Richard Waithaka

_{Founder and Team Leader}

Richard Waithaka is a seasoned business development strategist, innovation management practitioner, policy and research expert, and finance professional with over 15 years of experience in entrepreneurship, startup development, enterprise growth, and ecosystem building. His expertise spans business development, technology and innovation management, financial accounting, resource optimization, capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability frameworks aligned with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Throughout his career, Richard has demonstrated exceptional leadership in establishing and scaling impactful enterprises and innovation-driven initiatives. He has successfully led both Eureka Resources Ltd and Mizani Innovation Hub, earning recognition for his strategic precision, resilience, determination, and results-oriented approach. His ability to identify opportunities, mobilize resources, and build strategic partnerships has positioned him as a respected leader within the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem.

Richard has played a significant role in national development initiatives, including the Out of School Science, Technology and Innovation (OSSTEI) program, which promotes science, technology, and innovation among out-of-school youth. He has also served as a Board Member of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry>, contributing to policy dialogue, private sector development, and enterprise growth initiatives. Under his leadership, Eureka Resources Ltd has built an extensive network reaching over 30,000 farmers and 5,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), supporting value chain development, market access, capacity building, and sustainable business growth across diverse sectors. At Mizani Innovation Hub, Richard serves as the Team Lead, coordinating multidisciplinary teams of experts, policymakers, academia, industry leaders, investors, and development partners from both local and international ecosystems. He has been instrumental in fostering collaboration between key stakeholders to bridge skills gaps, accelerate innovation, and support the commercialization of emerging ventures.

Known for his outstanding mobilization and networking capabilities, Richard has successfully brought together entrepreneurs, institutions, governments, academia, and private sector actors to create impactful programs and partnerships. His unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainable development, and inclusive economic growth continues to drive transformative outcomes for startups, MSMEs, and communities across Africa.

Motto: “Provoking Innovative Intelligence”

Dr.Eunice Macharia

_{Lead Researcher}

Dr.Eunice Macharia is the Lead for Research, Policy, and Collaboration at Mizani Innovation Hub, driving research, partnerships, and policy engagement for sustainable impact. She is a trainer and mentor of young entrepreneurs, equipping them with practical skills, innovation strategies and business development knowledge to build successful and sustainable enterprises. Dr.Machariais also a Lecturer at Kenyatta university Department of Public Policy and Administration where she is committed to teaching, research and mentorship.

Motto: “Provoking Innovative Intelligence”

Maria Weir

_{Chief Executive Officer, ARICC | Vice President, Areopa}

Maria Weir is an internationally recognised expert in Intellectual Capital, innovation, ESG value creation, and enterprise development. As Chief Executive Officer of ARICC (AReopa Research and Intellectual Capital Centre) and Vice President of Applied Research, Innovation and Product Development at Areopa, she has spent more than two decades helping organisations unlock the value of knowledge, innovation, and intangible assets.

Maria has worked with businesses, universities, governments, and international organisations to support innovation, investment readiness, sustainable growth, and the commercialisation of Intellectual Capital. She is widely recognised for her contributions to Intellectual Capital management, ESG integration, and value creation methodologies.

Within Mizani, Maria provides strategic leadership for entrepreneurship, innovation ecosystems, capacity building, and enterprise development programmes that support young entrepreneurs, SMEs, women-led businesses, and emerging innovators across Africa and beyond.

Motto: “Provoking Innovative Intelligence”

Peter Mwangi Wahome

_{Financial Advisor}

Peter Mwangi Wahome is a seasoned finance professional with over 20 years of experience specializing in tax, financial operations and reporting, audit, and financial planning. He has built a strong reputation in financial planning, business process automation,tax compliance and optimization, working capital management, regulatory compliance, business setup, and risk management. Currently working in the telecommunications sector, Peter plays a key role in supporting product development, enhancing working capital efficiency, driving process automation, strengthening financial reporting, and managing risk to support strategic decision-making. Prior to this, Peter worked with PwC, where he provided audit, financial, and tax advisory services to a diverse portfolio of clients across multiple industries. His experience spans sectors including consumer markets, telecommunications, financial services, startups, mining and exploration, agriculture, government, and infrastructure. At Mizani he contributes to the business community, where he offers expertise in business finance, tax planning and optimization, compliance, and entrepreneurship. He is a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), reflecting his commitment to professional excellence and ethical standards in the finance profession.

Naomi May W. Mwangi, CHRP (K)

_{Quality Assurance Lead}

Naomi May W. Mwangi, CHRP (K) is an accomplished University Lecturer and  Consultant in Human Resource and Organisational Development with over two decades of experience spanning financial accounting, executive leadership, and academia. As a PhD candidate at Strathmore University Business School, she leverages her extensive background, including a former tenure as the university’s Executive Director of Human Resources managing over 500 staff, to design and deliver high-impact modules on leadership, team dynamics, and people & culture management. Naomi frequently lends her speciality on managing people & talent to strategic corporate programs,  startup initiatives like @ilabAfrica’s Women in Tech & the Sisters Value Blended Program and in institutional governance through boards.

Driven by a deep professional commitment to social transformation and human capital development, Naomi actively champions the advancement of women and youth across East Africa. Through her work in Strathmore University’s , she provides holistic professional, human, and entrepreneurial guidance to dozens of young women and emerging professionals annually. Combining an MBA with robust field experience and full professional accreditation with the Institute of Human Resource Managers, Naomi seamlessly bridges the gap between rigorous academic theory and HR practice.

At Mizani Naomi is responsible for integrating best practices in Human capital development, designing and implementing quality standards for  training mentorship programs.

Ms Zara Doe

_{Ghana office}