Governing council
NACONEK has a council whose composition consists of a Chairperson, Council Secretary/Chief Executive Officer and eleven (11) Council Members. This is the policy organ of the Council. The Council meet at least every three months which translates into four times a year to review projects and programmes of the Secretariat. When there is need, Council members through the various committees may meet more frequently. The Council members provide policy guidance, strategic direction and general oversight on the operations of the Council.
Linus Ekai Evans
Chairman.
M.Ed./BA/PGDE/Dip.
Fr. Evans L. Ekai holds a Master of Education in Educational Administration and Planning, a Post Graduate Diploma in Education, both from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), a Bachelor of Sacred Theology from Urbaniana University in Rome, and a Diploma in Theology from St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary in Nairobi. His professional training includes extensive courses in administration, leadership, and management from the Kenya School of Government.
From 2018 to 2021, he served as a Member of the National Council for Nomadic Education Board, where he developed policies, mobilized funds, and built partnerships to advance nomadic education.
Fr. Ekai is also an accomplished scholar, having authored research papers on Nomadic Education and related fields. He has also served Chairman of the Board of Governors at Lodwar Technical and Vocational College, he effectively aligned strategies with long-term organizational goals, ensuring sustainability. His tenure as Member and Chairperson of the Infrastructure and Development Committee at the County Assembly Service Board (CASB) in Turkana County saw him initiate and supervise essential service and facility programs while exercising budgetary control. He is an Associate Member of the Turkana Professional Association and the Association of External Board Members of County Assemblies (AEBCA).
Rukia Ali saman
Vice – Chair.
Mrs. Rukia A. Saman is a distinguished professional with extensive experience in local governance, NGO work, and educational councils. Her expertise in qualitative research includes facilitating focus group discussions and conducting key informant interviews.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Kampala International University. Her background also includes a significant tenure as an Educationist at the Ministry of Education, where she focused on curriculum guidance and counseling. She specialized in addressing the educational needs of women and girls, ensuring compliance with ministry guidelines.
Before joining the Council board, Mrs. Rukia served as the Director of Labor and Social Services in the County Government of Wajir. In this role, she worked closely with stakeholders, including UN agencies and NGOs, to enhance youth empowerment services through effective coordination.
Harun M. Yusuf, HSC
Secretary/CEO
M.A/B.Ed.
Harun is an accomplished, educationist; He holds a masters of arts in Education and Leadership from Kenya Methodist University (Kemu) and a Master of Arts (Project Management) from University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Education (History and Islamic Studies) from Moi University.
Prior to joining NACONEK, he served as Chairman, Garissa County Public Service Board from July 2013- July 2017. He worked as a teacher in various capacities between June 1994 and September 2012. From a classroom teacher in County High School, he rose to a head Teacher of Garissa High to a Senior Principal of Garissa High School and Wajir High School.
Through short trainings and work-related assignments, he has travelled widely across the globe including South Africa, U.S.A, France, Japan, Finland, United Arab Emirates and Israel. During the 18 years (1994-2012) of teaching, he served in various portfolios: Provincial Chairman-Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA), North Eastern Province. He was a member of the National Executive Committee of the KESSHA and a member of Provincial Education Board.
ABDINOOR RAGOW ABDIAZIZ
Mr. Abdinoor is a distinguished leader with extensive experience in sustainable development, resilience, and strategic risk analysis. He brings a wealth of experience and a high level of personal integrity to his role as the Council Member.
He holds a Master of Arts in Project Planning and Management from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Science in Disaster Mitigation and Sustainable Development from Masinde Muliro University. Previously, worked as an Education Emergency Response at Save the Children International and as Senior Disaster Management officer in Wajir County.
Mr. Abdinoor excels in disaster risk analysis and resilience measurements strategies. Currently, he serves as an Assistant Director of the Strategic Programme at the State Department of ASALs, where he collaborates with stakeholders on special programs and projects management in arid and semi-arid lands.
His professional achievements include contributing to Kenya’s resilience-programming framework for 2022-2030 and development of Projects Design Matrixe. Additionally, he has undergone leadership training through the Young African Leaders Initiative and the Champion of Change Leadership on Agriculture in ASALs program.
REUBEN KIPTURGO
Mr. Reuben epitomizes a profound level of integrity and professionalism in his contributions to the organization’s success in leadership, management, and administration.
He possesses a Master’s degree in Education (Administration and Planning), a Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communication, and a Bachelor’s degree in Education, all obtained from the University of Nairobi.
Currently, Mr. Reuben holds the esteemed position of Director of Education at the Ministry of Education. Within this role, he serves as a Deputy Director, an Alternate AIE holder, and an Executive Officer for the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association.
He also served before as Assistant Director Public Communications at Ministry of Higher Education Science and Technology where he dealt with Public Relations, Media Relations, organization of events and activities. Additionally, he served as a Senior Information Officer at the Ministry of Information and Tourism, where he conducted in-depth research on tourism and information-related matters. He was responsible for preparing detailed Cabinet memorandum and papers for the Ministry.
He also worked at Office of the President as Senior Information Officer at Policy and Research Department where he undertook Research on Various Social Economic and Political Issues.
As a distinguished academic, Mr. Reuben has several achievements and awards; he was awarded certificates of merits for being the best history and social ethics in Marakwet District while teaching Kapcherop Secondary School. 1997-1999,Team leader, Ministerial Shows and Exhibition Committee where the Ministry won several trophies at ASK Shows 2009-2013.
He also played key role in the establishment of evening programs at Kenya Institute of Mass Communications (KIMC). 2005-2008
REV. FR. PAUL KIBET NG’ENO
Fr. Paul Kibet Ng’eno is a seasoned leader with significant expertise in strategic planning and organizational management within the educational sector. He brings a wealth of experience and a high level of personal integrity to his role as the Council Member.
He holds a Master of Education in Educational Research and Evaluation, a Bachelor of Education in Mathematics and Physics both from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, a Bachelor of Sacred Theology from St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary and Pontifical Urbaniana University, and a Bachelor of Philosophy from St. Augustine Senior Seminary Mabanga and Pontifical Urbaniana University.
Fr. Paul has also contributed to the County Education Boards of Narok and Kajiado counties. He currently serves as the Education Secretary for the Catholic Diocese of Ngong, where he is dedicated to advancing the institution’s academic goals. His previous roles include Deputy Principal at Olchekut Supat Apostolic School in Lemek, Narok, and Assistant Parish Priest at St. Luke Catholic Parish.
Additionally, Fr. Paul has received professional training as a Trainer of Trainers (TOT) in Christian chaplaincy for schools.
CATHERINE AMUNGA WAMEYO
Ms. Wameyo brings a wealth of experience and a high level of personal integrity and professionalism to her role as the Council Board Member. She exemplifies exceptional leadership, skillfully navigating a range of challenges impacting those under her guidance.
She holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Kenya Methodist University and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPAK). Additionally, she completed a strategic leadership development programme at the Kenya School of Government.
Previously, Ms. Wameyo served as a board member at NACONEK from May 2018 to 2021, where she was part of the Audit committee. She also contributed to the Selection Panel, as outlined in Gazette Notice 3148 of April 2018, which was responsible for nominating candidates for the Commission on Administrative Justice.
In her former role as Deputy Director of Corporate Services at the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Mrs. Catherine managed human resources strategies, policies, and finances, as well as the organization’s physical assets. She also served as an accountant at Mabati Rolling Ltd, where she was recognized as an Outstanding Employee.
Jackson kiprono
Mr. Jackson Kiprono is a seasoned development economist and policy expert with over 18 years of experience in macroeconomic planning, financial sector development, and public policy formulation.
He Holds a M.A. in International Development Studies (Development Economics) from GRIPS, Tokyo, and a B.Sc. in Statistics from the University of Nairobi, he has further enhanced his expertise through technical courses in sustainable energy transition, green economy, petroleum revenue management, and he has pursued leadership courses.
Currently, Mr. Kiprono is serving as Deputy Director at Kenya’s National Treasury, leading the transition of the Credit Guarantee Scheme into an independent company, overseeing financial sector strategies, and contributing to national budget planning. Previously, as Principal Policy Analyst and Head of Macro Department at KIPPRA, he spearheaded macroeconomic modeling and policy analysis, while his tenure as Principal Economist at The National Treasury involved shaping Kenya’s Vision 2030 through Medium-Term Plans and fiscal policy design.
His leadership extends to key taskforces, including chairing the Second MTP Sector Performance Standards team, co-developing Kenya’s Green Fiscal Policy Incentives Framework, and contributing to climate finance and financial inclusion initiatives.
Mr. Kiprono is a strategic thinker with a proven track record in transformative policy implementation, he combines technical rigor with a commitment to sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
ROSEMARY TALASO
Mrs. Rosemary Talaso is the Executive Secretary of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Marsabit Branch, making history as the first woman elected to this position. As a dedicated educator and leader, Mrs. Talaso is currently pursuing Bachelors degree of Education from Mount Kenya university and she champions the advancement of education and teacher welfare in Marsabit County.
With over two decades of experience in the education sector, Mrs. Talaso began her teaching career at St. Theresa Girls’ Primary School on November 28, 2003, where she served for 20 years. Her expertise in early literacy led her to serve as the ICT Champion for Marsabit sub-county from 2016 to 2023. She also played a pivotal role as a Star Teacher and Trainer of Trainees in the Tusome Early Literacy Program, impacting literacy outcomes across the region. Her innovative approach earned her national recognition as the second runner-up in the Connect with ICT competition on June 1, 2022.
Mrs. Talaso holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education from Maasai Mara University. She also trained as a teacher at Machakos Training Teachers College after completing her secondary education at Moi Girls’ Secondary School in Marsabit and primary education at St. Theresa Girls’ Primary School in Marsabit.
Born and raised in Marsabit County, she is deeply rooted in her community and passionate about leveraging technology to enhance educational outcomes. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes collaboration, inclusivity, and continuous improvement, inspiring educators and learners alike through her commitment to excellence and innovation.
NAISETIAI LEMAYIAN,
Ms. Lemayian is a distinguished leader with extensive experience in disaster response, law enforcement, and child welfare. She brings a wealth of experience and a high level of personal integrity to her role as the Council Member.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Security Studies with a specialization in Disaster Management and a Diploma in Forensic and Criminal Investigation from the Kenya Institute of Studies in Criminal Justice.
Currently, she volunteers with the Kenya Red Cross Nakuru Branch, where she plays a crucial role in coordinating rescue operations during disasters and road traffic accidents.
As a former Sub-County Children’s Officer, Mrs. Lemayian excelled in facilitating adoption procedures and preparing detailed reports for court to ensure the best interests of children. Her previous role as an enforcement officer with Nakuru County Government highlights her meticulous approach to investigating court by-law violations and managing court warrants of arrest.
Ms. Lemayian’s combination of hands-on experience and academic qualifications makes her a valuable asset in any role requiring strong leadership, meticulous attention to detail, and a deep understanding of legal and investigative processes.
DANIEL SADAM LENTIRANGOI
Mr. Lentirangoi brings a wealth of experience and a high level of personal integrity to his role as the Council Member. He exemplifies exceptional leadership, skillfully navigating a range of challenges impacting those under his guidance.
Mr. Lentirangoi is currently pursuing a Masters of Education, Leadership and Education Management at Kenya Methodist university and he is a distinguished alumnus of Laikipia University, holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Education (Arts) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology from Friends Theological College.
His extensive experience in leading faith-based institutions, including schools, has significantly strengthened his accountability, confidence, and dedication to maintaining excellence and integrity.
In his roles with the NCCK South Rift and NCCK (CCC), Mr. Lentirangoi served as both Vice Chairperson and Youth Representative. He adeptly acted as a spokesperson, coordinating meetings and liaising effectively with NCCK members. Additionally, as Director of the Samburu Friends Mission, he meticulously managed the organization’s financial matters, ensuring the successful achievement of its goals and missions.
YUSSUF ABDULLAHI MOHAMED
Yussuf Abdullahi Mohamed is a seasoned education and public policy expert with over 14 years of experience spanning the public sector and humanitarian organizations. He is currently undertaking a PhD in Public Policy and Management. He has a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration, and a Bachelor’s degree in Education (English/Literature).
Mr. Mohamed is currently serving as the Executive Secretary for KUPPET in Wajir County. He brings dynamic leadership in education sector governance, stakeholder engagement, and curriculum development. He is also a senior examiner with KNEC and a curriculum panelist at KICD.
His work involves spearheading community-focused projects, developing education policies, and promoting inclusive learning. He is deeply committed to empowering vulnerable communities through education, leadership, and advocacy.