Jim Freeth (Chair)

I'm Jim, and while my background is in science and biotechnology, my passion now lies in making a tangible difference in the charity sector. After getting my PhD in biological sciences, I spent 13 years co-founding and growing a really successful biotech business here in the UK. We worked globally with universities and major pharmaceutical companies, even helping develop new medicines and advance scientific understanding. In 2021, I decided it was time for a new chapter. It's always been my ambition to contribute to a charity truly impacting lives in Africa. So, I'm thrilled to now be managing the Osiligi charity and guiding its transformation into Together with Kenya. I'm excited to bring my management skills to this vital work!

Margaret Thomson (Vice-Chair)

Hi, I'm Margaret, a retired Primary Head Teacher from Scotland, and I truly believe in the power of education to transform lives. I used to run a large school of 500 pupils and 90 staff, and for the past 12 years, I've had the privilege of working on education projects across Namibia, Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya. My passion lies in skills-based learning, and I have extensive experience in curriculum development, teacher training, school management, and fostering positive, pupil-centred classrooms. I'm absolutely thrilled to be involved with Together with Kenya and am committed to opening up learning opportunities for entire communities!

Tracey Moore (Secretary & Sponsorship Lead)

I'm Tracey, and my journey with this incredible charity began in 2011, becoming the Sponsorship Manager for Junior Secondary and Primary School in 2012. I connect with around 230 amazing sponsors, mostly British, who make so much possible. After 29 years in the Civil Service, I launched my own business, but my travels across Africa, especially to Kenya, truly opened my heart. I now visit Kenya at least once a year, gathering updates and videos from the school. My passion for Kenya and empowering girls and women to reach their full potential runs deep. That's why I also founded Eripare, a social enterprise working with 30 Maasai mothers near the school. They create beautiful beadwork, which I sell in the UK, and they share in the profits – it's truly rewarding to see their talent and hard work make a difference!

David Onyango Owino (Communications Lead)

I'm David Onyango Owino, and I lead the Communications and Stakeholder Engagement for the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx) at the University of Oxford. My role involves driving the communications strategy across our Education, Research, and Innovation programs. With over a decade of experience, I've worked across the agricultural, environmental, and education sectors throughout Africa. My passion lies in bridging research into action through effective communication, and it's incredibly rewarding to see how my contributions continue to improve thousands of people's livelihoods.

Keir Thomson (Monitoring & Evaluation Lead)

I’m Keir, and I lead on monitoring and evaluation with TWK. I’m a senior social researcher in the UK Government, and I’ve worked in Theory-based evaluation, housing policy analysis and operational analysis. It’s important to me to make decisions with the best information available, and that’s what I’m hoping to bring to TWK.

Suzanna Pyne (Treasurer)

I'm Suzanne, and I co-founded PearsonWealth Management Ltd in 2005 and specialise in financial planning for pensions as well as investments, tax planning and protection. I’m proud to be the treasurer of Together Kenya and bring my experience to help make this ambitious project a reality. incredibly rewarding to apply my experience and dedication to a cause that so directly impacts their futures.

Eric McKinnon (Water Projects Lead)

I began as an apprentice with BT (GPO) in 1968 and built a technical career across communications, cable TV, R&D, emergency planning, and national project management, including a stint with GTE in Iran before returning to BT and later running an engineering consultancy. In 2015 I joined Osiligi Charity to audit pump repairs in Kenya, and over the past decade my team has repaired over 3,000 pumps, providing water access to more than a million people. Why do I do it? Well water is essential for life and health. From it, crops can grow and combined with education opportunities can be a reality for employment in a market where 70% of Kenya’s economy is in agriculture. Turning hope into a reality.

Daniel Sankale Sasine (CEO and Secretary)

Growing up in a remote Maasai village in Southern Kenya, getting an education wasn't guaranteed; it took local authorities to persuade my father. Despite those early hurdles, I became a respected career teacher and headteacher at a leading Kenyan school. Witnessing the struggles of countless underprivileged students ignited my passion. Now, as your Program Director in Kenya, I lead with a deep understanding and unwavering commitment to provide better education and brighter futures for all.

Ambassador Lemarron Kaanto (Chair)

My career has spanned non-profits, the private sector, international organisations, and public service. I even served as a diplomat for a decade, most recently as Kenya's Ambassador to Brazil and several other South American nations and was even recognised with the Commendation of the Anhanguera Order of Merit in July 2024 for strengthening Brazil-Kenya relations. Before that, I managed Corporate Affairs and Social Responsibility for Tata Chemicals Magadi, and worked with organisations like ChildFund and UNDP. I'm passionate about making a difference, having served on school boards in Kenya, I’m excited to join TWK for this exciting new project.

Everline Parkire (Treasurer)

I'm a seasoned accountant with years of experience in finance management and financial reporting. I hold a Bachelor's in Accounting from Kenyatta University and am a Certified Public Accountant. My career includes significant time with a charitable organization, where I've ensured meticulous financial records and regulatory compliance. I'm passionate about financial management, constantly updating my skills, and love mentoring aspiring accountants and supporting community financial literacy programs.

Beryl Ouma (Board Member)

I am a lawyer, Commissioner for Oaths and the Founding Partner at the firm of B A Ouma & Associates Advocates, established in 2004. I've practised as a legal attorney for over 29 years in Nairobi, Kenya. I am also a Chartered Certified Mediator. Beryl is a charter member and Past President of the Rotary Club of Langata, and also serves as a Governor at the Kenya Children’s Home, a charity that took over the running of what was then Thomas Barnados Home.

Florence (Board Member)

I am the Programme Manager of Seed of Hope Centres at Raising Futures Kenya, where I oversee training, counselling, mentorship, and income-generating initiatives that empower disadvantaged youth. With over 20 years’ experience as a Counselling Psychologist and teacher in youth empowerment, education, and community development, I am deeply passionate about creating supportive spaces that help young people break cycles of poverty, build confidence, and achieve independence.

Dr Daniel Rogei (Vice Chair)

I'm Daniel Rogei, a freelance consultant passionate about climate change and sustainable development, with a strong focus on social and environmental justice. As a Postdoctoral Fellow at Carleton University, my research delves into pastoralism, livelihoods, and the impact of green energy on indigenous communities. I've extensively consulted and researched with these communities on development, climate, and empowerment projects. My work as an indigenous scholar explores the fascinating intersection of culture and modernity, indigenous knowledge, and sustainable well-being, including the Maasai's enkishon philosophy. I'm excited to contribute to Together with Kenya's work in shaping Maasai perspectives through education and knowledge!

Ann Nashipae Mpainei (Vice-Treasurer)

I’m Ann Nashipae Mpainei, a Senior Financial Accountant at Amref Flying Doctors with 10+ years’ experience in accounting, treasury management, and reporting. Skilled in SAP, Microsoft Dynamics NAV, and cash flow optimization, I hold an MBA in Accounting, a BCom in Banking and Finance, and I’m a CPA-K. I’m passionate about using finance to drive efficiency, accountability, and smart business decisions, and I want to support an education charity because I believe access to quality education empowers young people to break cycles of poverty and build brighter futures.