Rita Field-Marsham

Founder & CEO

As a Kenyan-born lawyer, I have always been aware of the transformative power of language, reading and a well rounded education. It has been a very personal goal of mine to ensure children have the knowledge they need to shape and transform their own destinies.

Rita is a board director of the Kenya Scholar Access Program (KenSAP), the Andre De Grasse Family Foundation and a Board Governor of the MPESA Foundation Academy.

Before moving to Canada in 2004, Rita was a lawyer in private practice in Kenya and provided pro bono legal services to the High Court, Court of Appeal, and FIDA-Kenya for litigants unable to afford the services of a lawyer.

Gladys Kerich

Programs manager

The right book can Change a Life.

As Project Manager at KEY, Gladys leads the design and implementation of complex school library and reading programs across Kenya. She oversees project planning, coordination, and delivery, ensuring that each initiative meets its goals, stays on budget, and creates lasting impact in the communities KEY serves.

A PMP-certified professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Gladys brings nearly a decade of experience to her role. She is known for her collaborative leadership, strong partnerships with local governments and nonprofits, and commitment to expanding access to quality learning environments for children

Nyakundi James Nyambane

Head Librarian

Nyakundi oversees all operational aspects and audits of our libraries ensuring the fulfillment of KEY’s mission, values and strategic priorities. Highly organized, detailed-oriented and friendly, he is always on hand to help KEY libraries’ teachers, students and librarians with queries and recommendations as needed.

Nyakundi received a bachelor’s degree in Library and Information Science, and has over eight years of experience as a User Services Librarian at United States International University Africa (USIU). He is a member of the Kenya Library Association (KLA), American Library Association (ALA) and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Standing Committee member for (CPDWL) 2019-2023.

Christine Simani

Project coordinator

Every child should have access to the best books in the world – regardless of their circumstances

Christine joined us after completing her internship with KEY, following her Bachelor of Commerce degree in Marketing Management from the University of Pretoria. As Project Coordinator, she oversees the collection, organization, and cataloguing of books, and supports the setup of school libraries across our programs.

Known for her strong attention to detail, Christine ensures every bookcase is thoughtfully arranged to invite curiosity and make children want to read. Her commitment to excellence makes us proud each time we see a library come to life—spaces that truly reflect our passion for literacy and learning.

BOARD & ADVISORS

KEY would like to recognize our well informed, trained and experienced board members and advisors, who hold us accountable and treat no subject as undiscussable.

Wandia Gichuru Founder and CEO Shop Zetu, Co-founder and Executive Director Vivo Activewear. Trustee Zeitz Foundation, Mpesa Foundation Academy, KenSAP, and Field-Marsham Foundation. Cohort 1 Stanford Seed Transformation Program. Previously, Governance Advisor Department of International Development (DIFID), Policy Advisor UNDP, Operations Analyst World Bank, Public Relations Citi, Project Coordinator Kenya Wildlife Service.

Charles Field-Marsham Founder and Chairman Kestrel Capital Management Corp Canada, Kestrel Capital (East Africa), and Panafrican Group. Investor and board member of Slingshot Sports LLC. Board Chair and sponsor of Kenya Scholar Access Program (KenSAP). Previously, board member of AMREF Canada, Grand Challenges Canada, SickKids Hospital Foundation, and NEXT Canada.

Niccola Milnes M&E Advisor at USAID and Principal NVM Consulting. As KEY’s first hire, Niccola helped build our award winning library models over 7 years as Programs Manager (2011-2018).

Brett Marchand CEO Plus Company. Former President and CEO Vision 7. Board Member Pathways to Education Canada, Foundation Director St Michael’s Hospital, Advisory Board Member Alberta School of Business, Chair NewCo Toronto, Board Member Ontario Science Centre. Previously at Molson Canada, Campbell Soup, Proctor & Gamble, and Chair Habitat for Humanity Canada.

Scott Jeffery President Treehouse Capital. Previously President Colgate-Palmolive Canada Inc., Central Europe and Russia, and Columbia S.A.

Wanjiry Ngige Founding partner of Ngige Aluvale Advocates LLP. Previously with Mohammed Muigai LLP for 15 years. Taught Principles of Civil Procedure and Administrative Law at Strathmore University’s School of Law. Sits on the Investment Committee of the Kenya Innovative Finance Facility for Water (KIFFWA), and currently serves as a Legal Adviser to Knowledge Empowering Youth (KEY). Wanjirũ holds a Bachelor of Civil Law from the University of Oxford.

Estelle Vancol Senior consultant Ernst & Young. Originally from Angola, Estelle moved to Canada in 2012 to pursue a Bachelor’s degree at Mc Gill University, later earning a Master’s from Erasmus University. In her role at KEY, she focuses on cultivating strategic partnerships to drive the organization’s growth and impact. An avid reader and proud African, Estelle is deeply passionate about KEY’s mission, values, and strategy.