Mercy Karanja International Development Expert

Born into a rural farming family in central Kenya, I made an intentional choice early in life to pursue a career dedicated to uplifting those often left behind. I earned a degree in Agriculture from the University of Nairobi and later an MSc in Rural Development from the University of Reading, UK. My career has spanned shaping agricultural policy with the Kenyan government, developing human capital as a lecturer, and holding executive roles at both national and international non-governmental organizations. Most recently, I served as a Senior Program Officer at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, where I supported partners focused on increasing access to productive resources for marginalized communities, particularly women.

I am also the founder and president of Mpatapo, an organization committed to empowering emerging leaders to address global challenges. In addition, I serve on several boards dedicated to the economic empowerment of smallholder farmers.