Meet Our Dedicated Team
Our team comprises passionate individuals who bring a diverse range of skills and experiences to the institution. Together, we’re committed to delivering excellence in every project we undertake. Get to know the faces behind our success and discover how we collaborate to achieve outstanding results.
Brig. (Rtd.) Dr. Robert Kabage, PhD, EBS
Chief Executive OfficerBrig. (Rtd.) Dr. Robert Kabage, PhD, EBS
Brigadier (Rtd) Dr. Robert. G Kabage, PhD, EBS is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) OF Mashariki Research and Policy Centre (MRPC).He is a distinguished peace, conflict and security management expert, an accomplished practitioner and academic with national, continental and international expertise. Until his retirement in 2016, he diligently served the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) for over 35 years. Between 1999 and 2001, Brigadier (Rtd) Dr. Kabage was deployed as a Peacekeeper in Sierra Leone in charge of the Demobilization, Disarmament and Reintegration (DDR) program. From 2008 to 2011, he was posted as a Defense Attaché, at the Kenya Mission to the United Nations (KMUN) in New York. He later served as the Director of the International Peace Support Training Center (IPSTC) between 2012 and 2015. Upon his retirement, the KDF seconded him to the African Union Commission (AUC) as the Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Officer (M&E) at the Peace Support Operations Division (PSOD), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 2016 to 2020.
For his exemplary service in KDF, he was awarded the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) of Kenya in 2013, in recognition for his efforts in developing and maintaining internal institutional cohesion, creating partnerships with external agencies such as the United Nations, the African Union and other potential peace support partners; delivering peace support operations training to East Africa Standby Force, and meticulous management of the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC) budget.
He was also awarded a United Nations Medal for his exemplary performance as a peacekeeper in the UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), where he was recognized for his leadership as a Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) officer, for conducting successful intensive sensitization programmes, establishing and operationalizing DDR centres in the remote rebel-held areas of the country. On the academic front, Brigadier (Rtd) Dr. Kabage holds a PhD in Peace and Conflict Studies from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), Kenya. He also has a Master of Science degree in Governance, Peace and Security (Security Management option), and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Peace and Conflict Studies from Africa Nazarene University, Kenya. He holds two Diplomas in Strategic Studies and International Relations, both from the University of Nairobi. He also holds a Diploma in Stores Management and Stock Control from London College. He has been a Peace and Security Management lecturer at Laikipia and Egerton Universities in Kenya.
Until his current appointment as Chief Executive Officer of Mashariki Research and Policy Centre (MRPC), Dr. Kabage was the Executive Director of The Global Centre for Policy and Strategy (GLOCEPS), from February 2022 to February 2024, where he contributed to its growth, to be one of the leading think tanks in Kenya with regional and international influence.
Dr. Kabage is well-published with his research interests focused on the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) Framework, peacekeeping, transnational crimes, national and regional security, border defence and community policing strategies. His recent article is titled “Upsurge in violent extremism across Africa: Capacity building deficit to addressing radicalization”.
Dr. Kabage has consulted for various institutions such as the African Union Peace Support Operations Division (AU PSOD), the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF), the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC), the African Peace Support Trainers Association (APSTA) and the National Defence University, Kenya (NDU- K).
Dr. Solomon Njenga, PhD. ESG, EIA, EIK.
Director of Research and PolicyDr. Solomon Njenga, PhD. ESG, EIA, EIK.
Solomon Njenga is the Director of Research and Policy, and Managing Editor of Mashariki Security Journal at the Centre, where he also serves as a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT). He leads MRPC’s research, policy, and project portfolios, advancing evidence-based solutions to critical regional and global challenges. Dr. Njenga holds a PhD in Climate Science from University of Nairobi-Kenya (in collaboration with York University Canada), a PhD in Security and Peace Studies from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, an MSc in Project Management from the University of Manchester (UK), and an MSc in Sustainability Sciences from the University of Oxford (UK). His expertise lies in the Climate-Security-Peace-Sustainability nexus, where he provides thought leadership that bridges science, policy, and practice across Africa.
Dr. Njenga has previously worked with leading international institutions, including the World Bank-IFC, Global Affairs Canada, and Mission Inclusion-IUCN Resea Project and Conservation International, Africa Field Division. In academia, he served as Dean School of Climate Governance, Peace and Security at Africa Nazarene University, Founding Director of the Institute of Sustainability and Climate Action (ISUCA) at International Leadership University, and Lecturer at the University of Nairobi. He is also a certified environmental expert accredited by NEMA and a member of the Environmental Institute of Kenya (EIK). A prolific scholar, practitioner, and geopolitical commentator, Dr. Njenga has authored three academic books, published over 25 peer-reviewed journal articles, and written more than 50 geopolitical op-ed commentaries, significantly shaping debates on climate, peace, and sustainability in Africa and globally.
Sammy Kwinga
Director of Finance and AdministrationSammy Kwinga
Sammy Kwinga is the Centre’s Head of Human Resource and Administration. His career spans over eight years in various fields, where he has acquired experience in media; both print and digital, as well as human resource management, including working with corporations as their remote human resource manager and accountant. He has a background in legal and finance and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Nairobi.
Agnes Maina
Research FellowAgnes Maina
Agnes, our Geopolitical Shifts Lead Researcher, brings expertise in global power dynamics and emerging alliances to MRPC’s strategic vision. She holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and Security Studies from the University of Bradford (UK) and has more than seven years of experience in project management. She is also an active member of Women in International Security (WIIS), reflecting her commitment to advancing inclusive leadership in the field. Having worked in leading Research and Development hubs, Agnes now applies her interests in security economics and risk mitigation to designing frameworks that enhance transformative influence in the security sector. At the Centre, she leads the monitoring, analysis and evaluation of international dynamics, translating complex geopolitical data into clear, actionable foresight insights. Her work supports decision-making across MRPC and its partner projects throughout Eastern Africa, ensuring they remain agile and well-prepared in the evolving geopolitical landscape.
Alfred Eket
Research FellowAlfred Eket
Alfred Eket is a Research Fellow at Mashariki Research and Policy Centre, where he serves as the lead researcher for Environmental Security. He is passionate about contributing to a better understanding of this thematic focus area through rigorous, high quality, original and impactful research. With five years of professional experience in diverse sectors, Alfred brings a unique blend of administrative and academic expertise to his work. He has two years of experience in academic research writing, and has previously served as an office administrator and general manager. This background allows him to approach tasks with a strong focus on detail and a results-oriented mindset. Alfred holds a Bachelor’s degree in Community Development and Environment from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). To further enhance his professional skills, he completed a 10-day training on Management Skills and Leadership Development at eKRAAL Hub Training Center in Nairobi in March 2023. His research interests span several key areas, including environment, sociology, sustainable development as well as risk and disaster management, with special focus on Eastern Africa.
Joe Kiarie
Communications & Partnerships LeadJoe Kiarie
Joe Kiarie is the Communications and Partnerships Lead at Mashariki Research and Policy Centre. The role primarily involves developing and executing communication strategies to advance organizational goals, create a positive public image, and foster growth.
Kiarie, a University of Nairobi graduate, is an award-winning journalism and communications professional with over 20 years of experience in writing, editing, public relations and marketing. He has previously served as a senior in-house writer in the print media divisions of Nation Media Group, The Standard Group PLC and Mediamax Network Ltd.
He has also served as a Communications Consultant for different organizations, offering specialized communications services such as media relations, marketing, content creation, media monitoring and crisis management.
Grace Musolo
Executive Assistant to the CEOGrace Musolo
Grace Musolo is the Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer at Mashariki Research and Research Centre. Her key responsibilities include managing communications and partnerships at the Centre. She has previously worked with think tanks and intergovernmental organizations, and contributed to a wide range of projects related to integrated research and humanitarian engagements. She recently participated in the Emerging Leaders in Australia-Africa Diplomacy (ELAAD) Research Fellowship (2022-2023), an Australian program of the Curtin University for the Australia Africa Universities Network (AAUN). She holds a Master’s Degree in International Relations (majoring in Peace and Conflict) and Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (majoring in Development & Diplomacy and Minor in Management) from the United States International University Africa (USIU-Africa). Her research interests include diplomacy, gender, democracy & governance, peace, security, and international development with a special focus on Eastern Africa.
Michael Mutunga
Digital Systems & Creative LeadMichael Mutunga
With a decade plus of dedicated experience, Michael is a seasoned professional in website development and ICT consultancy, adept at transforming complex digital challenges into streamlined, effective solutions. His expertise spans the full lifecycle of web projects, from conceptual design and robust backend development to deployment and ongoing maintenance, consistently delivering high-performance and user-centric online platforms. Complementing this, is his role as an ICT consultant where he advises businesses on optimizing their technology infrastructure, enhancing cybersecurity measures, and implementing innovative IT strategies to drive efficiency and sustainable growth.
Nancy Adhiambo
Office AssistantNancy Adhiambo Okoth
Nancy Adhiambo Okoth is the Centre’s Office Assistant. She is a skilled chef with excellent organizational skills and ensures overall upkeep of the office. Nancy holds a higher diploma in International Culinary Arts Management.
James Maranga
Centre’s CaretakerJames Maranga
James Maranga is the Caretaker at Mashariki Research and Policy Centre. He is dedicated to preserving the Centre’s environment. He has over 10 years of experience in this role. He is known for supporting sustainable green practices and is a dedicated team player. James holds a certificate in Motor Vehicle Mechanic Grade III.