Mr. Namasaka’s professional journey includes a tenure at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as the Head of Communications in Kenya and Oxfam, where he served as the Regional Media and Communications Advisor for Horn, East and Central Africa, covering a diverse range of countries such as Burundi, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Before this, he held the role of Knowledge Management and Strategic Communications Manager at Pact World.
Throughout his career, Mr. Namasaka played a pivotal role in shaping the regional Ebola Communications and Prevention Road Map, a significant initiative aimed at curbing the spread of Ebola in Africa. This collaborative effort involved organizations such as the African Union (AU), World Health Organization (WHO), World Council of Churches (WCC), UNICEF, ECOWAS, BBC Media Action, and the International Federation of Red Cross in Dakar, Senegal. His valuable insights from this experience culminated in the publication of his research paper, “There is no Ebola Here: Lessons from Uganda and Liberia on the Political Economy of Epidemics,” which was featured in the Public Sphere Journal. This journal is renowned for its evidence-based research in economics and political science, addressing critical policy challenges.
Martin Namasaka
Mr. Namasaka also crafted a regional communications strategy for the 50 Million African Women Speak Project, funded by the African Development Bank and executed across 38 African nations by the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the East African Community (EAC), and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). His leadership has extended to numerous countries, including Kenya, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi, Uganda, Zambia, Nigeria, South Africa, Somaliland, Somalia, and The Gambia, where he has been instrumental in developing and implementing effective communication strategies.
Academically, Martin holds a Master of Science Degree in Development Studies from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). He has also obtained a professional certificate in Disruptive Strategy from Harvard Business School and an undergraduate degree in Development Communication from the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Nairobi. As a scholar of the Program for African Leadership (PfAL) from LSE, Mr. Namasaka is deeply passionate about Africa’s development, focusing on social justice, poverty reduction, equality, and fostering inclusive growth across the continent.
Led communications for the Royal Visit to Kenya and the Africa Climate Summit ,65 media features, 108M+ reach, and $26.6B in mobilized investment.
The “Our Vote, Our Future” campaign is a youth-centered civic engagement initiative designed to inspire young Gambians to actively participate in democratic processes and shape the future of their country.
Developed the communications strategy and branding for the NextGen.Ke Youth Programme, implemented by UNDP, Kenya's National Treasury, and the private sector. The programme was launched by President William Ruto.
Developed the #LetPeaceWin Campaign Strategy, fostering commitment to peaceful elections in Kenya and reaching 23.4 million people on TV, radio and social media.
View →Conceptualised the #15BillionTrees #JazaMiti Campaign Strategy, launched by President William Ruto, to support Kenya's target of 30% national tree cover by 2032 for improved livelihoods and climate resilience. The campaign has now been embedded into Kenya's Fourth Medium Term Plan (MTP IV) 2023-2027, which is the strategic framework guiding the final phase of the Kenya Vision 2030 blueprint.
Developed the Communications Strategy for UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner's visit and the UNDP Africa Cluster Meeting (March 2022), generating 9.7 million engagements and a reach of 25 million+ across Africa.
Developed the Communications Strategy for the Royal visit to Kenya by Crown Prince Haakon of Norway and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden (Nov 2022), generating 65 media features and a reach of 108 million people.
Developed the Media and Communications Strategy for Oxfam in Uganda, aligning national messaging with the organisation's regional influencing agenda.
Developed the Communications and Outreach Strategy for the International Labour Organization on child labour, forced labour and human trafficking.
Developed the COMESA Communications Strategy, implemented across its 21 Member States to standardise regional branding and messaging.
View →Developed the regional Communications Strategy for the 50 Million African Women Speak Project, funded by the African Development Bank and implemented in 38 African countries by COMESA, the EAC and ECOWAS.