A degree in political science from the University of Pittsburgh and a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School in 2005 provided the foundation for Ory Okolloh to pivot away from corporate law. Instead of joining a D.C. firm, she returned to Kenya to focus on the systematic monitoring of government transparency and the documentation of civil rights issues.
Parliamentary and Election Monitoring
In 2006, Okolloh co-founded Mzalendo, a watchdog platform designed to track legislative activities, including speeches and parliamentary bills. During the post-election violence of 2007 in Kenya, she expanded her technological approach to accountability by co-creating Ushahidi. This platform synthesized eyewitness accounts through text messages and Google Maps to track and record events in real time. The model was subsequently adapted for global use to monitor elections and assess the distribution of pharmaceutical supplies.
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Okolloh’s career includes significant tenures in both the private and non-profit sectors. She has held positions as policy manager for Africa at Google and managing director at Omidyar Network. Her consulting experience encompasses work with the World Bank, Covington and Burling, and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. She currently serves as a partner at Verod-Kepple Africa Ventures, a firm with operations in Lagos and Nairobi.
Board Memberships and Governance
Extensive board experience defines much of her recent professional life. She served on the board of Thomson Reuters Founders Share Company from May 2015 until her retirement in December 2024, finishing her term as deputy chair. Her other board engagements include roles at Safaricom and the Stanbic Bank Foundation. In 2025, she took on new appointments as a board member for the GSMA Foundation and as an outside director for the Kepple Group in Japan. She remains active with Harvard University through the Africa Advisory Board of the Centre for African Studies.
Fast facts
- Born: 1977, Kenya
- Education: University of Pittsburgh, Harvard Law School
- Co-founded: Mzalendo, Ushahidi
- Recognition: 100 Most Influential People, Time, 2014
- Citizenship: Kenya
- Former roles: Google Africa policy manager, Omidyar Network managing director
Questions readers ask
What is the primary function of the Ushahidi platform?
It uses text messages and mapping software to record and aggregate eyewitness reports of violence and critical events.
Did Okolloh hold leadership positions in major international organizations?
Yes, she served as a board member for the Thomson Reuters Founders Share Company and as an independent director at Safaricom.
