Kazi Mghendi is the Founder and Team Lead of Elimu Fanaka, a young organization in Kenya that provides functional libraries and technology for schools and vocational training and mentorship to youth. She has over 10 years of experience in humanitarianism, leadership training, social development, and microfinance. She previously worked at the impact investment organization Acumen managing its East Africa Fellows Program and Academy. She also worked at Ongoza Institute as Stakeholder Engagement Manager, managing relationships with investors, funders, donors, government institutions, partners, and entrepreneurs.

Kazi is enthusiastic about improving education standards in public primary/elementary schools, including supporting the reformation of education policies and their implementation in rural communities. She views schools as centers for change and believes that education can be utilized as a tool that can bring positive transformation to underserved communities.