MPhil (Economics) Candidate at University of Oxford | B.Comm Economics (Hons.) and B.Sc Physics Student at University of Western Australia | Fogarty and BHP Billiton Honours Scholar | Australian Top100 Future Leader | Ex-McKinsey
Jonathan graduated from Economics (Hons.) at UWA in 2017, having completed his B.Sc (Physics) in 2015. He has since worked in the McKinsey & Company Perth office, as an independent consultant in education, healthcare and the social sector, and as a full-time Strategy Advisor with FSD Africa.
He is globally oriented and technically proficient, with a multi-disciplinary background and diverse set of cross-cultural experiences, working within teams to solve problems. He has a proven record of leadership and extra-curricular activities, managing multiple commitments at a high level, whilst seeking out further stimulating opportunities within consulting, diplomacy, economics, finance, and policy.
In his spare time, Jonathan cycles, reads, plays Frisbee, binge watches British comedy and Danish crime dramas, and ruminates over the relative pros and cons of an Australian cricket XI selection decision.
Titus has over 2 years of experience in project management support, working with FSD Africa’s Risk & Resilience team.
At FSD Africa, Titus has worked both as an intern and as a project assistant consultant. He was involved in various projects where his responsibilities included supporting the Risk & Resilience team across all elements of the project management. This included assisting in preparation of concepts notes, project proposals, ToRs and working with external consultants on project coordination and implementation. He was also involved in preparing research outputs, analysing pillar portfolio information, supporting data management, project impact reporting as well as providing essential administrative support to the team.
Titus holds bachelor’s degree in Statistics from the University of Nairobi and two certifications in Financial Modelling and Valuation Analyst and Business Intelligence and Data Analyst from the Corporate Finance Institute.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Titus has a passion for nature walks and soccer.
Maria is an experienced development professional with over 12 years’ experience in the trade and transport sectors and skilled in programme and project management. Maria is passionate about promoting sustainable development and her experience has centered around enhancing environmental and social sustainability in development programmes.
Prior to joining FSD Africa, Maria worked with TradeMark Africa (formerly TradeMark East Africa) where she provided overall oversight, management and integration of critical activities spanning climate change, environment and social safeguards, and project risk in TMAs programmes. Within the transport sector, she has also worked with Rift Valley Railways in managing the delivery of various CAPEX rail operations projects to promote a shift to use of cleaner rail transport. She has significant experience working collaboratively with both the private and public sector in Africa in the implementation of critical trade and climate change programmes.
She holds an MSC. in Process Business Management from the University of Warwick and BEng degree in Chemical Engineering and Business Management from the University of Birmingham. She is also certified in Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Audit from the Africa Nazarene University. In her free time, Maria enjoys travelling and exploring nature, reading great books and spending time with family and friends.
Elizabeth has 10 years’ experience working across advertising, marketing, technology and financial services across Africa and The Middle East. Her experience includes working with Uber Technologies to successfully launch the first low-cost vehicle option across East Africa. She also successfully launched the OLX online classifieds brand across East and West Africa.
She was previously the Ecosystems Head within the Innovation function at Stanbic Bank Kenya At Stanbic. Elizabeth led the product design, development and go to Market for Stanbic’s 1st short term stock financing product targeting underserved and informal retailers. She has also piloted an embedded lending model utilizing API and open banking to increase access to real-time & affordable business lending for small and informal retailers in Kenya.
Elizabeth holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Communication from the University of Nairobi.
In her free time, she enjoys long walks in nature and trying different food cuisines.
Hosborn is a Policy and Development Professional with over 13 years of programme management experience.
He is holder of a Master of Public Policy and Management from Strathmore University and a Bachelor of Arts from Kenyatta University, he previously managed development programmes at the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
His key experience covers a portfolio that includes:
- Environment and climate change: climate policy and governance, nature-based solutions (e.g. forest governance and management, climate-smart agriculture and rangelands management), clean energy transition (including mini-grid sector development, energy policy and renewable energy solutions), climate finance, affordable green housing, greening infrastructure, climate-resilient urban development, public-private partnerships technical support (on green smart street lighting and green student accommodation).
- Economic and Private Sector Development: market systems development; job creation and enterprise development; trade facilitation and infrastructure development; financial access and inclusion; investment climate; and, extractives sector development.
- Livelihoods and social protection: social protection policies, cash transfers and pastoral community development. Away from work. Hosborn is a husband and a father to two children (for now). He is music and film enthusiast, and loves taking the occasional road trip to appregiate people and nature.
We are pleased to announce that Dorothy Maseke has joined us as a member of staff effective 02 May 2023. She has joined Risk and Resilience Pillar for the position of Lead. Nature Finance.
Dorothy was the project lead for the implementation of the UNEP Fl’s Principles of Sustainable Insurance (PSI) at ICEA LION Group where she was heading the Risk and Compliance department She has represented Africa in a number of Taskforces such as the Task Force for Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) insurer pilot group and the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF). She has been the lead on the Task Force for Nature-Related Financial Disclosures (TNFD Africa pilot group for ICEA LION. Together with the UNEP PSI, She was instrumental in the co-creation and launch of the Nairobi Oectaration on Sustainable Insurance – a statement of commitment by African insurance industry leaders to support the achievement of the IJN Sustainable Development Goals launched in April 2021.
She is a First Class honours graduate in Computer Science, She is a Fellow of the Swedish Institute Management Program (SIMP> for young African Leaders and has a Diploma in Sustainability and Leadership from SIMA A qualified risk professional with a Dip16ma in Risk Management from the Institute of Risk Management I-JK, she also holds other professional certifications such as certified in Sustainable Finance from the University of Cambridge, a Certified Environmental Impact Assessor and Auditor. a diploma in Business Continuity from Buckinghamshire New University 0K, among other professional qualifications, Dorothy is in the final stages of completing an International MBA from the Business School Netherlands.
A multiple awardee, Dorothy was named one of the Top40Under40 Women in Kenya as well as one of the Top 50 Women in Insurance in Africa at the African Insurance Organisation (AIO) conference in 2022. Her passion is to create a positive impact in people’s lives, She likes to promote collective endeavors that bring people together — locally and globally A futurist, sustainability enthusiast. certified coach, wife and mother of three. Dorothy aims to make a positive contribution to development in Africa. Dorothy is currently a board member of the Institute of Risk Management (IRM UK) Global Board where she chairs the Investment Committee.
In her free time. Dorothy enjoys planning weddings and events. She also runs a cooking club
I am a seasoned Programme Assistant with over ten years of experience providing administrative, finance, procurement, logistics, and some HR support to various pillars/departments in various international organizations.
Prior to joining FSD Africa, I worked with British Red Cross, Australian Red Cross and Goal Ireland.
I hold a Degree in Business Administration majoring in Human Resource Management, Diploma in Business Management and a Certificate in Public Relations.
When I am not working, I like to spend time with family and friends; traveling and trying out new recipes.
Zillah Malia is a Senior Manager, Climate Finance at FSD Africa, where she leads the delivery of Sustainable Insurance Programmes across the institution’s climate and resilience portfolio. With over 13 years of experience in the development sector, she brings deep expertise in Financial Sector Development, Sustainable Finance, and Development Impact Assessment.
An economist by training, Zillah holds a Master of Economics – Econometrics from Kenyatta University and a Bachelor of Economics and Statistics from the University of Nairobi. She is also a Certified Expert in Sustainable Finance, Climate Adaptation Finance, and Renewable Energy Finance, and holds a Diploma in Green Finance from the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management.
Before joining FSD Africa, she held roles in Impact Assessment and Results Measurement at DSW (German Foundation for World Population), Plan International, and IntraHealth International, leading research and impact functions across the East African region.
Zillah currently serves on the Organisational Committee of the Board at World Vision, reflecting her commitment to driving transformative and inclusive development across the continent. She is passionate about building climate-resilient, inclusive solutions that deliver lasting impact for African communities.
Elias Omondi is a seasoned financial sector professional with over 15 years of experience in actuarial science, insurance regulation, and financial market development across Africa and beyond. He leads the design and implementation of pioneering programmes that catalyze risk transfer solutions and strengthen enabling environments for risk markets on the continent. His work focuses on building climate resilience, fostering innovation, and mobilising insurance to support inclusive and sustainable growth.
He has worked closely with regulators in inmsurance, capital markets and banking to craft progressive policy and regulatory frameworks. His career also spans impactful assignments with the World Bank Group, International Monetary Fund (IMF), and GIZ across Africa and Asia. At the Insurance Regulatory Authority of Kenya (IRA), Elias spearheaded reforms including the development of the Risk-Based Supervision framework, calibration of Risk-Based Capital models, and the establishment of Kenya’s pioneering Insurtech Sandbox (BimaBox) and Insurtech Incubation Hub (BimaLab).
Elias has also advised over 20 central banks and insurance regulators globally, supporting the design of supervisory frameworks, statutory templates, and innovative disaster risk financing solutions. His expertise bridges technical actuarial practice, regulatory policy, and strategic programme leadership, making him a trusted partner for governments, development institutions, and private sector stakeholders seeking to advance inclusive finance and risk management. Elias also serves as Chairman of the Inclusive Insurance Forum at the International Actuarial Association.
Elias holds an MSc in Actuarial Management from Bayes Business School (City, University of London) and a BSc in Actuarial Science (First Class Honours) from Maseno University. He is a Associate Actuary of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (UK) and has further completed executive programmes and certifications in Microinsurance (Frankfurt School of Finance & Management), ESG and Impact Investing (Frankfurt School of Finance & Management), and Sustainable Finance (Smith School, University of Oxford).
A qualified Actuary by training, Kelvin brings to this role over 20 years experience in inclusive insurance and in leading and growing financial services organisations in complex environments. He is a financial services professional and entrepreneur with a passion for accelerating financial and health inclusion. Prior to joining FSD Africa, Kelvin started several companies in East Africa and Asia with a focus on addressing the needs of emerging consumers through digital financial solutions.
As Director of Risk, Kelvin is responsible for driving market innovation in Africa in risk management and transfer.
Kelvin is a South African but has spent the last 7 years living in Tanzania and Kenya. He is married with 3 children and loves training for and competing in triathlons.