In a world that is increasingly shaped by emerging stressors like conflict, climate change, economic instability, and rising mental health challenges, where do we find the resilience, optimism, and hope needed to move forward?
We invite you to a day of celebration and dynamic dialogues with leading scientists, policymakers, practitioners, educators, influencers and advocates who make the case that now, more than ever, the science of human flourishing provides us with a path to transforming lives and unlocking our full potential.
In-person and online, and, for the first time ever: a two-day celebration
This year, we will address how hope, resilience, and optimism, can empower individuals and communities, particularly the youth in Kenya, to navigate and overcome contemporary challenges.
The summit will feature three unique tracks — Science, Policy, and Doers — each tailored to engage different audiences in meaningful dialogue and collaboration.
New speakers unveiled every week.
Founding Director - Africa Institute of Mental and Brain Health (AFRIMEB) and Professor of Psychiatry at University of Nairobi.
Operating Partner and Chief Organizational Effectiveness Officer, Draper Richards Kaplan (DRK).
Core Team Member, The Agency Fund & Co-Founder, IDinsight.
Founder & CEO Shamiri Institute. TED Fellow. Forbes 30 under 30.
Senior Lecturer of Psychology at the Department of Psychology, Kenyatta University.
Senior Economist and Director at IDinsight, Bilal is a development economist specializing in poverty, institutions and conflict in low- and middle-income countries.
Dr. Christine Musyimi is a mental health researcher focused on community mental health interventions in sub-Saharan Africa.
Stella Waruingi, is the Head of Mental Health & Substance Use Program at Nairobi County, Directorate of Health.
Eugene is the Communications, Advocacy and Safeguarding Lead at Basic Needs, Basic Rights
A neuroscientist and pharmacologist, Dr. Zul is the Founding Director of the Brain and Mind Institute and a full Professor, College of Medicine, Aga Khan University
Gloria is the Executive Director of Tunaweza Empowerment Organization and an active volunteer within her community.
Dr. Janet Surum is a researcher and an Educational Psychologist with a keen interest in the well being of children, youth mental health, resilience, emerging adults and life span development studies.
Dr. Yuri is the Country Medical Director for Kenya.
Dr. Mercy Karanja is the Director of Mental Health at the Ministry of Health in Kenya and a consultant psychiatrist.
Joyce Arita is a psychologist and the Program Manager at CitiesRise Kenya
Aliya Shah is an adolescent and adult psychologist focused on trauma and behavioral issues. As chair of communications at the EMDR Kenya Association, she works to reduce stigma around therapy and promote mental health awareness.
Shalom M. Ndiku is the Head of Policy and Partnerships at Food4Education. There, he leads the organization’s external-facing functions, including government relations, policy, partnerships, impact and communications.
Dr. Nasri Omar serves as the focal point for Workplace Mental Wellness and Suicide Prevention at the Ministry of Health, Kenya.
Dorah is the Deputy Director of Partnerships at Ministry of Education and Peace Education in the Directorate of Policy, Partnerships and East African Community Affairs
Ceciliah M. Koyieyio has dedicated her career to advancing education in Kenya with over 15 years of experience in teaching and educational administration.
Amisa Rashid is a counseling psychologist, mediator, and tireless advocate for community resilience, mental health, and peaceful social cohesion. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Nivishe Foundation.
Alice Nyakiongora serves as a Deputy Director in the State Department for Basic Education within the Directorate of Policy Partnerships and East African Community Affairs.
Bright Shitemi is the Founder and Executive Director of a youth-led youth-focused mental health organization, Mental 360, and a digital wellness start-up, Boma.
Wanjiru Karanja, founder of Clear Minds Better Livez, draws from her expertise and lived experiences to champion suicide awareness, Black and women’s rights, and mental health advocacy across continents.
Dr. Frederick Murunga Wekesah is an associate research scientist at the African Population and Health Research Centre. He is an epidemiologist focused on cardiovascular and mental health research.
Pillie Nkasara is the CEO of HR Box Africa, an innovative HR Software and Services company that focuses on empowering people to do excellent work and fostering thriving, high-performance work cultures.
Erick Kagose is the HR Business Partner of World Vision Kenya where he handles talent and stakeholder management. He Has over 10 years of experience leading teams in both the public and private sectors.
Janet is an experienced Talent and Operations Manager at Savannah Informatics. She draws on her seven years of experience, her background in software engineering, and her passion for people and talent management to create policies for organizations.
Cecilia is the People & Culture Manager at Belva Digital. With over nine years of experience in people operations across different industries, she has garnered expertise in HR strategy, talent management, organizational effectiveness, and employee wellness.
Ammon is the Project Lead for the Shamiri Intervention and Programs Coordinator at TINADA
James Walsh is a dedicated professional at The Agency Fund, where he contributes to impactful initiatives focused on social innovation and transformative change.
Rahim Daya is the Head of Growth and Strategy at Shamiri Institute. Previously, he served as the Chief of Staff at Shamiri Institute.
Julia Greenland is Managing Director: Africa for the Healthy Brains Global Initiative. She leads on the development implementation of outcome-based mental health programming in Africa.
Caleb is the Director of Partnerships, People & Engagement at Shamiri Institute.
Soni Adriance is the Director of Communications at Shamiri Institute.
Patricia Wangechi Kihoro is a multi-hyphenate Kenyan creative, storyteller, and cultural advocate with a passion for the African creator economy.
The Science Track at the Shamiri Summit 2024 will showcase cutting-edge research and foster collaborative discussions that advance the field of youth mental health.
The Policy Track at the Shamiri Summit 2024 will provide a platform for insightful discussions led by government officials and key partners in the mental health and education sectors
The Doers Track is designed to showcase the impactful work being done by NGOs, CBOs, and practitioners who are implementing mental health solutions at the community level.
“Hope is a powerful tool for change. How do we cultivate that spark within each of us? We look forward to welcoming you at the Shamiri Summit to hear from, and engage with, experts in the field.”
Tom Osborn - Founder & CEO