James Mutua
Chairperson, Advisory Board
Former diplomat with 25 years of experience in multilateral institutions. Passionate about Africa's role in shaping global governance.
Who We Are
About the WAKI Institute
A think tank, a community, and a movement — rooted in Machakos and reaching the world.
Our Mission
Why We Exist
The WAKI Institute exists to build a world where communities are empowered to shape international affairs — and where the affairs of the world find their way back into every community.
"We believe that the most powerful force in international affairs is not policy — it is people. Informed, courageous, connected people who refuse to let geography define their ambition."
Founded in 2024 and anchored at the WAKI Peace Park in Machakos County, Kenya, we occupy a unique position: we are simultaneously a local institution deeply connected to the community around us, and a global platform for ideas, dialogue, and leadership development.
Our work spans fellowships, scholarships, environmental stewardship, peace and reconciliation, mentorship, and the construction of a physical institute that will serve as a hub for these activities for decades to come.
What Guides Us
Our Core Values
Five principles that define how we work, whom we serve, and what we build.
Community First
Every program, initiative, and partnership starts with the question: how does this serve the community? We build from the ground up, not the top down.
Global Citizenship
We nurture leaders who understand their responsibilities not just to their nations, but to the wider human family and to the planet we share.
Integrity
We hold ourselves to the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in all our relationships and operations.
Excellence
From our scholarship recipients to our facilities, we pursue the highest possible standard — because Africa's future deserves nothing less.
Collaboration
The challenges of our time require that we work together. We build bridges — between generations, nations, disciplines, and worldviews.
African Identity
We are proudly African. Our programmes are shaped by African history, African wisdom, and African ambition — for Africa and the world.
The People
Our Advisory Team
Experienced leaders from diplomacy, academia, civil society, and business who guide the Institute's vision and strategy.
Dr. Amina Njoroge
Academic Director
Professor of International Relations at the University of Nairobi. Author of three books on African diplomacy and post-colonial governance.
Peter Kioko
Programs Director
Civil society leader with deep roots in Machakos County. Led community development initiatives reaching over 50,000 beneficiaries.
Grace Mwangi
Finance & Operations
Chartered Accountant with extensive experience in NGO governance and international development funding across East Africa.
Samuel Omondi
Youth & Partnerships
Youth advocate and entrepreneur. Founder of two youth-led social enterprises and advisor to the African Union Youth Council.
Fatuma Wambua
Environmental Programs Lead
Environmental scientist and conservationist. Spearheads the institute's environmental education and conservation programs at WAKI Peace Park.
Join the Movement
Become Part of Our Story
Whether as a fellow, scholar, volunteer, or donor — there is a place for you at the WAKI Institute.