Guided by a commitment to equity and inclusion, the galck+ Governing Body brings together a diverse team of leaders with expertise in human rights, law, public health, and community organizing. Their strategic leadership ensures accountability, amplifies queer voices, and drives the coalition’s mission forward. With integrity and innovation at its core, the governing body works to create safer spaces, advocate for policy change, and strengthen LGBTQ+ visibility in Kenya.
Kanyali “Kenne” Mwikya
Kanyali “Kenne” Mwikya is a human rights defender and public policy specialist with close to 10 years of experience in equality law, international cooperation on human rights, and social and economic rights in Africa. In previous roles, Kenne has coordinated regional advocacy strategy and action for the promotion and protection of women’s rights in Africa, advocacy and defence of LGBTQI+ rights in regional and international human rights forums, raising
awareness on the pervasive role of sexism and ethnocentrism in Kenya’s political system, and promoting efforts to democratise public policymaking in local, regional, and international governance spaces.
Solomon Wambua - Soloh
Soloh is a Queer Kenyan working with Key Populations in Kenya and a believer of working towards societal equity of all persons in the community who believes that “Our oppressions and struggles are interlinked and interconnected” more so the Sexual and Gender/Expression Minorities [SOGIE], Sex Workers [SW], Persons Who Use and Inject Drugs [PWU/IDs] in all diversities and complexities and as he quotes “Key Populations have capacity, skills and knowledge hence we work with allies and partners to better the Key Populations Programme in Kenya as the work is for us by us hence making the work Key Population Led [KP-Led]”
Soloh is presently working with the Key Populations Consortium which is a KP-Led Consortium as the National Coordinator. The KP Consortium is an advocacy organization that amplifies the voices of Key Populations and Capacity building of network members to empower our communities on human rights, health issues and resource mobilization. We work with, Trans* diverse persons, People who Use and Inject Drugs [PWU/IDs], Sex Workers [SWs] both Male and Female Sex Workers and Men who have Sex with Men [MSM].
The KP Consortium started off with a coordinator and KP Activists who saw the need of engaging Global Fund and PEPFAR as the main health funders. The KP Consortium ensures KPs are actively involved in review processes and coordination mechanisms, such as the Universal Periodic Review process (2018/2019) and ensures there is KP Representation under the Global Fund Kenya Coordinating Mechanism and PEPFAR.
At galck+, Soloh is part of the Governing Body [GB] and the acting Chair of the GB where he brings to the table, Community Engagement advise as well as an overview of the movement of Kenya. Soloh is in the second term as a GB Member and the learning on Strategy, Community Inclusion, Legal and Policy Development and GB and Staff Engagement has been phenomenal.
Hunnielle ‘Nelly’ Samuel
Hunnielle ‘Nelly’ Samuel is a passionate human rights defender and LGBTIQ advocate based in Kenya. A mechanical engineer by profession, they identify as an intersex Muslim individual and have over a decade of experience championing intersex rights. As the founder and Executive Coordinator of the Intersex Rights Initiative Coast Kenya (IRICK), they advocate for inclusion, empowerment, and narrative-building for intersex persons.
Hunnielle co-chairs the Kenya Intersex Persons Consortium and the Governance Committee at InterPride. They are a board member of Women in Transformation Agenda and have previously served on PEMA Kenya’s board. A skilled paralegal and certified counselor, they specialize in gender-based violence and the intersection of sexuality and religion, serving as a Trainer of Trainers in Islamic Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (ISOGIE). Their work spans HIV awareness, youth sexual health, economic empowerment, and fostering dialogue among civil society and religious leaders for a more inclusive society.
Festus Kisa
Outgoing Executive Director Q-Initiative
Co-Chair, Global Board, MenEngage Alliance
Kisa is a Social Worker by training and the outgoing Executive Director of Q-Initiative, an award- winning community-based organization in Eldoret, Kenya, that he co-founded in 2011. He has over ten years of experience in governance and management of non-profit organizations,
movement building, organization systems strengthening, policy development, partnerships and allyship building, resource mobilization, and program development to advance the health, rights, and inclusion of LGBTIQ+ persons. His work spans from grassroots to a global reach, advising various international and national organizations/networks on safeguarding against PSEAH and violence prevention, diversity and inclusion, SRHR, Mental Health, and well-being. He uses community-centered research, storytelling, and art to shift norms surrounding LGBTIQ+ persons. He has been a speaker, panelist, and contributor in symposiums, webinars, and fora.
Additionally, Kisa is the Co-Chair of the Global Board of MenEngage Alliance, a global network for engaging men & boys boys in women’s rights, gender justice, LGBTQI rights, and social justice. He also
serves as a Resident Faculty member for the PHI LGBTIQ+ Leadership Academy. Kisa believes in intersectional feminist approaches, inner work for social change, and doing development differently to create the social change we desire. When he is not doing movement work, Kisa works as a stylist for interior decor and fashion design through his company, Style by Kisa.
Caroline Buyaki
Buyaki is a human rights defender, lawyer and scholar, with experience driving systemic change through policy analysis, community empowerment and intersectional advocacy. With
a strong foundation in youth movements and LGBTQ+ rights, she has consistently challenged discrimination and fostered inclusive spaces. Her work spans diverse areas, including promoting children literacy as co-founder of Vitabu Vyetu, economic empowerment of women in lower-income communities, and working at the intersection of sustainability, law, governance, and feminism. She is an advocate for gender diversity and parity, inspiring and influencing a wide range of stakeholders on inclusion and intersectionality. Buyaki serves on
the Governing Body of galck+, a leading rights-based organization, fighting for freedom, equality and justice.