Our Team
Victor Odhiambo
Co-founder & Executive Director
Victor Odhiambo was born and raised in Kibera slum (East Africa’s largest slum). Growing up in the slum was not easy for him, facing challenges such as having to stay home for weeks because he did not have school fees to seeing his close friends being killed through mob justice. After graduating from college, Victor found it difficult to secure sustainable employment.
In 2012, he was invited by a friend to a children’s home in Kajiado, Kenya. During the visit, he experienced how women and girls face challenges during their menstruation, this was after one girl confessed to his friend that she wanted to exchange sex for menstrual pads.
These realities challenged Victor to do something for his community, not only in Kibera where he grew up, but also in other parts of Kenya where underprivileged children, women, girls and youth are facing many challenges.
Esther Kirui
Youth Economic Empowerment Lead: Nairobi.
Esther is a dynamic and results-driven professional dedicated to empowerment and sustainable change. As the Programs Coordinator at the Garden of Hope Foundation, she leads program planning, stakeholder engagement, and the implementation of impactful initiatives that address community needs. With expertise in project management, strategic partnerships, and capacity building, Esther has successfully coordinated youth and women empowerment programs, facilitated training workshops, and overseen program monitoring and evaluation. Her strong communication, leadership, and analytical skills have been instrumental in fostering collaboration, innovation, and inclusive growth within the organization.
Esther is currently completing her Bachelor’s degree in Project Planning and Management from the University of Nairobi and holds a Diploma in Information Technology from Mount Kenya University, enabling her to combine technical proficiency with strategic thinking. She has also pursued professional development training in Foundations of ESG Practices, Planning for Monitoring and Evaluation, User Experience Design, and Web Development, further strengthening her ability to drive impactful programs.Committed to making a meaningful difference, she continues to leverage her skills and experience to create sustainable solutions that transform lives.
Ismael Otieno
Youth Economic Empowerment Lead: Homabay.
Ismael is a passionate advocate for positive social change, innovation, and creativity. With over half a decade of experience in program implementation, he has dedicated his career to supporting marginalized communities in both urban slums and rural areas. Currently serving as the Programs Head at the Garden of Hope Foundation, he oversees the implementation of various initiatives, working closely with stakeholders and beneficiaries to ensure that they effectively benefit from these programs. His expertise includes monitoring and evaluation (M&E), project management, film production, and communications, allowing him to create impactful and engaging projects. He is an optimist who actively seeks opportunities to participate in initiatives that address real-life challenges, consistently striving to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those he serves.
Jacklyne Otieno
Finance Officer
Jackyline Otieno is a finance officer and the head of the mentorship program at the Garden of Hope Foundation. With years of experience, she is an accomplished and assertive employee who enjoys using her skills to contribute toward the organization achieving its mission and goals. Jackyline is a highly respected and trusted individual whose career began at a major investment firm, where she worked in the field of finance. She is known for her accountability and transparency, which are integral to her work.
Moreover, Jacky has always been a passionate mentor, particularly interested in providing guidance, sharing her knowledge, and fostering a supportive environment for mentees to grow and achieve their goals. She believes in lifelong learning and is always eager to learn from others as well. She holds a degree in business management from Rongo University. Outside of work, Jacky enjoys cleaning and volunteering at local charities.
Susan Akoth
Social Worker
Susan is a dedicated and compassionate licensed Social Worker with eight months of experience supporting individuals, families, and communities. She possesses strong skills in case management, mentorship, and advocacy. During her time with Life for Children, she focused on assisting domestic violence survivors and individuals experiencing homelessness. Susan is passionate about empowering both youth and women, she is committed to connecting them with essential resources to improve their lives. Currently, at the Garden of Hope Foundation, where she helps implement youth and women empowerment programs that drive meaningful change and create a positive impact on their livelihood. Susan is enthusiastic about collaborating on community-driven solutions and looks forward to connecting with others who share her vision.
Mukami Riungu
Social Worker
Ismael is a passionate advocate for positive social change, innovation, and creativity. With over half a decade of experience in program implementation, he has dedicated his career to supporting marginalized communities in both urban slums and rural areas. Currently serving as the Programs Head at the Garden of Hope Foundation, he oversees the implementation of various initiatives, working closely with stakeholders and beneficiaries to ensure that they effectively benefit from these programs. His expertise includes monitoring and evaluation (M&E), project management, film production, and communications, allowing him to create impactful and engaging projects. He is an optimist who actively seeks opportunities to participate in initiatives that address real-life challenges, consistently striving to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those he serves.
Lorine Omondi
Social Worker
Lorine is a dedicated social worker with a strong passion for helping individuals and communities thrive. She has gained valuable experience working at Homa Bay Referral Hospital, where she provided psychosocial support to patients and their families. In her role, she facilitated counselling services and connected individuals with essential resources to promote their well-being. Lorine is skilled in planning, advocating for patients’ rights, and collaborating with healthcare professionals to ensure holistic care. In addition to her work at Homa Bay Referral Hospital, she has also contributed her expertise at the New Life Mission Deaf Aid Organization, where she supported and empowered individuals with hearing impairments through advocacy, education, and access to essential services. Currently, Lorine is making a significant impact at the Garden of Hope Foundation, where she focuses on empowering both women and youth to enhance their lives and achieve their goals. Her commitment to community well-being and social advocacy continues to drive her efforts in creating positive change.