About Us
The BMF is a Kenyan registered non profit organization dedicated to supporting the youth(18-35 yrs), women, and people with disabilities to take bold steps in their self-development and empowerment. Through research, education, mentorship, and hands-on training in entrepreneurial, employable, digital, and financial skills, we equip participants with the knowledge, confidence, and tools to succeed in business, careers, and life. By building these essential skills, we create lasting change in their lives and communities.
The Challenge
In Kenya, youth unemployment, gender-based economic exclusion, and the systemic marginalization of persons with disabilities remain persistent barriers to shared prosperity. Many young people finish school or training without the practical, market-relevant skills employers and markets demand. Women face structural obstacles in accessing finance, business networks, and leadership opportunities. Persons with disabilities are routinely excluded from mainstream economic programmes. The BMF exists because ambition alone is not enough — access, skills, and support make the difference.
Our Mission
To create equitable opportunity by expanding access to education, research, mentorship, and practical, market-driven training in employable and entrepreneurial skills that enable underserved communities (youth, women and people with disabilities) to make bold moves toward lasting economic independence.
Our Vision
An inclusive economy where systemic barriers to education, employment, and entrepreneurship are dismantled, enabling youth, women, and persons with disabilities to fully participate and prosper.
Our Approach
Research-Backed
Our programmes are informed by evidence on what works for skills development and economic inclusion in the Kenyan context.
Hands-On & Practical
We prioritise learning by doing. Our training is market-driven, directly applicable to real employment and business environments.
Mentorship-Led
Participants are connected with experienced mentors who provide guidance, networks, and accountability beyond the classroom.
Community-Rooted
We work from within communities, not from above them — partnering with local organisations and structures to ensure relevance and reach.
Our Core Values
Our Board
Imelda Ochari
Board Member
Imelda Ochari is a Research, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEAL) Specialist with 20 years of experience in Health Systems Strengthening, focusing on Primary Healthcare (PHC) research and improvement across Africa and Asia. Her expertise spans impact measurement, data visualization, digital health solutions, and policy analysis, with a strong commitment to gender integration and inclusive data systems that advance health equity.
She has successfully led large-scale PHC and Community-Based Surveillance (CBS) studies in Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Indonesia, conducting systems assessments at public health centers and sub-national levels, identifying gaps, and providing actionable recommendations for strengthening surveillance and response capacity. She has developed detailed M&E strategies aligned with project objectives and resources, leveraging digital tools for real-time monitoring and decision-making.
Her experience includes designing and implementing digital data collection platforms, mentoring national staff on documenting lessons from CBS expansion, and facilitating capacity-building workshops for national surveillance teams. She excels in translating research findings into policy and practice, contributing to evidence-based reforms, digital innovations, and sustainable improvements in healthcare delivery, particularly for marginalized populations.
Imelda is pursuing a PhD in Health Systems Management at Kenya Methodist University. She holds a Master's Degree in Community Health and Development from Great Lakes University of Kisumu, Kenya, and a Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Sciences and Technology from Maseno University, Kenya.
Reuben Manyiza
Board Member
Reuben Manyiza is a Global Process Expert with more than 15 years of comprehensive experience in finance and accounting. Serving as a key strategic partner to finance operations, he bridges the gap between financial governance and operational agility.
A certified Lean Office Green Belt, Reuben is an expert in organizational design, waste elimination, and continuous improvement. Throughout his career, he has successfully spearheaded cross-functional initiatives aimed at stripping away systemic inefficiencies, optimizing global workflows, and maximizing bottom-line productivity with a Leading Multinational in the Testing Verification and Certification Industry (TIC).
Known for a data-driven approach and a collaborative leadership style, Reuben transforms complex finance operations into streamlined, high-performing engines that support long-term Organization's strategy.
He holds a Bachelor's degree from Kenyatta University and is a CPA-K. He is currently pursuing a Master's degree at Strathmore University and is a holder of a Green Belt in Lean Office.
Prof Jane Catherine Ngila
Board Member
Prof. Jane Catherine Ngila is currently the Executive Director of the African Foundation for Women and Youth in Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI). The vision of AFoWYESTI is to promote access to quality education, alleviate poverty, and offer mentorship programmes for women and youth in STEM.
She is the immediate former Interim Executive Director of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS). She is a former member of the UN 10-Member Group for technology facilitation mechanism on STI for SDGs; UNESCO International Consultative Group of Experts for Women in Science; Council Member of United Nations University; Member of International Organization for Chemical Sciences in Development (IOCD); and a Council Member of United Nations University. She is a Fellow of TWAS, AAS, and ASSAf. She received the 2025 IUPAC Distinguished Women in Chemistry Award, the 2021 L'Oréal-UNESCO FWIS representing Africa and the Middle East, the 2017 African Union-Kwame Nkrumah Women Scientific Awards, and the 2016 South Africa Distinguished Women in Science Awards.
She has previously held the following teaching and management positions: Deputy Vice Chancellor of Riara University for Academic Affairs; Deputy Director of the Institute of Oil and Gas, Kenya Pipeline Company; Professor and Head of Applied Chemistry at University of Johannesburg; and Senior Lecturer/Lecturer at University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of Botswana, and Kenyatta University.
Our Partners
We believe that the most lasting change happens through collaboration. We work closely with corporate partners, development organizations, county governments, and educational institutions across Kenya.
View Partnership Opportunities