulated in the grant agreements. Alex holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Cooperative University of Kenya, Diploma in Banking and Finance (KNEC), certificate in Financial Modelling and Valuation Analysts, Certificate in Business Intelligence and Data Analysts and is currently pursing Certified Public Accountant Professional course. He also has more than four years’ experience in Data Analysis, Credit management and Finance Management.
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