The team
At Development Concern Kenya, our governance structure underscores a commitment to
excellence, accountability, and inclusive decision-making. Our Board of Directors plays a
pivotal role in shaping the organization’s strategic direction, policy formulation, resource
mobilization, public relations, staff recruitment, and compliance initiatives.
Elected through a democratic process by the larger membership every three years, our board
comprises six distinguished professionals, each bringing a wealth of expertise and
experience:
Jelle Abdi - Chairman, Board of Directors
- Academic Qualification: Bachelor of Science in Agriculture at Egerton University, Kenya.
- Professional Development: Attended Senior Management Course at Kenya School of Government; additionally, completed professional courses including Strategic Leadership Management from Kenya School of Government.
- Experience: With over 30 years of experience in both government and NGO sectors, Jelle Abdi is a recognized expert in food security. He has served as Director of Agriculture in numerous counties in Kenya and chaired the County Public Service Board in Wajir. Notably, he coordinated the Kenya Agricultural Productivity Program for 15 years, a joint initiative financed by the World Bank and the Kenyan government, which revitalized the agricultural sector and improved farm incomes.
Said Abdi Elim - Secretary to the Board
- Academic Qualification: Master’s Degree in Strategic Management
- Professional Development: Attended Senior Management Course at Kenya School of
Government; also completed a Strategic Leadership course. Holds the Certified procurement and supply professional of Kenya (CPSP.K) qualification. Additionally,attended the World Bank Intermediate Procurement Financing course. - Experience: With over 15 years of experience primarily in the government sector and (NG0) sector. Said Abdi Elim brings expertise in strategic management to the board.
Yussuf A. Gedi - Chief Executive Officer
- Academic Qualification: Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies, Kimmage Development Centre, Ireland. Diploma in Earth Science, Kenya Polytechnic.
- Professional Development: Participatory Integrated Community Development Course; Monitoring and Evaluation Training at MS-TCDC Arusha; Gender Mainstreaming in Development Programmers’.
- Experience: With a career spanning 28 years, Yussuf Abdi Gedi brings a wealth of experience to his role as Chief Executive Officer. He has served as an executive community member for Water and Agriculture in the county government of wajir demonstrating his commitment to addressing crucial issues in these sectors.
- In addition to his academic qualifications and specialized training, Yussuf’s extensive experience equips him with invaluable insights into community development and sustainable practices. His leadership and dedication are instrumental in guiding the organization towards its mission of empowerment and positive change.
Mohamed Hilal - Board Member
- Academic Qualification: Master of Arts in Economics, University of Nairobi Professional Designation: Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level III
- Experience: Mohamed Hilal is a seasoned professional with a 15 years of job experience in economics and finance. Holding a Master of Arts in Economics from the University of Nairobi and achieving the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level III designation, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the board.
- With experience as a senior investment advisor, Mohamed plays a crucial role in guiding the organization’s financial strategies and decision-making processes. Mohamed has worked as a Corporate Finance Manager at Dyer’s; Blair Investment Bank Ltd, where he played a key role in financial analysis, strategic planning, and investment management.
Mohamed Adow - Board Member
- Academic Qualification: Degree in Civil Engineering
- Experience: Mohamed Adow, a dedicated entrepreneur, holds a degree in Civil Engineering. With over 6 years of experience, he brings a unique perspective to the
board. His background in engineering coupled with his entrepreneurial spirit equips him with valuable insights into project management, problem-solving, and strategic
planning. - Mohamed’s commitment to innovation and business acumen makes him an invaluable member of the board, contributing to the organization’s growth and
success.
Abdi Ibrahim - Board Member
- Academic Qualification: Development in Agricultural Studies
- Experience: Abdi Ibrahim brings a wealth of experience to the board as a trainer and community mobilizer with a specialization in agricultural development. With extensive training and professional courses in his field, he has dedicated over 30 years to farmers; training and community development initiatives. Abdi’s expertise in agricultural practices, coupled with his skills in training and mobilization, make him an invaluable asset to the board.
- His commitment to empowering communities and fostering sustainable agriculture aligns perfectly with the organization’s mission and goals.

