Festus Ibanda Kisa
Ngong,Kenya
Summary
Accomplished professional with over ten years of experience in community development—including governance and management of non-profit organizations, movement building, organizational systems strengthening, policy development, partnership and allyship formation, resource mobilization, and program development focused on the health, rights, and inclusion of LGBTIQ+ individuals in Kenya and Africa—very dedicated to advancing social impact initiatives and currently seeking to formalize and deepen expertise by pursuing an undergraduate degree in Social Sciences with a major in Gender Studies. This will support further development of skills in feminist and decolonial research methodologies, gender theory, and feminist thought, as well as policy development and advocacy.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Independent Consultant
Equimundo; Centre for Masculinities and Social Justice
Nairobi, Kenya
06.2025 - Current
- Successfully reviewed the MenCare@Work package developed by Equimundo for adaptation to the Kenyan context.
- Co-design and co-facilitate a Trainer of Trainers training with twenty participants on how men can better support care work at home
- Will provide online support for five Kenyan companies after training
- Will lead the final in-person session in Nairobi with twenty participants to solidify the gains made by the project
Executive Director
Q-Initiative CBO, Eldoret
Eldoret
01.2020 - 06.2025
- Increased program funding by 72% through diverse funders, securing support until 2028 for Q-Initiative's mission.
- Led strategic plan implementation, introduced innovative projects in art, mental health, and research.
- Expanded operations from two to six counties (2019–2021), adding 2 satellite offices, 25 staff, and 100 volunteers.
- Sustained original partnerships while growing networks from grassroots to global level.
- Represented the organization at UN meetings in Geneva, Nairobi, and New York.
Co-Founder and Program Coordinator
Q-Initiative CBO
Eldoret
04.2013 - 12.2019
- Strengthened organizational systems and established key structures.
- Developed essential operational policies and procedures.
- Recruited and retained core personnel for Q-Initiative's mission.
- Achieved registration and ensured legal compliance in Kenya.
- Enhanced governance by assembling the inaugural board of directors and leadership team.
- Designed gender-transformative, culturally relevant programs addressing rights holders' needs in Eldoret.
Education
Diploma - Social Work and Community Development
Kobujoi Development Training Institute
Kapsabet, Nandi South District 01.2009 - 07.2011
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education -
Koelel Secondary School
01.2003 - 11.2007
Skills
- Proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint
- Conversant with Google Suite and Zoom
- Gender Transformative training and community engagement
- Report writing and documentation
- Demonstrated expertise in program design, implementation, and evaluation
- Experience in grant writing and budget management across multiple projects
- Skilled at leading cross-functional and multi-disciplinary teams
- Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and communication abilities
- Decisive thinker with attention to detail
References
To be shared upon request
PROFESSIONAL ASSIGNMENTS
- August 2024 – Present: galck+: Governing body member.
- September 2023 – Present: University of South Florida: Site Principal Investigator. Delivery of PrEP to Key Populations in Kenya: Applying Coincidence Analysis to Determine Effective Implementation Strategies
- April 2022– June 2025: MenEngage Alliance: Board Member, LGBTIQ+ constituency Representative. Board Co-Chair from September 2024- June 2025.
- January 2023– September 2024: Learning for Change-RFSU: Cluster Facilitator-Sexuality and Non-Discrimination.
- October 2021 -November 2022: Project Coordinator: Qualitative Research ‘Using Web-based Peer Support to Increase HIV Testing Among Men who have Sex with Men in Kenya'
Languages
English
Fluent
Swahili
Native
Certification
Basic Feminist Leadership and Gender Based Violence Training of Trainers Workshop
Women's Health, Empowerment and Masculinities: Policy Advocacy Training
Sexuality Leadership Development Fellowship
African Human Rights System in Comparative Perspective
Timeline
Independent Consultant
Equimundo; Centre for Masculinities and Social Justice
06.2025 - Current
Executive Director
Q-Initiative CBO, Eldoret
01.2020 - 06.2025
Co-Founder and Program Coordinator
Q-Initiative CBO
04.2013 - 12.2019
Diploma - Social Work and Community Development
Kobujoi Development Training Institute
01.2009 - 07.2011
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education -
Koelel Secondary School
01.2003 - 11.2007
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