Who We Are
Jacob’s Ladder Africa (JLA) is a continental non-governmental organisation that is advancing green solutions, climate innovation, and sustainability pathways through a youth-centric approach.
Jacob’s Ladder Africa seeks to activate 30 Million jobs in the African Green Economy by 2033. We are a non-governmental youth-centric organisation predominantly focused on shaping the narrative of workforce readiness for the emerging Green Economy in Africa. We do this through research focused on identifying opportunities and gaps in the green economy. We design and roll out curricula to address gaps in climate literacy as well as conduct targeted training programs.
We run an incubator program to empower young talented green innovators, thus enhancing entrepreneurial outcomes. As part of our advocacy work, we advocate for policies that support workforce readiness by hosting roundtable discussions and grassroot conversations aimed at bringing awareness in the creation of green jobs.
As an organisation, we are cognisant that climate change is an urgent concern, a threat presently facing Africa and the world at large. In this regard, JLA is working to reinforce efforts made by African economies to accelerate the transition to a sustainable, greener future. Our approach is to equip Africa with a new environmentally-conscious workforce, a generation of like-minded professionals dedicated to pivoting the continent towards realising Africa’s carbon targets within planetary boundaries.
To achieve this goal, we invest in the youth to ignite and drive this change, because we believe they are a critical cog in the wheel of progress and success in Africa’s climate action. We are in this together.
As a sustainable development hub, we equip and empower the youth to recognize and seize emerging green opportunities, aiming to activate 30 million jobs in the African green economy by 2033.
We are on a journey to tell the accurate climate story of Africa. Founded in late 2021, our role is to act as vision supporters, connectors and implementation guardians for young people in Africa.
Vision
An innovative and equitable African green economy that creates jobs and fosters sustainable development for all.
Mission
Activating 30 million jobs in the African Green Economy by 2033 by catalysing an alternative economic culture.
Values
African
We embody the essence of Africa and are passionately steering the continent towards her destiny through innovative, ingenious and transformative solutions.
Boldness
We are boldly unapologetic about the potential and possibilities of Africa and the potency of her youth as agents of change towards an integrated, independent and fruitful continent.
Diversity
This is our home and we believe that a diversity of voices at the table can bring about the transformative solutions that Africa requires.
Umoja
Our approach towards building an integrated Africa and the solutions we exemplify reflect African attributes of community building, passion and unity in thought and action.
The Team
Sellah Bogonko, HSC
Co-Founder & CEO
Sellah Bogonko is a public policy expert with a passion for sustainable development. Her life’s career mission is to significantly contribute to finding sustainable models of addressing the youth unemployment challenge in Africa. She is the CEO and Co-founder of Jacob’s Ladder Africa and the Founder of Zinduka Kenya.
Sellah’s 360 experience in the private sector, public sector and development world gives her a unique approach to design and implementation of policy and programs. She is committed to empowering and developing those she works with to achieve the best versions of themselves.
Sellah has held a variety of roles in the public and private sectors that focus on youth empowerment, leadership and governance, education, economic empowerment, innovation and technology.
Prior to Jacob’s Ladder Africa, she was Chief of Staff for Kirinyaga County, Chief Operating Officer of AG Group International, Group Operations Coordinator at Linksoft Group, and Strategy Operations Manager at Mellech Group.
Sellah holds an MSc in Public Governance from International Leadership University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business & Sociology from Kenyatta University.
She has undertaken numerous executive education courses in public policy including Public Leadership Credential the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
Bilha Ndirangu
Co-Founder
Sellah Bogonko is a public policy expert with a passion for sustainable development. Her life’s career mission is to significantly contribute to finding sustainable models of addressing the youth unemployment challenge in Africa. She is the CEO and Co-founder of Jacob’s Ladder Africa and the Founder of Zinduka Kenya.
Sellah’s 360 experience in the private sector, public sector and development world gives her a unique approach to design and implementation of policy and programs. She is committed to empowering and developing those she works with to achieve the best versions of themselves.
Sellah has held a variety of roles in the public and private sectors that focus on youth empowerment, leadership and governance, education, economic empowerment, innovation and technology.
Prior to Jacob’s Ladder Africa, she was Chief of Staff for Kirinyaga County, Chief Operating Officer of AG Group International, Group Operations Coordinator at Linksoft Group, and Strategy Operations Manager at Mellech Group.
Sellah holds an MSc in Public Governance from International Leadership University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business & Sociology from Kenyatta University.
She has undertaken numerous executive education courses in public policy including Public Leadership Credential the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
Marceline Obuya
Co-Founder
Sellah Bogonko is a public policy expert with a passion for sustainable development. Her life’s career mission is to significantly contribute to finding sustainable models of addressing the youth unemployment challenge in Africa. She is the CEO and Co-founder of Jacob’s Ladder Africa and the Founder of Zinduka Kenya.
Sellah’s 360 experience in the private sector, public sector and development world gives her a unique approach to design and implementation of policy and programs. She is committed to empowering and developing those she works with to achieve the best versions of themselves.
Sellah has held a variety of roles in the public and private sectors that focus on youth empowerment, leadership and governance, education, economic empowerment, innovation and technology.
Prior to Jacob’s Ladder Africa, she was Chief of Staff for Kirinyaga County, Chief Operating Officer of AG Group International, Group Operations Coordinator at Linksoft Group, and Strategy Operations Manager at Mellech Group.
Sellah holds an MSc in Public Governance from International Leadership University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business & Sociology from Kenyatta University.
She has undertaken numerous executive education courses in public policy including Public Leadership Credential the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
Karen Chelangat
Chief Programmes Officer
Sellah Bogonko is a public policy expert with a passion for sustainable development. Her life’s career mission is to significantly contribute to finding sustainable models of addressing the youth unemployment challenge in Africa. She is the CEO and Co-founder of Jacob’s Ladder Africa and the Founder of Zinduka Kenya.
Sellah’s 360 experience in the private sector, public sector and development world gives her a unique approach to design and implementation of policy and programs. She is committed to empowering and developing those she works with to achieve the best versions of themselves.
Sellah has held a variety of roles in the public and private sectors that focus on youth empowerment, leadership and governance, education, economic empowerment, innovation and technology.
Prior to Jacob’s Ladder Africa, she was Chief of Staff for Kirinyaga County, Chief Operating Officer of AG Group International, Group Operations Coordinator at Linksoft Group, and Strategy Operations Manager at Mellech Group.
Sellah holds an MSc in Public Governance from International Leadership University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business & Sociology from Kenyatta University.
She has undertaken numerous executive education courses in public policy including Public Leadership Credential the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
Samuel Kuria
Chief Financial & Admin Manager
Sellah Bogonko is a public policy expert with a passion for sustainable development. Her life’s career mission is to significantly contribute to finding sustainable models of addressing the youth unemployment challenge in Africa. She is the CEO and Co-founder of Jacob’s Ladder Africa and the Founder of Zinduka Kenya.
Sellah’s 360 experience in the private sector, public sector and development world gives her a unique approach to design and implementation of policy and programs. She is committed to empowering and developing those she works with to achieve the best versions of themselves.
Sellah has held a variety of roles in the public and private sectors that focus on youth empowerment, leadership and governance, education, economic empowerment, innovation and technology.
Prior to Jacob’s Ladder Africa, she was Chief of Staff for Kirinyaga County, Chief Operating Officer of AG Group International, Group Operations Coordinator at Linksoft Group, and Strategy Operations Manager at Mellech Group.
Sellah holds an MSc in Public Governance from International Leadership University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business & Sociology from Kenyatta University.
She has undertaken numerous executive education courses in public policy including Public Leadership Credential the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
Manda Khabetsa
Media and Event Producer
Sellah Bogonko is a public policy expert with a passion for sustainable development. Her life’s career mission is to significantly contribute to finding sustainable models of addressing the youth unemployment challenge in Africa. She is the CEO and Co-founder of Jacob’s Ladder Africa and the Founder of Zinduka Kenya.
Sellah’s 360 experience in the private sector, public sector and development world gives her a unique approach to design and implementation of policy and programs. She is committed to empowering and developing those she works with to achieve the best versions of themselves.
Sellah has held a variety of roles in the public and private sectors that focus on youth empowerment, leadership and governance, education, economic empowerment, innovation and technology.
Prior to Jacob’s Ladder Africa, she was Chief of Staff for Kirinyaga County, Chief Operating Officer of AG Group International, Group Operations Coordinator at Linksoft Group, and Strategy Operations Manager at Mellech Group.
Sellah holds an MSc in Public Governance from International Leadership University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business & Sociology from Kenyatta University.
She has undertaken numerous executive education courses in public policy including Public Leadership Credential the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
Maurice Terer
Software Development Manager
Sellah Bogonko is a public policy expert with a passion for sustainable development. Her life’s career mission is to significantly contribute to finding sustainable models of addressing the youth unemployment challenge in Africa. She is the CEO and Co-founder of Jacob’s Ladder Africa and the Founder of Zinduka Kenya.
Sellah’s 360 experience in the private sector, public sector and development world gives her a unique approach to design and implementation of policy and programs. She is committed to empowering and developing those she works with to achieve the best versions of themselves.
Sellah has held a variety of roles in the public and private sectors that focus on youth empowerment, leadership and governance, education, economic empowerment, innovation and technology.
Prior to Jacob’s Ladder Africa, she was Chief of Staff for Kirinyaga County, Chief Operating Officer of AG Group International, Group Operations Coordinator at Linksoft Group, and Strategy Operations Manager at Mellech Group.
Sellah holds an MSc in Public Governance from International Leadership University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business & Sociology from Kenyatta University.
She has undertaken numerous executive education courses in public policy including Public Leadership Credential the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
Louis Wajeiya
Innovation Lead
Sellah Bogonko is a public policy expert with a passion for sustainable development. Her life’s career mission is to significantly contribute to finding sustainable models of addressing the youth unemployment challenge in Africa. She is the CEO and Co-founder of Jacob’s Ladder Africa and the Founder of Zinduka Kenya.
Sellah’s 360 experience in the private sector, public sector and development world gives her a unique approach to design and implementation of policy and programs. She is committed to empowering and developing those she works with to achieve the best versions of themselves.
Sellah has held a variety of roles in the public and private sectors that focus on youth empowerment, leadership and governance, education, economic empowerment, innovation and technology.
Prior to Jacob’s Ladder Africa, she was Chief of Staff for Kirinyaga County, Chief Operating Officer of AG Group International, Group Operations Coordinator at Linksoft Group, and Strategy Operations Manager at Mellech Group.
Sellah holds an MSc in Public Governance from International Leadership University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business & Sociology from Kenyatta University.
She has undertaken numerous executive education courses in public policy including Public Leadership Credential the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
Patricia Wanguyu
Office Coordinator & Administrator
Sellah Bogonko is a public policy expert with a passion for sustainable development. Her life’s career mission is to significantly contribute to finding sustainable models of addressing the youth unemployment challenge in Africa. She is the CEO and Co-founder of Jacob’s Ladder Africa and the Founder of Zinduka Kenya.
Sellah’s 360 experience in the private sector, public sector and development world gives her a unique approach to design and implementation of policy and programs. She is committed to empowering and developing those she works with to achieve the best versions of themselves.
Sellah has held a variety of roles in the public and private sectors that focus on youth empowerment, leadership and governance, education, economic empowerment, innovation and technology.
Prior to Jacob’s Ladder Africa, she was Chief of Staff for Kirinyaga County, Chief Operating Officer of AG Group International, Group Operations Coordinator at Linksoft Group, and Strategy Operations Manager at Mellech Group.
Sellah holds an MSc in Public Governance from International Leadership University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business & Sociology from Kenyatta University.
She has undertaken numerous executive education courses in public policy including Public Leadership Credential the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
Karimi Kaburu
Programs Manager
Sellah Bogonko is a public policy expert with a passion for sustainable development. Her life’s career mission is to significantly contribute to finding sustainable models of addressing the youth unemployment challenge in Africa. She is the CEO and Co-founder of Jacob’s Ladder Africa and the Founder of Zinduka Kenya.
Sellah’s 360 experience in the private sector, public sector and development world gives her a unique approach to design and implementation of policy and programs. She is committed to empowering and developing those she works with to achieve the best versions of themselves.
Sellah has held a variety of roles in the public and private sectors that focus on youth empowerment, leadership and governance, education, economic empowerment, innovation and technology.
Prior to Jacob’s Ladder Africa, she was Chief of Staff for Kirinyaga County, Chief Operating Officer of AG Group International, Group Operations Coordinator at Linksoft Group, and Strategy Operations Manager at Mellech Group.
Sellah holds an MSc in Public Governance from International Leadership University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business & Sociology from Kenyatta University.
She has undertaken numerous executive education courses in public policy including Public Leadership Credential the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
Rita Mirembe
Marketing and Communication
Sellah Bogonko is a public policy expert with a passion for sustainable development. Her life’s career mission is to significantly contribute to finding sustainable models of addressing the youth unemployment challenge in Africa. She is the CEO and Co-founder of Jacob’s Ladder Africa and the Founder of Zinduka Kenya.
Sellah’s 360 experience in the private sector, public sector and development world gives her a unique approach to design and implementation of policy and programs. She is committed to empowering and developing those she works with to achieve the best versions of themselves.
Sellah has held a variety of roles in the public and private sectors that focus on youth empowerment, leadership and governance, education, economic empowerment, innovation and technology.
Prior to Jacob’s Ladder Africa, she was Chief of Staff for Kirinyaga County, Chief Operating Officer of AG Group International, Group Operations Coordinator at Linksoft Group, and Strategy Operations Manager at Mellech Group.
Sellah holds an MSc in Public Governance from International Leadership University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business & Sociology from Kenyatta University.
She has undertaken numerous executive education courses in public policy including Public Leadership Credential the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
Karen Chelangat
Co-Founder & CEO
Sellah Bogonko is a public policy expert with a passion for sustainable development. Her life’s career mission is to significantly contribute to finding sustainable models of addressing the youth unemployment challenge in Africa. She is the CEO and Co-founder of Jacob’s Ladder Africa and the Founder of Zinduka Kenya.
Sellah’s 360 experience in the private sector, public sector and development world gives her a unique approach to design and implementation of policy and programs. She is committed to empowering and developing those she works with to achieve the best versions of themselves.
Sellah has held a variety of roles in the public and private sectors that focus on youth empowerment, leadership and governance, education, economic empowerment, innovation and technology.
Prior to Jacob’s Ladder Africa, she was Chief of Staff for Kirinyaga County, Chief Operating Officer of AG Group International, Group Operations Coordinator at Linksoft Group, and Strategy Operations Manager at Mellech Group.
Sellah holds an MSc in Public Governance from International Leadership University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business & Sociology from Kenyatta University.
She has undertaken numerous executive education courses in public policy including Public Leadership Credential the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.