Our Leadership Team
Our Advisory Council brings together experienced leaders, humanitarian professionals, and advocates dedicated to shaping PGF’s strategy and amplifying pastoralist voices. Their expertise ensures our programs remain community-driven and impactful.
Philip Mato Galgallo
Advisory Council Member
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Philip Mato Galgallo is Humanitarian and Development Proffesional. With a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering and a Master of Arts in Project Planning and Management, He brings a strong humanitarian and development contexts. Over the past 25 years, he has risen through the ranks from frontline field roles to middle and senior-level leadership, including a decade serving as Country Director across multiple countries.
His career began with a response the El Niño and La Niña emergencies, in the late 90s and the turn of the century reaching over 300,000 people. Early on, I was reassigned from field work into warehouse management to address losses and delays. I convened key stakeholders, developed a streamlined logistics system, eliminated losses of over 200 bags monthly, and improved transparency in trucking and allocation. Philip, served as an advisory member to the Food for the Hungry board for close to 7 years. He served on the board of Nyuki Hub Limited, a subsidiary of Christian Aid, for 6 years. Philip is passionate about about fighting injustice and pushing for equality to end poverty.
Dr. Ketemon Lewano, PhD
Advisory Council Member
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Dr. Lewano is a seasoned private equity and impact investment professional with over 20 years’ experience in frontier markets across Africa. Until recently, he served as Africa Lead and Investment Principal at the Soros Economic Development Fund, the impact investment arm of the Open Society Foundations, where he also sat on the advisory boards of several portfolio companies in the region.
His earlier career includes senior investment roles with Norfund, Norway’s development finance institution, and senior corporate banking roles with Commercial Bank of Africa (now NCBA).
Beyond his professional work, Dr. Lewano has a strong record of community leadership. He was recently elected the inaugural President of Community Land Action Now (CLAN!), a network of Kenyan rural communities that includes pastoralists committed to legal registration of their community lands. He is also the long-serving Chairman of the Rendille Professionals Association (RPA).
Ketemon holds a PhD in Finance from United States International University–Africa in partnership with Columbia Business School, New York, an MBA with distinction in Finance from Birmingham Business School (UK), and a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) from the University of Nairobi, Kenya.
Gedhia Adan Mamo
Advisory Council Membe
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Gedhia Adan Mamo is a respected governance, peacebuilding, and community development specialist with over a decade of experience working at the intersection of public service, conflict resolution, and grassroots empowerment.
She holds a Master’s Degree in Governance, Peace & Conflict Management from Africa Nazarene University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Disaster Management & International Diplomacy from Masinde Muliro University.
Gedhia’s career spans leadership roles in county government, non-governmental organizations, and development agencies. As Chief Officer for Tourism, Culture & Social Services in Marsabit County (2013–2017), she pioneered flagship initiatives, including the Lake Turkana Cultural Festival and a social protection program for the elderly. She has also served as a consultant for institutions such as the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), GROOTS Kenya, and the USAID/UKAID AHADI Governance Project, facilitating community dialogues, public participation, and inclusive policy-making.
In 2022, Gedhia contested the Marsabit County Woman Representative seat, running a grassroots campaign that united all 16 ethnic communities in the county. She finished second, losing by only 464 votes—a testament to her ability to inspire trust, bridge divides, and mobilize diverse constituencies.
Passionate about gender inclusion and pastoralist rights, Gedhia continues to champion initiatives that empower women, build inter-ethnic harmony, and protect the livelihoods and cultural heritage of pastoralist communities. Her work is guided by the belief that sustainable peace and development can only be achieved when communities are given the tools, voice, and agency to shape their future.
Simpanoi Lesarge
Advisory Council Member
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Lucia Kaana
Advisory Council Member
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Gumatho Illo
Treasurer
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Gumatho Illo is a dynamic banking professional with over six years of experience in customer service, branch operations, and relationship management. Recognized for her precision, integrity, and people-first approach, she has led key initiatives, including serving as Reliever Branch Operations Manager and spearheading branch transitions during the rollout of a new core banking system.
As Employee Wellness Champion and Change Champion, Gumatho drives staff engagement, smooth operational change, and a culture of excellence. Skilled in digital banking onboarding, AML/KYC compliance, and client relationship building, she consistently delivers exceptional results. Beyond banking, she is a passionate advocate for girls’ rights, education, and positive community change.
Basele Stephen Galgesa
Founder/Executive Director
Basele Stephen Galgesa is an Indigenous youth leader, technologist, and democracy advocate from Marsabit, Northern Kenya. With over a decade of experience at the intersection of technology, civic engagement, and Indigenous rights, he is dedicated to amplifying the voices of marginalized youth and pastoralist communities.
He is the Founder and Executive Director of the Pastoralist Girls Foundation (PGF), leading initiatives in ecosystem restoration, Indigenous knowledge integration, policy advocacy, and women and youth empowerment. Basele also serves on the Advisory Council of Democracy Moves, contributing to global strategies for strengthening youth participation in democratic processes.
An alumnus of the Program for Young Politicians in Africa (PYPA), Basele has represented his community and country on national, regional, and global platforms, championing inclusive governance, self-determination, and civic empowerment. His work bridges grassroots mobilization, policy dialogue, and digital innovation to advance just and equitable futures for all.