Citizen-Centered Co-Creation

Conducts research on citizen engagement, communications, and governance in Africa, applying social science methods to analyze citizen voices and generate data and insights for decision-making.

Supported a three-month research placement at IBM Research Africa Lab in Nairobi to develop a social science framework for interpreting big data and used a Flash Grant from the Shuttleworth Foundation to develop innovations in data analysis and management.

Operates a platform to elevate diverse perspectives, stories, and voices from across the African continent, sharing grassroots-level insights on topics such as culture, development, governance, technology, and social issues through radio engagement, digital storytelling, and social media content.

Facilitates large-scale, inclusive, and contextually grounded public discussions through interactive radio platforms, incorporating input from decision-makers and audiences via SMS, instant messaging, and social media. This method is used to center citizen input in program design and policy response across various sectors including education, public health, gender equality, and livelihoods.

Launched and operates the Common Social Accountability Platform (CSAP) in Somalia to enhance citizen inclusion in decision-making processes related to peace-building, humanitarian, and development programs.

Conducted an 18-month research project on how African broadcast media uses Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to gather public opinion, which resulted in the creation of a toolkit for radio hosts.

Conducts advocacy campaigns to promote transparency, accountability, and improved performance in public service delivery across Kenya and Africa.

Implements civic education initiatives focused on governance, public finance, and national development to increase public understanding and engagement in democratic processes.

Builds and sustains a digital platform that enables broad citizen participation in democratic processes and decision-making.

Strengthens the capacity of youth and marginalized communities to engage in and influence policy and governance processes.

Facilitates citizen engagement in public decision-making across Kenya and Africa, with a focus on public finance management, economic development planning, and foreign policy through structured forums and participatory mechanisms.

Conducts advocacy projects in partnership with the Olympic Refuge Foundation to support and include displaced young people through sports programs.

Maintains a registered community of over 10,000 members and delivers capacity-building initiatives, including a massive open online course (MOOC) on Sport for Sustainable Development that has enrolled over 10,000 learners.

Operates a digital platform receiving over 1.5 million page views and 500,000 unique visitors annually, serving audiences from over 225 countries and territories. Provides day-to-day system maintenance and content administration for sportanddev, including technical support from a Junior Site Administrator.

Implements sport-based programs that support orphans, teen mothers, youth affected by poverty and HIV/AIDS, and displaced young people, with a focus on access to health care, education, shelter, and basic needs. Projects emphasize gender equality, social inclusion, and positive change through sports.

Mobilizes marginalized groups—including women, youth, and persons with disabilities—to develop policy proposals and engages community leaders to present these to local government representatives, including ward officials, members of parliament, and county governors.

Builds the capacity of community leaders and residents in conflict resolution and addressing barriers to regional growth and stability, particularly in Kenya since establishing a local office in 2018. Activities include training, institutionalizing local peacebuilding approaches, and empowering citizens to engage in community decision-making.

Supports education access by providing over 5,000 solar-powered tablets to schools in Garissa and Mandera Counties, training teachers and students in their use, and engaging communities to hold catch-up classes during the COVID-19 pandemic.