Busara Center for Behavioral Economics

Busara Center for Behavioral Economics Busara is a research and advisory firm dedicated to understanding humans through data.

Busara is a state-of-the-art facility for experimental studies in behavioral economics and other social sciences, located in Nairobi, Kenya. The core of Busara is a pool of participants from the Nairobi slums, combined with a cluster of 20 networked computers with which researchers can investigate economic behavior and preferences. A central feature of the computer setup is that all computers have

touchscreen monitors; together with specially developed paradigms, this allows for the participation of not only computer-illiterate, but entirely illiterate populations.

30th July 2026 marked an exciting milestone for Busara and for behavioral science in the global majority.We officially l...
31/07/2026

30th July 2026 marked an exciting milestone for Busara and for behavioral science in the global majority.

We officially launched the Busara Institutional Scientific and Ethical Review Committee (ISERC), bringing together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, academic institutions, and partners committed to strengthening ethical behavioral science research in Kenya.

Throughout the evening, we explored why ethical review is essential for producing research that is rigorous, accountable, and responsive to the people and communities it seeks to serve. Conversations during our panel discussion highlighted the importance of collaboration, strong research governance, and keeping participants at the center of every stage of the research process.

Busara ISERC reflects years of learning, collaboration, and institutional growth. Guided by behavioral science expertise, community input, accountability, and efficiency, it is designed to strengthen ethical oversight while supporting research that creates meaningful impact.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate this important achievement and to everyone working to strengthen ethical research across the region. This is only the beginning, and we are excited for what comes next.

We are looking for a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) specialist to help us strengthen the connection between ...
16/06/2026

We are looking for a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) specialist to help us strengthen the connection between evidence and action across our behavioral science portfolio.

In this role, you will design and lead evaluations, conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis, develop MEL systems and tools, and translate complex findings into clear insights that support learning and decision-making. You will also work closely with project teams to strengthen internal capabilities, improve data quality, facilitate learning processes, and ensure evidence remains at the center of strategy and implementation.

This opportunity is ideal for someone who enjoys solving complex problems, working across diverse contexts, and turning data into practical recommendations that help organizations learn and improve.

If you have experience in MEL, evaluation, or research, a strong analytical mindset, and a passion for using evidence to drive better outcomes, we would love to hear from you.

Apply here: https://jobs.lever.co/BusaraCenter/fdc47c1f-63df-4500-ba8b-6f6edd3ad935

Recently, Gideon Too, Salim Kombo, Brenda Ogutu, and Michael Onsando had the privilege of paying a courtesy visit to the...
12/06/2026

Recently, Gideon Too, Salim Kombo, Brenda Ogutu, and Michael Onsando had the privilege of paying a courtesy visit to the Kenyan delegation at the Embassy of Kenya in Rabat, Morocco, alongside our colleagues from the Mawazo Institute during the On Think Tanks conference 2026 . We had deeply inspiring conversations about the immense potential Kenya holds and how cross-border learnings can drive tangible progress.

During our session, we explored how behavioral science can support the government in adopting impactful solutions inspired by what works well in Morocco. A great example discussed was the "Twin City" program, which pairs Kenyan and Moroccan cities to share ideas. While many cities identify brilliant concepts to borrow, implementation often stalls. That’s exactly where behavioral science comes in, helping us understand why this intention-action gap exists and designing interventions to close it.

We also talked about how best research institutions like Busara can better engage with policymakers, particularly at the national level, and the crucial role that international diplomacy plays in today’s interconnected world.

We look forward to keeping the conversation going, sharing invitations to relevant events and exploring how practitioners, the private sector, and the public sector can collaborate to create real benefits for the people.

Recently, STRI4Society Week 2026 spotlighted how Kenya is actively reshaping its innovation ecosystem by bringing scienc...
04/06/2026

Recently, STRI4Society Week 2026 spotlighted how Kenya is actively reshaping its innovation ecosystem by bringing science, technology, research, and policy into a shared working space.
Convened by the State Department for Science, Research and Innovation, the week brought together researchers, innovators, policymakers, industry leaders, students, and communities to push one shared agenda: turn research into real world impact that improves lives and strengthens national development outcomes.

A key highlight for us at Busara was the invitation by NACOSTI to contribute to a breakout session themed “Strengthening Research and Policy Linkage in Kenya’s Research Ecosystem.” where we were represented by Nimo Muthike, Associate Vice President Research and Advisory. The discussion focused on a persistent challenge in many systems, how to ensure evidence does not stay in reports but instead informs decisions, shapes policy choices, and supports measurable change.

The conversations throughout the week pointed to a practical direction: improving how research flows into decision making, and how policy needs can better inform research priorities. This exchange remains central to how innovation ecosystems mature and deliver value at scale.

Special acknowledgement goes to the Busara team: Quinta Otieno, Zach Mills, Gladys Muange, Antony Mutunga, Mercy Kiptai, Joel Mumo and Harriet Muutu

“If a child washes his hands, he could eat with kings"—a powerful reminder, popularized by Chinua Achebe in Things Fall ...
25/03/2026

“If a child washes his hands, he could eat with kings"—a powerful reminder, popularized by Chinua Achebe in Things Fall Apart, that preparation and discipline create access to greatness.

On March 24, 2026, Busara lived this truth. We had the rare privilege to “wash our hands and dine in the presence of pioneers” as the National Commission for Science and Technology (NACOSTI) conducted a site visit at our Lavington offices.

This moment marked a critical milestone in our journey to becoming an accredited Institution Scientific and Ethics Review Committee (ISERC). The team carried out a rigorous assessment of our infrastructure, systems, and application processes as we continue to align with global standards for ethical research.

As an ISERC, Busara will be able to review, approve, and recommend modifications to studies involving human participants, ensuring that every study design and data use meet strict ethical and compliance standards before research begins.

For us, this is about building trust with communities, strengthening credibility, and positioning Africa at the forefront of high-quality, ethical behavioral science. Follow our journey as we move closer to IRB certification and continue to elevate the standard of research across the global majority.

People don’t disengage from democracy because they don’t care. They disengage because the story doesn’t speak to them. N...
19/03/2026

People don’t disengage from democracy because they don’t care. They disengage because the story doesn’t speak to them. Now imagine if we rewrote that story using evidence, not assumptions.

Join Busara, People Powered, and the Democracy Narratives Alliance for a webinar to launch "The Research Brief How to Talk about Democracy: What We Know (and Don’t Know)," which unpacks how narratives can strengthen democracy and why this moment demands sharper, more intentional storytelling.

The research draws from nearly 400 publications, 150+ studies, and contributions from over 30 global organizations and funders. It translates complex evidence into practical strategies you can actually use.

This session also marks the first public event of the Democracy Narratives Alliance, a global initiative focused on building narratives that increase engagement and support for democracy.

You’ll also hear directly from experts in the field:
• Clara Bois – Partnerships Director, People Powered
• Diana Dajer – Democracy Manager, Fundación Corona
• Elisenda Balleste Buxo – Program Manager, Global Democracy Coalition
• Gideon Too – Vice President, Busara
• Ryan Gem – Learning and Evaluation Manager, People Powered

If your work touches communications, research, policy, or community engagement, register now and get ahead of the narrative curve.

Register here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_p00CltIpTLygvBmAP1ZyFQ #/registration

Last week, we marked International Women's Day at Busara through the theme “Give to Gain.”Across the week, we reflected ...
18/03/2026

Last week, we marked International Women's Day at Busara through the theme “Give to Gain.”

Across the week, we reflected on what giving has meant across cultures, histories, and movements. As part of Women's History Month, some of the women on our team shared powerful stories of women who have shaped societies through courage, sacrifice, and action.

We revisited the story of the Aba Women’s Riot led by Nwanyeruwa, where collective resistance redefined power. We honored Sylvia Nagginda for her continued work uplifting women and youth in Uganda. We reflected on Bibi T**i Mohammed and her role in mobilizing women during the fight for independence. We also looked at Petra Kelly and her push for political and environmental change, and Ledys Restrepo whose journey speaks to resilience and rebuilding in post-conflict Colombia.

Alongside these reflections, we created space to give in ways that mattered, to celebrate ourselves at the “She Blooms” brunch, and to appreciate the women across our team through thoughtful gestures.

It was a reminder that giving is not always loud. Sometimes it is found in stories, in action, and in the quiet ways we make space for others.

Busara’s journey toward becoming an Institutional Scientific and Ethics Review Committee (ISERC) continues to gain momen...
11/03/2026

Busara’s journey toward becoming an Institutional Scientific and Ethics Review Committee (ISERC) continues to gain momentum.

Last week, members of the Busara committee participated in an intensive five-day training facilitated by National Commission for Science and Technology (NACOSTI). Led by the Secretariat team — Antony Mutunga, Gladys Muange, and Robert G. Nyaga, PhD — the committee members underwent rigorous sessions designed to strengthen their understanding of ethical review processes, research governance, and best practices in protecting research participants.

This training marks an important milestone as Busara works toward establishing a fully certified ISERC. Our goal is to contribute to strengthening ethical standards and advancing high-quality behavioral science research in Kenya and beyond.

We are grateful to National Commission for Science and Technology (NACOSTI) for their guidance and support as we take these important steps toward building a robust, credible, and independent ethics review structure that will support responsible and impactful research.

08/03/2026

In climate conversations, women often appear in the story. They rarely shape the script. That gap quietly changes the impact of every intervention.
This International Women’s Day, the theme “Give to Gain” pushes a simple but powerful idea into the spotlight. Real progress starts when we give women something many systems still withhold: decision-making power.

In her article “At Risk and Still Overlooked: Thinking About How We Design Interventions for Women,” Busara Senior Analyst Raya Shatry examines the uncomfortable questions that sit at the center of climate action and risk management:
✅ What changes when we move from including women to designing with women?
✅ What happens to impact when women are treated as beneficiaries rather than decision makers?
✅ And in a world facing growing climate risk, what does it truly mean to give power in order to gain resilience?

Behavioral science reminds us that who shapes the solution often determines whether the solution works at all. Designing with women does not just improve participation. It strengthens the systems meant to protect communities facing climate risk.

Download the book Climate Change Is a Human Problem to read Raya’s article and explore how behavioral insights can reshape climate solutions.
https://busara.global/our-works/climate-change-human-problem-voices-of-resilience/

Busara hosted People Powered and partners from the Democracy Narratives Alliance at our Nairobi office this week. It mar...
03/03/2026

Busara hosted People Powered and partners from the Democracy Narratives Alliance at our Nairobi office this week. It marked People Powered’s first visit to Africa as an organization, and we were proud to welcome them into our space.

The day focused on practical exchange. Colleagues from our Behavioural Science for Governance portfolio walked the delegation through tools and products designed to strengthen public participation and support institutions in giving citizens a voice.

One of the highlights was a hands-on session with the LCMT toolkit. The team explored how the toolkit helps practitioners diagnose local governance challenges, map behavioral barriers, and design context-specific strategies that move from intention to action. Rather than treating participation as a one-off activity, the discussion centered on building systems that enable sustained engagement.

Our guests also engaged with a range of Busara’s behavioral research products developed for the Global Majority. From governance diagnostics to behaviorally informed programme design, the conversations examined how evidence can translate into tools that civil society organizations and policymakers can actually use. Several CSOs joined the session to showcase how they apply these approaches in their own work, grounding the discussion in lived experience.

The visit also coincided with the release of two publications from our joint three-part research series with People Powered on democracy narratives and democratic behavior.

The research connects directly to what we explored in the room: how narratives, social context, capability, opportunity, and motivation shape whether people participate in democratic processes.
Two foundational publications are now live:
Democracy Narratives: What Are They and How Do They Matter for Democratic Engagement and Behavior?
https://busara.global/our-works/democracy-narratives-democratic-engagement-behavior/

From Narrative to Action: Fostering Democratic Engagement and Engaged Citizens Through Behaviour Change
https://busara.global/our-works/behavior-change-for-democratic-engagement-and-citizenship/

The third publication, the Research Brief How to Talk about Democracy: What We Know (and Don’t Know), will be launched at a global webinar:
Topic: Democracy Narratives: What works—and what doesn’t
Date March 24, 2026
Time: 1:00 pm UTC / 9:00 am EST/ 4:00 pm EAT
Register here for the webinar here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_p00CltIpTLygvBmAP1ZyFQ #/registration

Read the full the press release here:

https://busara.global/press-release/busara-joins-people-powered-democracy-narratives-alliance-dna/

Address

Daykio Plaza, Ngong Lane
Nairobi
00100

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 13:00

Telephone

+254794628834

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Busara Center for Behavioral Economics posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Busara Center for Behavioral Economics:

Shortcuts

Share

Category