Hellen Wangui brings over 13 years of experience in sustainable development, project management, and fund management to Solidaridad in Kenya. She will oversee operations that include Solidaridad’s East and Central Africa’s programme portfolio, business development, brand positioning and its partnerships.
Her leadership will be crucial to ensure the continued impact of our work in Kenya. She has successfully led global and regional projects, showcasing her capacity for strategic thinking and innovative problem-solving skills. Her notable contributions to the development sector include grants management, financial management, project management, resource mobilization, partnership development and capacity building.
Hellen has been with Solidaridad East and Central Africa since 2022, serving as the Partnership Coordination Unit Manager for RECLAIM Sustainability! a five-year programme developed in strategic partnership with the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She has been instrumental in coordinating the day-to-day operations of the programme and its consortium, which comprises Solidaridad, TrustAfrica, Fairfood, and Business Watch Indonesia.
“I am thrilled to be appointed Country Manager for Solidaridad in Kenya. I’m excited to work with our partners and donors to champion sustainable supply chains, support market access, foster enabling policies and drive innovation. Solidaridad’s mission aligns with my passion for transformative change in development financing for Africa. Here is to new beginnings and great success together!” Ms. Hellen Wangui, Country Manager, Solidaridad, Kenya.
Before joining Solidaridad, Hellen served as an External Auditor at PwC; as a Senior Advisor, Fund Management at KPMG Kenya (IDAS); as a Grants and Finance Specialist at the African Academy of Sciences (AAS); and as a Grants Manager at the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP). She holds a Master of Arts in Economic Policy Management from the University of Nairobi, a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Moi University, and is a Certified Public Accountant of Kenya.
In addition to her extensive experience and expertise, Hellen’s passion for driving transformative change in development financing and mobilizing resources for Africa’s growth priorities makes her an invaluable asset to Solidaridad.
“I am excited to announce Hellen’s transition into her new role as our Kenya Country Manager. As we transition, Hellen will continue to lead the RECLAIM Sustainability! programme, while also stepping into her new role. Once the programme concludes next year (2025), she will fully dedicate her expertise to leading our Kenya office,” says Ms. Rachel Wanyoike, Managing Director, Solidaridad East and Central Africa.
“Her invaluable contribution to Solidaridad over the last two and a half years, industry experience and dedication to driving positive change, will be critical as she joins our leadership team to expand our efforts and impact in Kenya and across the region.”
We are thrilled to have Hellen lead Solidaridad Kenya as we explore new opportunities. We are confident she will use her extensive experience to drive our mission forward and make a real contribution to Kenya’s sustainable development and economic growth.