Population Council Kenya
Population Council Kenya team

Evidence that moves policy

For over five decades, Population Council Kenya has worked alongside government, communities, and researchers to generate the evidence behind how reproductive health, HIV, and gender programs are designed and funded — from national policy down to county-level family planning partnerships.

About Us

Evidence That Moves Policy

Population Council Kenya is a Nairobi-based, locally rooted research organization with a regional mandate across sub-Saharan Africa. As part of the global Population Council network, we specialize in generating rigorous, context-relevant evidence to address complex health and development challenges affecting underserved populations.

Our work is anchored in a research-to-impact model that integrates epidemiological, behavioural, and health systems research with active engagement in policy and program design, implementation, and scale-up. We prioritize co-creation with government, communities, and implementing partners to ensure that evidence is directly embedded into decision-making and delivery systems, contributing to equitable and resilient health and social systems.

We deliver end-to-end research and translation capacity, from study design through to policy and program uptake, with deep expertise in sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender-based violence, adolescent health and well-being, and infectious disease programming. In parallel, we provide technical assistance across sub-Saharan Africa, supporting monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems that strengthen adaptive programming and long-term impact.

Leaders and partners at a policy report launch
20+
Partners & Funders

from government ministries to global research institutions

Our Purpose

What guides our work

Vision

We envision an equitable and sustainable future for the health and wellbeing of all people within Kenya and the rest of sub-Saharan Africa.

Mission

We co-create ideas, generate rigorous evidence, and translate research into policies and programs that improve the lives of underserved populations in Kenya and sub-Saharan Africa.

Core Values

Excellence and Innovation

We take a rigorous scientific approach to developing innovative products and evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of our programs.

Collaboration and Partnership

We work with trusted partners across sectors, engaging in collaborative research and programs within Kenya and beyond its borders.

Ethics

We conduct all research under the highest ethical standards, committed to open science and the wellbeing of those we study.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We champion diverse perspectives, treat one another with dignity and respect, and build trust and belonging across the organisation.

Accountability

We are honest and transparent with colleagues, collaborators, and the populations we serve, and own our commitments fully.

Our Strategy

Strategic Objectives

Our Priorities
Strategicfocus areas.
01

Thought Leadership

Be a recognized thought leader and knowledge partner for local research solutions.

02

Research

Pioneer cutting-edge data tools and methods, conduct multidisciplinary research, and systematically build bodies of evidence.

03

Research Impact

Catalyse the use of data and evidence-based tools to inform smart policies and sound investments.

04

Sustainability

Grow the next generation of scientists and researchers.

What We Offer

Our Value Proposition

Population Council Kenya combines deep local knowledge, rigorous research expertise, and strong partnerships to generate evidence that responds to real-world priorities and informs policy, programmes, and practice.

Benefits

We generate credible, actionable evidence that enables stakeholders to make informed decisions, strengthen policies and programmes, and maximize the value of investments in health and wellbeing. Our approach is locally rooted, globally connected, and cost-effective.

Features

We deliver rigorous, ethical, and replicable research through experienced multidisciplinary teams, multisectoral partnerships, and strong operational systems, ensuring quality and relevance across the research lifecycle.

Experience

We bring decades of research experience and deep contextual knowledge to every partnership. Through a collaborative and co-creative approach, we work with partners to understand their priorities, develop evidence-driven solutions, and support the translation of research into policy and practice.

We believe evidence has the power to transform lives.

Together, we move policy. Together, we create change.

Leadership & Governance

Guiding with integrity. Governing for impact.

Our Board of Directors provides independent oversight and strategic guidance, helping ensure that the organisation remains accountable to its mission, partners, stakeholders, and the communities it serves. The Board brings together diverse professional experience and perspectives to support sound decision-making, strengthen institutional governance, and promote responsible stewardship of resources. Through constructive oversight and strategic leadership, the Board helps create an environment where programmes, partnerships, research, and organisational priorities can deliver meaningful and sustainable impact.

Independent Oversight

Ensuring accountability, transparency and responsible stewardship.

Strategic Direction

Providing vision and guidance to strengthen our impact.

Committed to good governance

Our Board operates under a robust governance framework aligned with Kenyan law, NGO best practices, and our commitment to transparency and ethical leadership.

Aerial view of a town in northern Kenya

“Rooted in Nairobi, reaching every corner of Kenya — and contributing to global knowledge.”

Population Council Kenya, The Atrium Building, Chaka Road, Kilimani, Nairobi