Our Team

Our organization is led by a small dedicated team, including founder Jones Obiria. We are lucky to be supported by our talented teachers and many committed community members.

Jones Obiria​

Founder and Director, NTS

Jones Obiria is the Founder and School Director of Nyamboyo Technical School. At age six, Jones was sent to work on a nearby farm, herding cattle. Through the generosity of his employer, he was able to attend school, and eventually graduated from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology with a degree in Information, Communication and Technology.

 In 2009, Jones returned to Nyamboyo Village determined to bring education to his community. From 2009-2013, he led a computer and internet access center for local youth. In January 2019, he officially opened  NTS,  making his dream of vocational education for the poor youth in his community, a reality.

 

Rael Mogusu

Deputy School Director

A trained nutritionist with a deep commitment to holistic education, Ms. Mogusu serves as the Deputy School Director of NTS. She grew up in poverty and understands the barriers that come with limited financial means. Her personal journey fuels her dedication to the NTS mission.

Ms. Mogusu oversees student welfare, believing that technical training must be paired with emotional support and mentorship. Her background in nutrition informs her focus on student well-being, recognizing that healthy learners are best equipped for success. 

“Education changes lives when it reaches the whole person—skills, confidence, and hope for a better future.”

“Masonry taught me patience and discipline, and I pass those values on to my students every day.”

Innocent Mochere

Lead Teacher | Carpentry & Masonry​

Mr. Mochere brings years of expertise in construction and site supervision.. Raised in the Nyamboyo area, he was inspired by local artisans as a child. He saw firsthand how quality masonry provides safe homes and workplaces, transforming community life. As a teacher,  Mr. Mochere emphasizes accuracy, safety, and pride in workmanship, dreaming of NTS becoming the region’s premier hub for trusted, employable craftspeople.

John Misati

Assistant Teacher | Carpentry & Masonry

Mr. Misati is dedicated to turning skills into income. Raised locally, he understands the employment challenges facing young people in the region. He works closely with students to refine skills and takes great pride in guiding beginners through the fundamentals of the trade. For him, NTS is a place where teamwork and technical growth go hand-in-hand.

 “Every wall we build in training is preparing a student for real work outside.”

“Electricity is powerful and I train my students to respect it at all times.”

Geofrey Oenga

Lead Teacher | Electrical Wiring Program

A specialist in domestic wiring and electrical safety, Mr. Oenga turned his childhood curiosity about power into a professional calling. He is a staunch advocate for safety standards, believing that great electricians must be as responsible as they are skilled. Mr. Oenga is committed to ensuring NTS graduates are certified professionals trusted by both employers and the community.

Ibrahim Oyondi

Assistant Teacher | Electrical Wiring Program

Mr. Oyondi was inspired to become an electrician after seeing a female neighbor successfully navigating the field—a moment that challenged his beliefs about gender-specific roles. Today, he uses that inspiration to encourage inclusivity at NTS, especially among young women. He focuses on building student confidence through hands-on wiring and tool handling.

“Skills have no gender—only dedication and practice matter.”

“Training one student can uplift an entire family.”

Cyrus Matagaro

Lead Teacher | Tailoring Program

For Mr. Matagaro, tailoring is a powerful tool for independence and creativity. He learned the basics of sewing at home before turning it into a profession. Today, he focuses on training world-class tailors and fashion designers who are focused on product excellence as well as customer satisfaction. He dreams of his students launching successful fashion brands that showcase local talent.

Hyrine Kemunto

Assistant Teacher | Tailoring Program

Ms. Kemunto supports NTS students in mastering fabric selection and garment finishing. A lifetime village resident, she  is passionate about the role of practical skills in economic empowerment. Her greatest joy is supporting students as they uncover their hidden creative talents.

“When students realize they can create something with their own hands, everything changes.”

“When my students succeed, I know I have done my part.”

IRENE KWAMBOKA

Lead Teacher | Hairdressing

Ms. Kwamboka combines her expertise in styling and salon management with a love for the confidence that beauty brings to others. To Irene, hairdressing is a form of self-expression and professionalism. She is dedicated to producing hairdressing professionals who uphold the highest industry standards.

Juliana Nyamboga

Assistant Teacher | Hairdressing

Driven by a passion for creativity, Ms. Nyamboga supports students in practical styling, hygiene, and client care. She views the hairdressing industry as a gateway to self-employment and is committed to guiding every student with patience and care within the NTS “family.”

“NTS is more than a school—it is a family that builds futures.”

“Our goal is to help students communicate confidently in classrooms, workplaces, and real-life situations.”

Mary Master

Lead Teacher | English & Communication Skills

Ms. Master is committed to helping students master the English language, Kenya’s language of business.  She is determined that NTS students will not lose opportunities due to poor communication skills.  Her goal is to ensure every graduate can speak, read, and write and in English with professional confidence.

Lilian Kwamboka

Assitant Teacher | English & Communication Skills

Ms. Kwamboka’s focus is on supporting students to overcome their  fear of using English in formal settings, particularly in their public speaking and professional writing.  She provides a supportive environment where students feel safe to practice and participate.

“Every student has something valuable to say; communication skills help them say it without fear.”

“Coming from humble beginnings taught me that with support and determination, anyone can achieve their dreams.”

Eglar Moraa Mogusu

Lead Teacher | Computer Instructor
Director of Community Outreach

Elgar Moraa Mogusu holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) and brings extensive experience in technical education. Prior to joining NTS, she worked as a trainer at Keroka Technical Training Institute (KETTI), where she was known for effectively bridging the gap between theory and practical application.

At NTS, Ms. Mogusu leads both the Computer Studies program and the school’s graduate outreach efforts, ensuring that every graduate has access to employment pathways and appropriate counseling support. She also works closely with the surrounding community, strengthening the role of Nyamboyo Village in supporting the school’s mission and activities.

She is deeply committed to ensuring that all students leave NTS confident, capable, and prepared to thrive in the digital world.

Julie Davidson

Executive Director | US Operations

Julie met Jones Obiria nearly 20 years ago when an American Catholic priest living in Kenya introduced the two social entrepreneurs.  They built an early model for NTS in the early 2000’s, a computer center for teens in Nyamboyo Village.

 
In 2019, Julie joined forces with Jones to create NTS.  They work in partnership building programs, curriculum, policy, long-term planning and the overall school model for replication.  Julie will lead this replication movement in 2024, bringing the NTS model to other communities.
 
Prior to NTS, Julie was a co-founder of the Kleptocracy Initiative at Hudson Institute in Washington, DC, and was the Executive Director of the Young Entrepreneurs Alliance in Boston, which created entrepreneurial teen-led businesses in juvenile justice facilities and vocational high schools.  
 
Originally a theatre director, Julie was the Assistant Artistic Director at Musical Theatre Works in NYC, Executive Director of Plays for Living, and held a faculty position at the University of Michigan in their Musical Theatre Program.
Hannah Polakoff Headshot

Hannah Polakoff

Program Manager | US Operations

Hannah comes to NTS with over 9 years of experience working with educational nonprofits in East Africa.  She began her work in Uganda with The Clover Foundation which provides free preschool education to children in Kampala, Uganda, and now sits on the Board of Directors.

Hannah works closely with the team to manage all NTS programs, including adapting an ESL program for East-African learners, that includes written curriculum and visual curriculum as well as hundreds of audio segments designed to teach students to understand English spoken with both UK and American accents. 

Hannah also oversees many school operations, developing policy, testing curriculum, and operational materials. Hannah’s time spent in Uganda and Kenya helps NTS foster positive communication and understanding across cultures.  

Hannah graduated from Smith College with a degree in Government, and a focus in International Relations.  She is located in Boston, MA.