Technical Committee

CPA Kithinji Kiragu has had a distinguished career, culminating in his appointment as the Chairperson of the Inter-Governmental Relations Technical Committee (IGRTC) by former President Uhuru Kenyatta CGH on March 31, 2022. He has a solid educational foundation, with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Nairobi and an MBA from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow. Additionally, he is a Certified Public Accountant in Kenya. Over the last thirty years, Mr. Kiragu has been extensively involved as a consultant and adviser to governments and development partners, including the World Bank and UK-DFID. His expertise spans institutional and political economy analysis, organizational and human resources development, public finance management, and governance. Notably, he served as the Chief Technical Adviser for Public Sector Reforms for the Government of Tanzania from 1995 to 1998, and as Strategy Adviser for the reform of Nigeria's Federal Public Service in 2009-2010. He has also published extensively on topics related to public sector management, political economy, and governance. Mr. Kiragu began his career in accounting and auditing, spending three years lecturing on these subjects at the University of Nairobi. His professional path led him to Coopers & Lybrand, where he developed a career in management and economics consulting. He later founded KK Consulting Associates, which merged with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in 2002. At PwC, he served as a Partner/Director with responsibility for public sector advisory services in the Africa Central Region until 2007, after which he joined the Africa Development Professional Group in a similar role. Between 2009 and 2012, Mr. Kiragu was the Chairman of the State Corporations Advisory Committee (SCAC) in Kenya's Office of the President. In recent years, Mr. Kiragu has been a member of the Board of the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital, where he chaired the Board's Committee for Strategy, Finance & Corporate Services. Beyond his professional endeavours, he has been involved in entrepreneurship, including being a majority shareholder in Solid Investment Securities Limited, which was acquired by NIC Bank in 2008. He is also an active investor in education and farming and enjoys playing golf.

Pascalyne Ntang’enoi Kimirri is a public administration, governance and public policy professional with over 15 years of experience spanning national government, county governance and university administration. Her areas of experience include intergovernmental relations, policy implementation, institutional governance, stakeholder engagement, committee management and strategic administration. She holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from the University of Nairobi, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Political Studies and Sociology from Kenyatta University. She also holds a Higher Diploma in Human Resource Management and is currently pursuing a PhD in Public Policy at the University of Nairobi. Ms. Kimirri currently serves as Faculty Registrar at the University of Nairobi, Faculty of Engineering, where she is responsible for academic administration and institutional governance. She also serves as Secretary to the Faculty Academic Board, supporting policy interpretation and decision-making, coordinating multidisciplinary functions, and facilitating compliance, quality assurance, audits and institutional reporting. Previously, she served in senior administrative positions at the University of Nairobi’s Faculties of Law and Arts and Social Sciences. In these roles, she coordinated governance processes, supported high-level committees, facilitated policy implementation, managed institutional planning and performance systems, and engaged with academic, administrative and external stakeholders. Ms. Kimirri’s national government experience includes serving as a District Officer in the then Ministry of State for Provincial Administration and Internal Security. In this capacity, she coordinated government functions at the local level, implemented public programmes, facilitated inter-agency collaboration and participated in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, disaster response and community engagement. She has also contributed to county and institutional governance through her service on the Laikipia County Revenue Board, county recruitment panels and the Board of Management of Buruburu Girls Secondary School. Her professional experience across public administration, university governance, policy implementation and intergovernmental coordination provides her with a broad understanding of public sector institutions and the processes that support effective governance and service delivery.

Ahmed Kanyara Bishar is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, governance practitioner and public sector leader with over 14 years of progressive experience spanning legal practice, public finance, strategic leadership and institutional oversight. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance), a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law. He is currently pursuing a Master of Laws (LL.M) at the University of Nairobi. He is a member of the Law Society of Kenya and the East Africa Law Society, a Certified Secretary and member of the Institute of Certified Secretaries, an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, and a Professional Mediator. He is also a Data Protection Law and Compliance Expert and an Accredited Legal and Compliance Auditor. Mr. Bishar began his career in public financial management across the national and county governments, gaining extensive experience in budgeting, public expenditure management, accountability systems and fiscal governance. He later transitioned into legal practice, serving as a Legal Assistant before establishing Ahmed Kanyara & Company Advocates and subsequently KAH Advocates LLP, where he currently serves as Managing Partner. In this capacity, he provides strategic legal, policy and governance advisory services to public institutions, corporate entities, development partners and community organisations. He currently serves as a Board Director at the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), where he is a member of the Audit Committee and the Technical and Strategy Committee. His responsibilities include providing oversight in areas such as financial reporting, internal controls, strategic plan implementation and drought resilience programmes across the 23 ASAL counties. Mr. Bishar brings a combination of legal expertise, public finance experience, governance knowledge and board-level leadership. His professional background provides a broad understanding of public sector systems, devolution frameworks, institutional accountability and collaborative governance.

Mary Nanjala Kilobi is a Kenyan communication and media professional with over 15 years of experience in journalism, strategic communication, public engagement and stakeholder relations. She has built a distinguished career as a senior journalist, with professional experience in Kenya and across the region. Her career has placed her at the intersection of the media, government, public institutions and citizens, giving her extensive experience in public communication, stakeholder engagement, dialogue and the role of the media in promoting governance and public accountability. Ms. Kilobi holds a Master’s degree in International Studies (Diplomacy) from the University of Nairobi, which provided her with a strong foundation in diplomacy, institutional relations and conflict resolution. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature, Kiswahili and Gender Studies from Makerere University. With more than a decade and a half of experience in the media and communication sector, Ms. Kilobi brings expertise in journalism, strategic communication, public engagement and stakeholder relations. Her professional background provides her with a practical understanding of Kenya’s governance environment and the importance of effective communication in strengthening relationships between government institutions and the public. She brings to IGRTC a combination of communication expertise, media experience and knowledge of stakeholder engagement, contributing to effective communication, dialogue and cooperation across the different levels and organs of government.

Mr. Wilson Kuria Thuita is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with extensive professional experience spanning legal practice, public administration, governance, legislative processes, institutional management and the private sector. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree and is currently pursuing a Master of Laws (LL.M) at the University of Nairobi. He is also a graduate of Information Technology from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and is pursuing a Bachelor of Divinity at St. Paul’s University. Mr. Thuita has extensive experience in county governance and public administration. He served as County Solicitor in the Murang’a County Government, where he provided legal counsel, represented the County Government in judicial and quasi-judicial proceedings, and supported the development and implementation of county legislation, policies and legal frameworks. He also served as Deputy County Secretary and Sub-County Administrator in the Murang’a County Government, gaining experience in policy development, resource and performance management, service delivery, citizen participation, partnerships and coordination of government functions. Prior to his public-sector career, Mr. Thuita worked in the private sector, including at Equity Bank, where he served as a Credit Administrator. His experience in the financial sector provided him with exposure to financial management, institutional operations and service-oriented administration. His professional experience across legal practice, county administration, legislative governance, institutional leadership, policy development, resource management and private-sector operations provides him with a broad understanding of the structures and processes underpinning devolved governance. He brings this experience to his role at IGRTC in supporting cooperation and coordination between the national and county governments, effective implementation of devolution and constructive intergovernmental relations.

Sylvia Apaa is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, Certified Professional Mediator and legal practitioner with over 14 years of experience in administrative law, human rights, devolution, policy development, alternative dispute resolution and law reform. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from Moi University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration at Kenyatta University. She has also undertaken executive management and leadership training. Ms. Apaa served as Senior Legal Counsel at the Commission on Administrative Justice (Office of the Ombudsman), where she worked extensively with national and county governments on governance, accountability, grievance redress and access to information. In this role, she supported the development of governance and access-to-information frameworks across more than 30 counties, coordinated stakeholder engagements, delivered capacity-building programmes and facilitated the resolution of administrative grievances. She has also contributed to national policy development, including the development of the Access to Information Regulations, Public Participation Policy and Data Protection Framework. Her experience in mediation and alternative dispute resolution has further strengthened her capacity in consensus building, stakeholder engagement and management of complex institutional relationships. Ms. Apaa brings extensive experience in legal practice, public-sector governance, policy development, devolution and institutional accountability. Her professional background provides a strong understanding of the legal and institutional frameworks that support effective cooperation and coordination across the different levels of government.

Kennedy R. O. Riaga is a strategic and corporate management executive with over 25 years of experience in public service, corporate governance, financial management and institutional leadership. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K) and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), with expertise in strategic leadership, governance, policy implementation, risk management, stakeholder engagement and organisational transformation. He holds a Master of Business Administration (Finance) from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Business Studies from Kenyatta University. He has also undertaken extensive professional training in corporate governance, strategic leadership, quality management systems, business process re-engineering and risk management. Mr. Riaga has held various senior leadership positions throughout his career, including Managing Partner at EBN Advisory Ltd, Acting Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Water Institute, Deputy Director, Corporate Services, and Deputy Director, Management Services. He has also served in internal audit roles at Mwalimu SACCO. He began his professional career as a teacher before transitioning into financial management, audit, corporate administration and institutional leadership. His diverse experience has provided him with extensive exposure to organisational governance, financial oversight, institutional performance, risk management and strategic planning. Mr. Riaga is a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) and the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA). His experience in strategic and corporate management, financial management, governance and institutional leadership provides a broad understanding of the systems and processes that support effective public sector performance and organisational transformation.

Evalyn Aruasa is a Kenyan legal professional and public-sector leader with over 10 years of experience in county governance, public administration, policy development, strategic leadership and service delivery. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from Moi University and a Higher Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law. She is a member of the Law Society of Kenya and the Federation of Women Lawyers–Kenya (FIDA Kenya). Ms. Aruasa served as Deputy Governor of Narok County and was the pioneer Chairperson of the Deputy Governors Forum, where she contributed to strengthening intergovernmental coordination, county governance and public service delivery. During her tenure in county leadership, she was involved in initiatives aimed at improving access to public services and advancing inclusive development. Among her notable initiatives was a KES 9.6 million sanitary towel programme, which benefited 10,566 girls in 94 secondary schools across Narok County. Her professional and leadership experience spans legal practice, county governance, public administration, policy implementation and stakeholder engagement. She has also demonstrated a commitment to accountability, gender equality and inclusive development, with a focus on empowering women, youth and persons with disabilities. Ms. Aruasa brings to IGRTC experience in county leadership, intergovernmental relations and public-sector governance, contributing to the coordination and strengthening of relations between the national and county governments.

Mr. John Kimwela is a member of the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee, where he chairs the Summit, COG, and Intergovernmental Structures Sub-Committee. He is a seasoned expert in devolution and decentralized governance, with over a decade of experience in public administration, policy development, and capacity building. His extensive career spans over 15 years in both the public and private sectors. John plays a key role in providing strategic guidance and technical assistance to both national and county governments in Kenya, aiding in the effective implementation of devolution policies and programs. Previously, he served as a policy advisor to the Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Devolution, where he contributed to drafting policy papers and driving significant reforms in the devolution sector. In addition to his public service, John has a background in the media industry, having worked as a media consultant at Capital FM, Standard Media Group, and Nation Media, where he significantly contributed to revenue growth. He also has experience in the banking sector, having served as a Business Advisor at Barclays Bank. John holds a Master’s degree in Project Planning and Management, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.

Mr. Michael Lenasalon is the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Devolution. He brings to the role a wealth of experience in public service, financial investigations and digital forensics, gained over more than a decade in both government and non-governmental organizations. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Lenasalon served as a Senior Investigations Officer at the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), where he was instrumental in the detection and investigation of tax fraud and financial crimes. His responsibilities included gathering financial intelligence, conducting forensic data analysis, case file management and providing expert testimony in court. He also served as an Investigations Officer within the same institution and previously worked with the Elbarta Children and Family Programme under ChildFund Kenya as a Procurement and ICT Officer. Mr. Lenasalon is a highly skilled digital forensics and data analysis expert, proficient in the use of specialized investigative tools such as IBM i2 Analyst's Notebook, Autopsy, Cellebrite and Maltego. He also has experience in malware analysis, network traffic monitoring and database management using SQL and Python. He holds a Master’s degree in Forensic Computing and Cybercrime Investigations from University College Dublin, Ireland, graduating with First Class Honours. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering from Kenyatta University. Mr. Lenasalon is a member of the Kenya Cybersecurity and Forensics Association and an Associate Certified Fraud Examiner. Beyond his professional expertise, Mr. Lenasalon has demonstrated a strong commitment to community development and governance. He has held leadership positions in various community-based and national organizations, including serving as a Board Member of the Samburu Water and Sanitation Company, a Trustee of the Samburu Development Trust and the Secretary to the Samburu Professionals Association. He is also the elected Chairperson of the Loonjorin-Ejuk Community Land. Mr. Lenasalon’s leadership is anchored in integrity, innovation and a deep commitment to public service and grassroots empowerment.