๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ฝ ๐ง๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ป๐๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ถ๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ป๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ฎ
After five years as Country Director, Harriet Were has concluded her chapter with Aiducation International Kenya. We said farewell to her at our Aiducation @20 celebrations on 5 September 2026, a fitting moment to recognize her contribution as we marked twenty years of impact. Throughout the transition, our work with scholars, alumni and partners continues as planned.
From left to right: Harriet Were, George Jilani, Anzazi Kiti and Matthias Meier
Below, Harriet Were, the Chair of our Board and our Group Managing Director share their reflections and explain what comes next.
A farewell message from Harriet Were
"As I conclude my five years as Country Director of Aiducation International Kenya, I do so with deep gratitude for the people and experiences that have made this journey so meaningful.
It has been a privilege to work alongside our team, scholars, alumni, partners and supporters. Together, we have opened doors for talented young people across Kenya. I am especially proud that this September we marked twenty years of impact and launched the Aiducation Kenya Alumni Network. I am grateful for the trust and the relationships we have built along the way.
I leave with full confidence in Aiducation's mission and in the people who will carry it forward. I wish the team, our Board and the entire Aiducation community every success in the next chapter." Harriet Were, Outgoing Country Director, Aiducation International Kenya
A message from the Board
"As Aiducation International Kenya enters a period of leadership transition, the Board extends its sincere thanks to Harriet Were for her five years of leadership as Country Director. Her contribution has helped shape and strengthen Aiducation, and we are grateful for her dedication to our mission.
This is a change in leadership, not a change in direction. Our strategy and priorities remain firmly in place, and we will continue to build on the progress we have made together.
During the transition, Aiducation International Kenya will be led by its management team. Matthias Meier, Group Managing Director, will serve as Interim Country Director, supported by Boniface Mahulo, who leads local partnerships, and Michelle Masha, our Impact Manager. The Board has full confidence in this management team." George Jilani, Chair of the Board, Aiducation International Kenya
A global perspective
"For twenty years, Kenya has been at the heart of Aiducation's global network. The work of our Kenyan team remains central to our mission across every country where we operate, from scholarships and mentorship academies to the newly launched Aiducation Kenya Alumni Network.
Leadership transitions are a natural part of a growing organization, and our global structure is designed to provide stability through them. Aiducation International remains fully committed to Kenya, with the same strategic direction, the same shared standards and the full support of our global network. This commitment lies at the core of our Glocalize project, which strengthens local ownership while keeping every country connected as one network.
Thank you for your continued trust. Together, we will carry Aiducation's mission forward in Kenya and beyond." Matthias Meier, Group Managing Director, Aiducation International
Looking Ahead: Country Director Recruitment Process
The Board is leading a structured process to appoint Aiducation's next Country Director, with the aim of completing the selection by Q1 2027.
Work on the recruitment has already begun. The Board is defining the role profile and the recruitment process in line with our Glocalize project, so that the next Country Director is well placed to lead Aiducation International Kenya into its next chapter.
The recruitment will be thorough and transparent. The Board will oversee every stage, and representatives of the management team will take part on behalf of the wider team, so that its perspective and experience inform the final decision.
Until the new Country Director is in place, the management team remains fully focused on continuity. Our programs, partnerships and commitments to scholars and alumni continue as planned.
Aiducation's work in Kenya goes forward with clear leadership and a clear plan.
Thank you to our alumni, scholars, partners and supporters for your continued trust as we move forward together.