About Riana Development Foundation.

Riana Development Foundation is a community-driven organization dedicated to strengthening accountable governance and promoting gender Equity, education, and leadership development. Guided by our vision of a just and inclusive society, we empower women, youth, and community leaders through advocacy, capacity building, and evidence-based programs that enhance participation, transparency, and opportunities for growth.

RDF,registered in Kenya with global outreach, values; evidence based learning, accountability, gender equity and inclusion, collaboration, innovation and system thinking. We work across our strategic pillars to build strong local institutions, support equitable education through mentorship and scholarships, and advance economic empowerment.

We work in collaboration with Government institutions, Private and Public sector in Kenya and globally.

Vision

A just and inclusive society where empowered leaders, women, and youth drive equitable development.

Mission

To catalyze governance and community transformation by promoting inclusive participation, gender Equity, and accountable leadership through advocacy, capacity strengthening, policy engagement, and locally driven innovation.

Goal

To strengthen democratic governance, empower women and youth, and advance inclusive, sustainable development through leadership, innovation, and evidence-informed action.

Our Core Values And Foundational Commitments

Stewardship & Accountability

Upholding integrity, transparency, and responsible management of resources to maximize sustainable impact.

Gender Equity & Inclusion

Embedding fairness and inclusion across all programming, leadership, and governance processes.

Evidence-Based Learning

Using data, research, and reflective practice to inform decisions, strengthen advocacy, and enhance program quality.

Collaboration & Co-Creation

Partnering with government, civil society, private sector, and communities to deliver shared and scalable impact.

Innovation & Systems Thinking

Embracing creativity, digital transformation, and incubation of new ideas that accelerate community-led change.

Strategic Pillars

Gender Equity & Social Inclusion	Governance & Accountability	Economic Empowerment & Livelihoods	Education & Leadership Development	Partnerships & Innovation
Lead national gender advocacy and policy influence campaigns. Establish empowerment clubs that empower agency of girls and women in schools and communities. Deliver gender-responsive training for policymakers and local leaders.	Facilitate leadership exchange programs (e.g., Kenya–UK Parliamentary Forums). Build capacity of legislators, county executives, and civil servants.. Conduct governance performance scorecards and public accountability forums.	Support women-led agribusiness cooperatives and youth startups. Offer entrepreneurship, digital skills, and financial literacy programs. Facilitate access to markets, technology, and financing for SMEs.	Provide scholarships, leadership academies, and mentorship networks. Partner with universities and private sector to create employment pathways. Host Youth Leadership Dialogues on civic participation and innovation.	Co-design and co-implement projects with national, regional, and global partners. Pilot digital innovations for education, governance, and livelihoods. Convene multi-stakeholder policy forums and research dissemination platforms

RDF’s Distinct Approach

Localization of Development

Centering communities as agents of their own transformation.

Systems Strengthening

Working with institutions to sustain reforms and accountability.

Evidence and Learning

Turning data into insight and insight into policy.

Youth and Women Frontline Leadership

Ensuring those most affected are also the change makers.

Global–Local Nexus

Leveraging RDN–UK partnerships to bridge African and global governance dialogues.

Our Team

Meet the talented individuals who drive our mission forward. Each member brings unique expertise and passion to our organization.

Chairperson

Prof. Pamela A. Raburu, PhD

Chairperson

Education is the bridge to equity and transformation.

Prof. Pamela A. Raburu is a respected educationist, gender expert, and international development leader with over 35 yea .........

Board Members

Angella Mueni Mulinge

Board Member

Integrity and accountability are the cornerstones of effective service and leadership.

Angella Mueni Mulinge is an experienced accountant and administrative professional with over 15 years of expertise in fi .........

Emmanuel Murunga Khisa

Finance and Audit Advisor and Board Member

Strong governance and accountability are the foundations of sustainable development.

Emmanuel Murunga Khisa is an accomplished Audit and Tax Consultant with extensive experience in financial management, in .........

Dr. Kennedy Otieno Ongeko, PhD

Board Member

Sustainable development begins where knowledge meets community action.

Dr. Kennedy Ongeko is an accomplished policy analyst, climate governance, and disaster management expert with over 27 ye .........

Shirley Soipano Kilesi

Board Member

“Empowered people build accountable and thriving communities.”

Shirley Soipano Kilesi is a seasoned Human Resource and Administration Professional with over 15 years of experience in .........

Staff

Carolyne Datche

Executive Director

Education opens doors for every child to dream, learn, and lead.

Carolyne Datche is a dynamic development leader and education expert with over 20 years of experience advancing gender E .........

Briane Otieno

IT and Administrative Assistant

Technology, integrity, and service — empowering communities through digital transformation.

Briane Otieno is an accomplished IT and Administrative Assistant at the Riana Development Foundation, where he supports .........

Loviance Oloo

Office Assistant

Dedicated to excellence, collaboration, and community impact.

Loviance Oloo is a dedicated and results-oriented professional with hands-on experience from Kisii National Polytechnic. .........