Kennedy Mugochi

Kennedy Mugochi is the Regional Director for East Africa at Hivos (Humanist Organisation for Social Change), a progressive international development organisation working towards a free, fair, and sustainable world. With over 15 years in international development, Kennedy is a recognised authority on civil society strengthening, climate justice, and inclusive innovation across Africa.

His career at Hivos has spanned a remarkable arc — from Programme Officer to Project Manager, Manager of Programme Development, and Regional Director for both Southern Africa and East Africa. Prior to Hivos, he served as Senior Researcher at the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum, grounding his work in rights-based approaches and human dignity.

Kennedy has been a vocal advocate for climate finance accessibility for African communities, fossil fuel accountability, and locally-led development. He has spoken and written extensively on building coherence in a fragmented global development landscape and continues to champion civic space protection across East Africa.

At the NGO Summit 2026, Kennedy brings Hivos's global networks and decades of progressive civil society practice to discussions on resource mobilisation, civic space, climate justice advocacy, and the evolving role of international NGOs in supporting African-led development.