Shadrack Kuyoh

Senior Research Operations Coordinator

A dynamic, highly motivated and self-oriented professional with extensive experience in project cycle management across the humanitarian, development and peace nexus; quality skills in designing innovative projects and budgeting; highly skilled in developing advocacy strategies and approaches to shift policies and ensure effective implementation; experienced in research and knowledge management (building robust evidence bases through data-driven approaches to inform decision-making and learning); using empirical insights to build and strengthen systems, capacities and influence social and systemic change; and expertise in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) to systematically design, iteratively implement, assess, and improve the impact and implementation of projects. Possesses excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to create the best that is of a requirement to any given organization. Attentive to details with a practical approach to problem solving thus enjoys being part of a diverse and productive team that thrives in innovative and flexible working environments.

Nairobi, Kenya

Skills

Work Experience

Legal Assistant

Njoki Mboce & Company Advocates

February, 2017 — December, 2018

Policy Development and Human Rights Advocacy: • I collaborated on the formulation of regulatory frameworks and migration policies, ensuring strict alignment with international human rights standards and governance best practices.
Legal Drafting and Commercial Strategy: • I managed the end-to-end drafting and vetting of high-value commercial contracts and legal pleadings, focusing on risk mitigation and procedural accuracy. This ensured streamlining of the document review process, reducing turnaround time by 10% while ensuring 100% compliance with statutory requirements and contractual obligations.
Legislative Monitoring and Intelligence: • I acted as a legislative liaison, monitoring the progression of Bills through Parliament to provide real-time updates on emerging laws and regulatory risks. This led to authoring of weekly legislative bulletins that empowered senior partners to proactively advise clients on upcoming changes, positioning the firm as a thought leader in a shifting legal landscape.

Programme & Legal Assistant

Law Society of Kenya, Nairobi Branch

Jan 2019 — Nov 2019

Research & Policy Advisor

Africa Policy Institute (API)

11 November 2019 — 1 February 2021

I designed and launched integrated systems for research and documentation, specifically created to close information gaps for non-expert stakeholders. These initiatives moved the organization from traditional advocacy to evidence-driven strategies. This ensured that even complex security concepts were accessible to diverse audiences, leading to more informed and real time decision-making.
I conducted 3 conflict analyses to identify conflict dynamics, root courses and practical solutions to help design impactful and sustainable advocacy and conflict transformation strategies including use of Sustained Dialogue and Nansen Dialogue approaches to promote peacebuilding. These provided the blueprint for sustainable peacebuilding strategies. By identifying practical solutions rather than just symptoms, I ensured that the program interventions were culturally sensitive and strategically sound.
I built the communication infrastructure, including a media database, a formal Advocacy Communication Plan, and a targeted Social Media Strategy. These efforts scaled the organization’s influence significantly, hitting a 72% success rate for online campaigns. I drove policy change and successfully converted digital impressions into real-world calls to action.
I acted as a key liaison between diverse actors in the displacement and human rights sectors to co-author policy frameworks. This successfully bridged the gap between different interest groups to create unified policies on security and governance. It ensured that protection and human rights were not just concepts, but documented priorities.
I managed the full reporting lifecycle, tailoring data for donors, partners, staff, and the beneficiaries themselves. Therefore, establishing a culture of transparency and learning. By implementing "upward, downward, and peer" accountability, I secured donor trust (ensuring future funding) and improved internal efficiency by turning project reports into learning tools.

Advocacy & Policy Advisor

Africa Policy Institute (API)

9 February 2021 — 4 June 2021

Provided the structural roadmap for legislative change- Drafted high-level strategic documents, including policy briefs, white papers, and parliamentary memoranda. This resulted to directly informing regional policy and legislative decisions. Most notably, I designed advocacy interventions that led to the publication of the famous report: “Refugees into Regional Citizens - Lessons from IGAD’s Refugee Response Framework.”
I bridged the gap between high-level policy and local level (grassroot) reality through innovative social setting- Created and executed unique community-based engagement models such as Tango Talks (providing platform for in-person engagements between the communities and the police officers), Coffee Bars, and Community Connection Cafes. This resulted to, for example, successful humanized relations between marginalized communities and law enforcement, fostering a safe environment for dialogue and participatory governance.
I trained others including conducting training of trainers (ToTs) to uphold human rights standards-Led training initiatives for both state (government) and non-state actors focusing on conflict sensitivity, inclusion, and the human rights-based approach (HRBA). This strengthened the ability of legislative bodies, law enforcers, local communities, and organizations to integrate displacement-sensitive and rights-based frameworks into their daily operations and policy enforcement.
I contributed to the intellectual foundation of security and stability in the region-Spearheaded research initiatives aimed at understanding and addressing the root causes of violent extremism in the Horn of Africa. This led to the production and dissemination of a range of research products that improved regional awareness and provided actionable data for countering violent extremism (CVE).
I served as a key liaison, positioning the organization at the center of the humanitarian-development nexus- I built and maintained a diverse network of partners, ranging from international developmental agencies to grassroots Women-Led Organizations (WLOs) and Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs). This led to elevation of the organization’s influence and ensured that interventions were culturally grounded and supported by a robust ecosystem of civil society stakeholders.

Local Expert, GIZ Civil Peace Service Programme

Refugee Consortium of Kenya

Jun 2021 — Present

Manager, Advocacy & Knowledge Management

Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK)

21 June, 2021 — Present

Led the development of the Refugee Consortium of Kenya's 2023 – 2027 Strategic Plan, which also included designing a 5-year ballpark budget to ensure the organization's long-term operational viability.
Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Framework-Developed and rolled out the organization's 2022 – 2027 MEAL Framework and its Operational Manual. This system standardized data collection and analysis, providing the dynamic insights necessary to measure and improve organizational impact and learning.
Advocacy and Engagement-Developed the 2021 – 2027 Advocacy Strategy and created a public participation toolkit. This has empowered Refugee-Led Organizations (RLOs) and community networks to engage meaningfully in policy-making and socio-economic monitoring.
Refugees Act, 2021-Spearheaded internal and external relations and taskforces that led to the passage of the Refugees Bill 2019 into law, as well as its 2024 Regulations. This remains a landmark legislative milestone for refugees and asylum seekers protection in Kenya.
Shirika Plan-Served as a key member of the taskforce and technical working group that developed the Theory of Change for the Shirika Plan (a government of Kenya’s pioneering innovative approach to refugee management transforming refugee camps into integrated area-based settlements, an avenue to achieving one of the durable solutions of local integration through socio-economic inclusion).
Led the signing of 2023 – 2027 Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) with the Turkana and Garissa County Assemblies. I supported the County Committees in reviewing 26 legislative proposals to ensure alignment with national and international refugee and migration laws and policies.
Evidence-based Advisories-Produced an extensive portfolio of technical documents, including 13 policy briefs, 2 white papers, and 6 empirical research publications. Notable work included position papers on "the cost of doing business for refugees", "Kenya: Security Versus Protection?", and the successful advocacy for recognition of refugee documents, by the private sector, in access to services such as the M-Pesa.
Knowledge Exchange-Convened and facilitated diverse learning and information exchange sessions through experts’ roundtables, training forums, workshops, conferences and webinars. For instance, I successfully facilitated a CSOs-RLOs learning workshop in Kampala in 2023 to promote meaningful collaboration as a key to addressing long-term refugee challenges. Successfully conducted 10 trends analysis on topical issues to inform advocacy agendas, influence relevant stakeholders and inform policy change with the recent one focusing on “Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to ensure Gainful Employment among Refugees in Kenya”.
Presented migration issues on regional and global forums like the Global Refugee Forum, Global Forum on Migration and Development, IGAD and AU through shadow reporting, regional commitments, and issue paper.
Fundraising-Successfully managed donor relations and fundraising efforts that secured a total funding basket of USD 6,297,122 from major partners, including the IKEA Foundation, DANIDA, and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Transit route, Border, Detention and Protection Monitoring-Monitored this access and detention points to identify individuals (migrants including refugees, asylum seekers, victims of human trafficking, and economic migrants, among others) who have been arbitrarily arrested by the law enforcement when trying to cross Kenya's borders or while moving between towns in Kenya. The monitoring also resulted in sensitization of police officers, court users committee, immigration and security multi-agency group to ensure practical application of protection standards and to monitor policy developments on the ground.

Skills

In-depth understanding of carrying out training, capacity building and systems building initiatives for state and non-state actors including local authorities, national and county governments, private sector, think tanks, I/NGOs, academia and opinion shapers, regional and international bodies, among others.Experience in developing and implementing Advocacy Strategies, Strategic Plans, Annual Business Plans and budgets, Result Costed Workplans, Communication Plans, MEAL Framework and Operational Manuals, Proposal design, and Training Manuals.Extensive knowledge of immigration detention, border and transit route monitoring, and advocating for alternatives to detention.Expertise in strategic resource mobilization/fund raising, and establishing and coordinating sustainable partnerships and networks.Experience in developing laws, policies and plans to safeguard refugees and host communities’ rights, voluntary repatriation and resettlement at local, county, national, regional and international levels.Proficiency in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) for internal and external learning, reporting, adaptive management, impact harvesting and decision making.Skilled in research methods and evidence generation to inform advocacy agendas. Expertise in developing research tools to build knowledge hub and disseminate information through lay summaries, reports, policy briefs, white papers, position papers, parliamentary memoranda and advisories to change attitudes, promote learning and improve practices.Expertise in convening and facilitating roundtables, working groups and technical committees, workshops and public participation forums to influence policy change and promote effective implementation.Proficiency in using Microsoft applications including the Office Dynamics (ERP, ESS, and CMS, among others).

Education

Advocates Training Programme

Kenya School of Law

Bachelor of Laws

University of Nairobi

Jan 2014 — Dec 2018

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)

Agoro Sare High School

Jan 2009 — Nov 2012

Key Contributions & Achievements

Stakeholder Synergy & Mentorship

I bridged the gap between professional bodies and emerging talent by spearheading mentorship programs with the Law Society of Kenya. By establishing dedicated committees, I ensured these initiatives had the structural support to become self-sustaining, fostering a culture of peer learning.

Operational Systems Development

I modernized the way project teams tracked their progress. I co-developed resource monitoring and planning tools that shifted the team from reactive to proactive planning, significantly reducing resource waste and improving deadline adherence.

Strategic Communications

I acted as the voice of the project, translating complex data into compelling narratives. I authored and disseminated policy briefs, impact stories, and newsletters that increased project visibility and provided stakeholders with clear evidence of our return of investment.

Analytical Oversight & Due Diligence

Framework Execution

I held primary responsibility for the end-to-end implementation of activities aligned with the approved results framework. By maintaining a strict focus on these KPIs, I ensured that every task contributed directly to the overarching mission of the organization.

Key Trainings & Awards

Facilitated a session at the IGAD’s regional meeting on migration and displacement statistics.

July 10 -13, 2023

Trained state and non-state actors, including refugee led organizations, in Uganda on effective advocacy and dialogue organized by the Asylum Access.

June 15 – 16, 2023

Panelist (Status of the Refugees Act, 2021 implementation and peace needs) at the Annual GIZ Sector Group Meeting (SGM) under the theme Connect, Communicate, and Change.

November 16, 2022

Experts Roundtable on Turkey - Africa Relations and Security Implications for the Region.

February 18, 2021

University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (Seminar for China Issue Experts of Belt & Road Countries).

March 24 – April 2, 2021

China-Africa Joint Research and Exchange Programme.

August 18 – 19, 2020

Publications

Books

“Access to Labour Market for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Kenya”, IKEA Foundation, Asylum Access & Refugee Consortium of Kenya, September 2021.
Edited the book, “ Reaping the Whirlwind: Hormuud Entrepreneurs and the Resurgence of Al-Shabaab ”, Report of the Investigation into the link between Hormuud Telecom and the Al-Shabaab Operations in Somalia. International Policy Group, October 2019.
Shadrack Kuyoh, editor, “A Blueprint for China-Africa Relations: Understanding the Eight Major Initiatives Guided by Xi Jinping”, 2021.
Shadrack Kuyoh, editor, “ Compendium of 2017 Election Petitions: Select Decisions Issues and Themes Arising from the 2017 Elections in Kenya ”, International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) Kenya, Volume 4, 2019. Compiled by Lucianna Thuo.

Major Reports

Inclusive Local Economic Development in Garissa County: Unlocking Refugee Entrepreneurship for Shared Prosperity, 2025.
Migration and Displacement Trends in Africa - A Focus on the Horn of Africa Region, September 2022.
An Evaluation of the Climate and Development Induced Displacement in Kenya, A case study of Turkana, Tana River and Nairobi Counties, August 2022.
China National Petroleum Corporation Economic and Technological Research Institute (CNPC ETRI) & Africa Policy Institute, “Report on Powering China-Africa Development: Cooperation in the Energy Sector Under the Belt and Road Initiative” February, 2020.

Journals & Policy Briefs

Inclusive Local Economic Development in Garissa County: Addressing the Cost of Doing Business and Refugee Participation in the Revolving Fund.
Shadrack Kuyoh, “Security and Counterterrorism Dimensions in the Post-2020 U.S. Washington Regime”, State of the Horn, Horn Affairs Journal, Volume 1: November 2020 – January 2021.
Shadrack Kuyoh, “The Return of Dictatorship in the Horn of Africa”, Horn Centre for Security Analysis, Policy Brief, Issue 1, March 2021.
Prof. Peter Kagwanja & Shadrack Kuyoh et al , “Ethnic Militarism and Democratic Retreat in the Horn of Africa”, Africa Policy Brief, No. 29, January 2020.
Shadrack Kuyoh & Lemmy Nyongesa et al , “Debt and Disease: Managing the Impact of Coronavirus Epidemic on Kenya’s Debt to China”, Africa Policy Brief, No. 1, May 2020.
Prof. Peter Kagwanja & Shadrack Kuyoh et al , “Disease and Terror: The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Countering Violent Extremism in the Horn of Africa”, Africa Policy Brief, No. 1, August 2020.
“ Africa’s Regional Co-Operation and Integration: The Corona Virus Litmus Test ”, (2020) Journal of cmsd Volume 4(2). Compiled by Dr. Kariuki Muigua & H. Njoki Mboce.

Policy Newspaper Articles

Shadrack Kuyoh, “ Migrants' burden much heavier amid pandemic ”, China Daily Newspaper, January 27, 2021.
Shadrack Kuyoh, “ FOCAC promotes common development of China and Africa ”, China Daily Newspaper, January 7, 2021.
Commentary by Shadrack Kuyoh, “ Somalia’s pre -elections heat shows up in Mogadishu-Nairobi dispute ”, The East African Newspaper, December 22, 2020.
Shadrack Kuyoh, “ Urbanization will be Africa's new economic frontier ”, China Daily Newspaper, September 10, 2020.
Shadrack Kuyoh, “ African countries explore ways to bolster economies ”, China Daily Newspaper, June 23, 2020.
Shadrack Kuyoh, “ African women and children need special care ”, China Daily Newspaper, May 14, 2020.
Shadrack Kuyoh & Lewis Ndichu, “ Africa taps technology to bolster virus fight ”, China Daily Newspaper, May 13, 2020.
Commentary by Shadrack Kuyoh, “ Workers' rights safeguarded in Xinjiang ”, China Daily Newspaper, September 21, 2020.