Raphael Obonyo

He is the co-founder of a number of community and youth-led initiatives including the Youth Congress, a premier youth-led organization in Kenya.

He has extensive knowledge and experience in public policy, international development, political economy, governance and human rights.

Obonyo is the 2018 recipient of the Diversity and Inclusion Outstanding Leaders Award, 2018 Africa’s Young Achievers, 2018 Leader of the Year Award by Africa Youth Awards, the 2017 Pan African Humanitarian Award, and the 2016 Best Communicator in Kenya – by Daily Nation. In 2016 he was named one of the UN Persons of the Year. Also, he received the 2016 Utumushi Bora – Exemplary Leadership Award for his contribution to mentorship and people’s empowerment.

Obonyo has been appointed to a number of advisory bodies, in both Kenya and other parts of the world, such as the National Taskforce on the Youth Policy Review established by Kenya’s Cabinet secretary incharge of Youth Affairs, World Bank’s Global Coordination Board, Global Diplomatic Forum and Africa Leadership Institute. In addition he has served on UN Habitat’s Youth Advisory Board, Les Aspin Institute of Governance and Leadership and the Ford Foundation International Fellowship Program.

He holds a Masters in Public Policy from Duke University. He is an adjunct professor at Brandeis University where he teaches International Youth Policy. He is a Ford Foundation Fellow.