Our leadership team

Meet the people guiding AIFIP’s mission forward. Our leadership team brings together expertise from science, sustainability and industry development, each committed to advancing the role of insects in global food and feed systems. On this page you can learn more about their backgrounds, vision and the work they drive within the organization.

Chairperson

Michael Lwoyelo

Michael Lwoyelo is the Managing Director of Regen Organics, the largest circular economy company for organic waste in East and Central Africa. He leads a team that transforms over 70,000 tons of organic waste annually into regenerative agricultural inputs, including Black Soldier Fly-based protein, organic fertilizer, and biomass briquettes.

Regen’s flagship product, Evergrow organic fertilizer, restores soil health by improving water retention, reducing nutrient leaching, and enhancing the efficiency of mineral fertilizers. It has helped more than 20,000 farmers in Kenya achieve yield increases of up to 30%, while promoting sustainable agriculture and circular resource use.

With over 19 years of leadership experience in Kenya and the UK, Michael began his career in manufacturing and engineering before transitioning to social enterprises in 2011. He holds a Master of Engineering from The University of Manchester, serves on the UN-Habitat Waste Wise Cities Advisory Group, and was named a Mandela Washington Fellow (2014) for his contributions to sustainable development and youth empowerment across Africa.

Vice chairperson

Dr. Lydiah Kabue

Dr. Lydiah Kabue is an accomplished researcher, lecturer, and consultant with expertise in business development, sustainability, and innovation. She is actively engaged in research on sustainable insect farming—particularly Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming—as a pathway to food security, climate resilience, and poverty alleviation among small-scale farmers. In addition to her academic and consulting work, she is a practicing BSF and poultry farmer, passionate about transforming research into practical, community-driven solutions.

Ass' Secretary

Allan Ligare

Founder & CEO, Mzuri Organics | Circular Economy Advocate
Allan Ligare is a pioneer in waste recovery for agrobiologicals and circular farming. As Founder and CEO of Mzuri Organics, he transforms agricultural and domestic waste into insect and worm-based biofertilizers and promotes integrated soil fertility management through fertilizer customization, promoting regenerative agriculture and climate-smart food systems.

He currently leads programs targeting youth and women through green enterprises as well as community-based waste bioconversion. Allan serves on the boards of the East Africa Entrepreneurs Association (EAEA) and the Association of Insect Farming and Its Products (AIFIP). He holds a degree in Environmental Science and is pursuing a Master’s in Agronomy.

Vice Treasurer

Mark Bichachi

Mark Bichachi is an entrepreneurial businessman, communications strategist, political analyst, published author, and media commentator. He is the founder of Dia Consult Ltd in Kenya and Clouds Digital Tanzania Limited, and serves as the East Africa Correspondent for ARISE News. Mark has advised governments, corporations, and political campaigns across Africa and Germany, including presidential elections in Kenya, Tanzania, and Ghana. He has trained political leaders and aspirants on effective campaign communication and convened the Uhuru Think Tank. Known for his expertise in strategic communications, crisis management, and narrative building, Mark is passionate about driving transformative change through innovative thinking, new knowledge, and impactful communication strategies.

Treasurer

Kabanga Muriuki

A seasoned Business leader and practicing farmer with over 30 years of experience delivering large-scale business systems and infrastructure across Insurance, Oil & Gas, Banking, Airlines, and Telecommunications Services. Combines deep expertise in Project Management, Change Management, and AI with practical agricultural insight to support strong financial oversight, governance, and strategic decision-making.

Board Member

Collins Sirmah

An agri-entrepreneur, farmer, and software engineering professional with experience at the intersection of agriculture, technology, and business innovation. Actively engaged in farming operations while leveraging digital and technical expertise to build scalable, efficient solutions. Brings a grounded, systems-oriented perspective shaped by real-world agricultural practice and technology-driven problem solving.

Secretary

Muthike Jannifer

Muthike Jannifer is an agribusiness professional and insect farming specialist with a strong background in sustainable agriculture and enterprise development. She holds a Master’s degree in Business Creation from the University of Utah and an undergraduate degree in Entomology and Parasitology. Jannifer has worked across East Africa, consulting for international organizations to support the growth of insect-based enterprises and bio-input value chains. She currently serves as Secretary of the Association of Insect Farming and Its Products, where she contributes to sector coordination, policy engagement, and capacity building for members.