Dr. Antony Mwangangi Mbithi is the Chief Executive Officer of Kernel Institute of Socio-Economic Research, where he leads the Institute's research agenda, strategy, and partnerships across AI safety, AI governance, biosecurity, and the economic transformation driven by advanced artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

An economist, policy researcher, and AI governance scholar, Antony's work sits at the intersection of artificial intelligence, public policy, and economic development. His research focuses on evaluating the capabilities, reliability, and societal impacts of advanced AI systems; understanding the implications of AI for biological risk and governance; and examining how frontier AI is reshaping labour markets, political economy, and long-term economic development. He is particularly interested in building the evidence base needed to help institutions govern transformative technologies safely and responsibly.

Antony has led research, evaluation, and policy initiatives across Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America, working with governments, international organizations, academic institutions, and civil society to translate rigorous evidence into practical policy solutions. He has held research and leadership positions with The World Bank, Education Sub-Saharan Africa (ESSA), The Aquaya Institute, and the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA).

Antony holds a PhD in Advanced Policy Studies from the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), Japan; a Master of Development Policy from the KDI School of Public Policy and Management, South Korea; and a First-Class Honours degree in International Studies from the University of Nairobi.

Loise Maina is the Chief Operations Officer of Kernel Institute of Socio-Economic Research, where she leads the Institute's operations, programme delivery, and research coordination. She oversees the systems, partnerships, and execution that enable Kernel's work across AI safety, AI governance, biosecurity, and the economics of transformative AI.

Her research interests span AI governance, the economic impacts of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, agricultural innovation, and the responsible adoption of emerging technologies in low- and middle-income countries. She is particularly interested in how robust empirical methods can improve AI evaluation, strengthen governance frameworks, and ensure that transformative technologies deliver broad and inclusive societal benefits.

At Kernel, she helps translate research into operational excellence, ensuring that the Institute's programmes, partnerships, and evidence-generation activities contribute to more informed technology governance and policy decision-making.

Loise holds a Master of Science in Agribusiness Management and a First-Class Honours degree in Agribusiness Management from Chuka University, Kenya.

Dr. Constance Sorkpor is Director of Research for Economics of AI at the Kernel Institute of Socio-Economic Research, where he leads the Institute's research on the economic, political, and developmental implications of artificial intelligence. His work examines how AI is reshaping productivity, labour markets, industrial development, state capacity, and economic transformation across diverse national contexts.

A political economist by training, Dr. Sorkpor specializes in the comparative study of development, growth regimes, industrial policy, economic statecraft, and the political foundations of long-term economic change. He is particularly interested in how emerging technologies interact with institutions, power structures, and public policy to influence development outcomes, competitiveness, and economic resilience.

At Kernel, he leads research exploring the economics of AI adoption, the governance of technological change, the future of work, and the role of AI in advancing inclusive and sustainable development. His work seeks to ensure that debates about artificial intelligence are informed by rigorous economic analysis and grounded in the realities of both advanced and emerging economies.

Dr. Sorkpor holds a PhD in Advanced Policy Studies from the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), Japan, with specializations in Comparative Politics and International Relations. He also holds a Master of Arts in Advanced Policy Studies from GRIPS, a Master of Philosophy in Public Administration, and a First Class Bachelor of Science in Administration from the University of Ghana.

Charles M. Mbithi serves as Director of Research for Biosecurity at the Kernel Institute of Socio-Economic Research, where he leads the Institute's research on biosecurity, biotechnology governance, and emerging biological risks. His work focuses on understanding and mitigating risks arising from advances in the life sciences while supporting evidence-based approaches to innovation, preparedness, and resilience.

Drawing on expertise in biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, and public policy, Charles works at the intersection of science, governance, and societal impact. His research explores how advances in biotechnology, synthetic biology, and artificial intelligence are reshaping the biological risk landscape and what institutions can do to strengthen oversight, preparedness, and responsible innovation.

At Kernel, he leads research initiatives that examine emerging biosecurity challenges, evaluates governance and policy responses, and contributes to the development of practical frameworks for managing biological risks in an increasingly interconnected technological environment. He is particularly interested in ensuring that biosecurity policy reflects the needs and perspectives of African countries and other underrepresented regions.

Charles is a PhD candidate in Pharmacology and Drug Design at the University of Nairobi. He holds a Master of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).

Yiyao Yang is Director of Partnerships at the Kernel Institute of Socio-Economic Research, where she leads the Institute's strategic partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and international collaboration initiatives. She works to build relationships across governments, research institutions, international organizations, civil society, and industry to advance the Institute's mission on artificial intelligence, governance, and emerging technologies.

Her expertise lies at the intersection of diplomacy, international cooperation, and global policy dialogue. Yiyao has extensive experience coordinating multi-stakeholder engagements and facilitating dialogue on complex policy issues, including artificial intelligence governance, international security, sustainable development, and global cooperation. She is particularly interested in fostering constructive engagement across diverse institutions, sectors, and regions to address shared global challenges.

At Kernel, she leads efforts to expand the Institute's international partnerships and strengthen collaboration between researchers, policymakers, philanthropic organizations, and technology stakeholders. Her work focuses on creating platforms for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collective action on the governance of transformative technologies.

Yiyao holds a Master of Public Policy from the Hertie School in Germany and a Bachelor's degree from Shanghai International Studies University. Fluent in Mandarin and professionally proficient in Japanese, she brings extensive cross-cultural experience working across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Oska Kambona Ang'ila is Director of Finance and Operations at the Kernel Institute of Socio-Economic Research, where he oversees the Institute's financial management, operational strategy, resource planning, and organizational performance. He works closely with the leadership team to ensure that Kernel's research, training, and policy initiatives are supported by strong financial systems and efficient operational processes.

Oska brings extensive experience in business management, financial oversight, strategic planning, and organizational development. His expertise spans budgeting, financial analysis, performance management, business operations, and stakeholder engagement. He is particularly interested in building resilient institutions that can effectively translate ambitious ideas into sustainable impact.

At Kernel, he leads efforts to strengthen financial accountability, operational excellence, and institutional growth, ensuring that the Institute has the systems, resources, and capabilities needed to advance its mission. He is passionate about using data-driven decision-making, sound financial management, and strategic leadership to support high-impact research and policy work.

Oska holds a Master of Global Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management and a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Foreign Affairs from Brigham Young University–Idaho.

Andrew Lekakeny Kiserema is Director of Communications at the Kernel Institute of Socio-Economic Research, where he leads the Institute's strategic communications, public engagement, media relations, and digital outreach. He is responsible for translating complex research and policy insights into clear, accessible, and compelling narratives that inform public debate and strengthen the Institute's impact.

Andrew specializes in strategic communications, public relations, stakeholder engagement, and digital media. His work focuses on helping diverse audiences understand the societal implications of emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, economic transformation, and public policy. He is particularly interested in how effective communication can bridge the gap between research, policymaking, and public understanding.

At Kernel, Andrew oversees the Institute's communications strategy across multiple platforms, ensuring that research findings, policy recommendations, and institutional initiatives reach policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, and the broader public. He is passionate about evidence-based storytelling and the role of communication in fostering informed dialogue on the opportunities and challenges presented by transformative technologies.

Andrew holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Journalism from Kenya Methodist University and a Diploma in Mass Communication from the East African School of Media Studies. He is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Development Studies at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).