Dr. Mary Ahuna

IEEE Leadership and Volunteer Service

Dr. Ahuna has demonstrated exceptional leadership through key roles across several flagship IEEE conferences and initiatives:

• General Chair, IEEE International Microwave and Antennas Symposium (IMAS) 2025
• Technical Program Committee (TPC) Chair, IEEE PowerAfrica Conference (2024) – South Africa
• Technical Program Committee (TPC) Chair, IEEE PowerAfrica Conference (2020, 2021 – virtual) Kenya
• TPC Chair, IEEE AFRICON 2023 (Kenya)
• Student Branch Counselor, IEEE Technical University of Kenya (TU-K) Student Branch

Across these positions, she has strengthened IEEE’s footprint in Kenya and the broader African region, championed technical excellence, and supported the professional growth of hundreds of engineers and students.

Major IEEE Accomplishments

Successfully led preparations for IMAS 2025 as General Chair, positioning Kenya as a hub for multidisciplinary innovation, microwave engineering, antennas research, and technology-driven solutions for Africa.

Enhanced global visibility of African research by leading and improving the technical programs of PowerAfrica 2020, 2021 & 2024 and AFRICON 2023, ensuring rigorous peer review and impactful technical sessions.

Spearheaded growth and revitalization of IEEE student branches across Kenyan universities, increasing membership engagement and activity levels.

Mentored a strong pipeline of student leaders—many of whom now serve in IEEE Region 8 and global volunteer roles.

Promoted diversity, equity, and inclusion through active participation in IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) and a series of STEM mentorship initiatives for young girls.

Initiated and delivered technical writing, research development, and professional skills training, benefiting hundreds of IEEE members and emerging researchers.

IEEE Society Memberships

Dr. Ahuna is an active and engaged member of several IEEE societies and affinity groups:

• IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE)
• IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society (AP-S)
• IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Society (MTT-S)

Her involvement reflects her multidisciplinary engineering background and her commitment to advancing knowledge across technical fields.

Awards and Recognition

IEEE Kenya Section Student Branch Counselor of the Year Award (2024)

In recognition of her outstanding mentorship, student engagement, and service to the IEEE TU-K Student Branch.

Professional and Academic Profile

Dr. Ahuna holds a PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and currently serves as a Lecturer and Chair of Department at the Technical University of Kenya. Her academic leadership is centered on delivering high-quality engineering education, fostering impactful research, and strengthening collaboration between academia, industry, and professional bodies.

Her research interests include:

• RF and microwave engineering
• Antennas and propagation
• Engineering education

She has published extensively and supervised numerous postgraduate research projects in these areas.

Vision for IEEE Kenya Section

As Chair of the IEEE Kenya Section, Dr. Ahuna envisions building an inclusive, vibrant, and impact-driven Section that:

• Strengthens collaboration among academia, industry, and government for national and regional development.
• Expands professional development opportunities and enhances technical capacity for all members.
• Promotes innovation, entrepreneurship, and research excellence across IEEE communities.
• Elevates the visibility and influence of IEEE Kenya within Region 8 and the global IEEE ecosystem.
• Empowers youth and women in engineering through mentorship, scholarships, and STEM outreach programs.

“My vision is to lead IEEE Kenya Section with inclusivity, innovation, and integrity — empowering every member to make an impact through technology.”