AmCham Force for Good

Irene Mbari-Kirika founded inABLE in 2009, and serves as Executive Director. inABLE’s mission is truly “visionary,” because it empowers blind and visually impaired students in Africa through technology. Due to Irene’s ability to form strategic relationships, inABLE is a leader in inclusive education, accessible computer skills training, and assistive technology research. Irene’s leadership has created technology-powered special-educational environments to improve the lives of marginalized youth in Africa. Her recent venture, Technoprise Consulting, is a next-generation tech inclusion global company. Technoprise employs people with disabilities who provide digital accessibility services to public and private sector companies around the world. Irene holds a Global Master’s of Arts, International Affairs, Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University in Massachusetts, USA. In recognition of her many accomplishments in service to Kenya, Irene was awarded the Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya in 2016 by the Kenyan government.

Chris joined Hudson Sandler in 2019 to lead Hudson Sandler Africa. He has advised multinational corporations and organisations at a senior level around the world and has a proven track record of developing communications strategies and creative campaigns for some of Africa’s most prestigious and high-profile brands, corporations, NGOs, and public sector bodies. He was named by PRWeek as one the UK’s most influential PR practitioners; and one of the most influential international PR professionals. Chris is a Fellow and former President of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, as well as a member of the Public Relations Society of Kenya. He is the author of several books on public relations, including Winning Reputations: How to Be Your Own Spin Doctor and Creative Business.

Robert Karanja is an experienced business leader with over 23 years of solid experience working throughout Africa.

As a Director on the Responsible Technology team, Robert leads Omidyar Network's work in Africa, with a specific focus on leading strategic investments that advance the evolution of Digital Identification including privacy, user value and control, and security. He manages a portfolio of investments valued at $8 million and works closely with multi-laterals, Government, Civil Society, Private Sector and Research Institutions across the African continent.

Prior to Omidyar Network, Robert led Safaricom PLC’s Responsible Business Leadership function where on secondment to The B Team, he pioneered Safaricom’s engagement with other global business CEO’s on responsible business and sustainability. Robert built the cohort of B Team Africa business leaders that included CEO’s, Civil Society Leaders and others focused on using their voice and network to build a more equitable Africa.

Robert previously worked in development where he led the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act export market development program at USAID East Africa and also curated Southern Africa’s first craft export market development program funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Robert sits on various boards and is currently the Chair of B Lab East Africa and a member of the Select Africa board. He is also a member of the California State University Chico Cybersecurity Advisory Council.

Robert received his MBA in Strategic Management from Moi University. He also earned his BCom. degree from the University of Northern British Columbia. He was a KIVA fellow in 2010 and was nominated to serve on the World Economic Forum Global Future Council on the Humanitarian System for the 2019 - 2020 term.

Samson is an experienced sustainability and shared value professional with over seven years’ experience in sustainability and sustainable business strategies development, integration and reporting. Prior to joining Corteva, Samson has worked in ICT and financial services sectors in Kenya. He holds a Master’s degree in Project Planning and Management and is a certified sustainability practitioner by the Chartered Institute of Management. In addition, he holds a diploma in Sustainable Business from the Swedish Institute.

Rebecca is an award-winning sustainability communications expert, creating programmes that improve global companies’ ESG ratings, develop their reputations for responsibility and drive industry leadership positioning. Built on more than 20 years’ experience of crisis and reputation management, her work today helps organisations overcome industry-wide ethical, environmental and social issues. Rebecca advises a broad range of industries – from extractives to food service – and provides senior counsel to governments and regulators. Rebecca is currently developing sustainability strategies and profiles for the world’s largest producer of low carbon aluminium, a leading sustainable palm oil producer and companies in the mining, food and FMCG sectors.