Governance & Leadership

OUR STRUCTURE

A framework for accountability

UWRA operates under a clear governance structure that ensures transparency, accountability, and effective decision-making. Our leadership is drawn from diverse backgrounds, bringing expertise in research, health policy, community engagement, and organisational management.

Good governance is not a bureaucratic requirement — it is the foundation of trust. We are accountable to the communities we serve, our partners, and our funders. Every decision we make is guided by our mission and values.

— Haroun Shiundu, Founder & Director

ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

How we are organised

Our structure is designed to enable effective oversight, efficient management, and meaningful community engagement.

Board of Directors

Chairperson Vice Chairperson Secretary Treasurer Member Member Member

Advisory Council

Academic Advisors Community Advisors Policy Advisors

Executive Management

Executive Director

Departments

Research & Evidence Community Engagement Policy & Advocacy Capacity Development Finance & Admin

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Our Board

The Board of Directors provides strategic oversight and ensures that UWRA remains true to its mission. Members are drawn from academia, public health, law, finance, and community leadership.

Mr. Haroun Shiundu

Founder & Chair

Public heath specialist with over 5 years of experience in health systems research, policy analysis, coordination and administration.

Fadhili Manyasa

Vice Chairperson

Senior Legal Advisor with expertise in non-profit governance, compliance, and contract law. Provides legal oversight and ensures UWRA's operations align with Kenyan laws and international best practices.

Ms. Natasha Kisandi

Co-founder & Secretary

Public health and Health systems strengthening expert with over 3 years of experience. Expert in partnership building, organizational management and coordination.

Mrs. Anisa Cheptum

Treasurer

Finance specialist with years of experience in financial management of non-profit organisations. Provides financial oversight, ensures fiscal accountability, and advises on investment and resource mobilisation.

Mr. Amani Nyiro

Board Member and Programmes Director

Environmental scientist and implementation scientist with expertise in public health research. Leads research programmes and has strong connections with UWRA research networks.

Mrs. Saida Mbwana

Board Member

Community leader and former county health representative with over 15 years of experience in community engagement and mobilaization. Brings grassroots perspectives and ensures that community voices are heard at the board level. Advises on community engagement strategies.

ADVISORY COUNCIL

Our Advisors

The Advisory Council provides expert guidance on research, policy, and community engagement, ensuring our work remains relevant, rigorous, and impactful.

Mr. Musa Mbwana

Academic Advisor

Expert in health systems, implementation science, and research ethics. Provides scientific leadership.

Mrs. Annet Khasungu

Community Advisor

Community organiser and health advocate with 20+ years of experience in community mobilisation and health promotion. Ensures community perspectives are embedded in all UWRA initiatives.

Mr. Hakim Hekaya

Policy Advisor

Provides strategic advice on policy engagement, advocacy, and government relations. Bridges the gap between research and policy formulation.

OUR GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK

Governance principles and policies

Our governance is guided by a set of policies and principles that ensure accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct.

Ethical Conduct

We adhere to the highest standards of integrity. All staff, board members, and partners are required to sign our code of conduct, which prohibits corruption, conflicts of interest, and unethical behaviour.

Code of conduct for all personnel
Whistleblower protection policy
Annual ethics training

Financial Accountability

We maintain transparent financial systems. All funds are tracked, audited annually, and reported to donors and the public. We adhere to international accounting standards.

Annual independent audits
Quarterly financial reports to the Board
Public disclosure of funding sources

Inclusive Decision-Making

We ensure diverse voices are represented in our decision-making processes. This includes community representatives, gender balance, and inclusive leadership.

Board composition reflects diversity
Community representation on committees
Participatory strategic planning

Risk Management

We proactively identify and manage risks — operational, financial, reputational, and programmatic — to protect the organisation and the communities we serve.

Regular risk assessments
Business continuity planning
Insurance and legal safeguards

Monitoring & Evaluation

We continuously monitor our performance against strategic goals. Regular evaluations ensure we are on track and that we learn from both successes and challenges.

Quarterly performance reviews
Independent programme evaluations
Learning and adaptation cycles

Stakeholder Engagement

We engage regularly with all stakeholders — communities, partners, funders, and government — to ensure accountability and continuous improvement.

Annual stakeholder meetings
Community feedback mechanisms
Partner reporting and dialogue

COMMITTEES

Board committees

The Board is supported by three standing committees that focus on specific areas of oversight.

Finance & Audit Committee

Oversees financial management, budgeting, and auditing. Reviews financial reports, ensures compliance with donor requirements, and monitors the organisation's financial health.

Reviews quarterly financial statements
Oversees annual audit process
Advises on financial strategy

Governance & Nominations Committee

Ensures good governance practices, recommends board candidates, and reviews board performance. Also oversees conflict of interest and ethics matters.

Board recruitment and orientation
Board performance evaluation
Review of governance policies

Programme & Impact Committee

Provides oversight of programme strategy, implementation, and impact. Reviews programme reports, monitors progress against targets, and ensures alignment with the mission.

Reviews programme performance
Monitors impact indicators
Advises on strategic direction

ACCOUNTABILITY

How we remain accountable

We are accountable to multiple stakeholders — communities, partners, funders, and the public. Our accountability mechanisms ensure we deliver on our promises.

To communities

We report back to communities through meetings, community forums, and accessible summaries of our work. Feedback is actively sought and used to improve our programmes.

To partners and funders

We provide regular, transparent reports to our partners and donors. We meet all reporting requirements and engage in open dialogue about progress, challenges, and learning.

To the public

We publish our annual reports, financial statements, and key results on our website. We actively participate in public discourse on health and research translation.