Lavender Savu Ndunya

IEEE Leadership and Contributions

• Member, IEEE Humanitarian Activities Committee (HuAC), Region 8
  Lavender played a strategic role in shaping humanitarian technology initiatives across UK, Middle East and Africa. She delivered keynote insights on leveraging technology for social good and has mentored emerging leaders in climate action and sustainable development projects. These projects ended up being funded (Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia)
• Treasurer, IEEE Kenya Section (Immediate Past)
  As treasurer, Lavender ensured financial transparency and strategic resource allocation, supported the growth and impact of IEEE activities in Kenya through timely funds disbursements.
• Treasurer, IEEE Africon 2023
  She successfully managed the financial operations of one of Africa’s premier IEEE conferences, fostering collaboration among professionals and academics across the continent. 
• Chair, IEEE Action for Industry (Kenya)
  Lavender led the 2019 Action for Industry Ambassadors Workshop in Nairobi, connecting IEEE with key industry players such as Safaricom and Africa’s Talking, and promoting industry-academia partnerships. The workshops also led to key Memorandum of Understanding with the section, partnerships that are still live. Some of the MOUs include IEK, Oracle and Centurion

Position Statement- Kenya Section Chair

I am honored to present my candidacy for Chair of the IEEE Kenya Section. My journey with IEEE has been one of purpose, growth and impact; driven by a deep belief in the power of engineering and volunteering, to transform lives and communities.

Over my membership with IEEE (approx. 9 years), I have served in various capacities within IEEE, both locally and regionally, including as treasurer of the Kenya Section (2021-2023), treasurer of IEEE Africon 2023, Industry Activities chair Kenya section (2019-2020) and R8 Humanitarian Activities Committee member (2022- 2023). These roles have equipped me with a strong understanding of IEEE’s mission, governance and the unique opportunities we have to advance technology for humanity in Kenya and beyond.

I have had the opportunity to be in different section leadership regime and tackled different challenges that came while also pushing for more opportunities for the section members. This experience spans across member benefits, financial obligations of the section, volunteer visibility and leadership growth among other areas.

My vision is to pursue activities and policies that inspire the next generation of technology leaders, capitalize on the knowledge of existing members, to contribute towards improving Kenya section’s position on global platform (IEEE & beyond). 

Action Plan

As Section Chair, I will focus on 4 strategic pillars, in line with IEEE’s global direction for 2025-2030:

1. Strengthening Industry-Academia Collaboration
   I will push for opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, research and knowledge sharing across industry, academia and governments. This is to ensure IEEE Kenya strengthens its presence as a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship and industrial relevance.
2. Empowering Members and Volunteers
   I will foster an inclusive and vibrant volunteer culture, with clear running programs for students, young professionals and friends of IEEE. This will also be backed by speedy feedback and recognition.
3. Integrity in action
   I will foster a professional climate in which volunteers continue to be respected for their exemplary ethical behavior and volunteerism. This will be through at least quarterly training and development on ethical measures, to enhance capabilities, empowering individuals to make a positive difference as they serve.
4. Growth and nurturing
   I will work on volunteer exposure to the local and regional roles, for learning and succession purposes, to ensure a stable cycle of Kenya representation. 

Commitment

My commitment to you, Kenya section members is to bring to this role a collaborative leadership style, financial stewardship and a passion for service. Together, we can elevate IEEE Kenya Section to new heights of partnership, relevance, visibility and impact.