Nickson Ochieng Kakiri, born and raised in Kangeso, Migori County in Nyanza,Kenya. The first recipient of the Nippon funded World Deaf Leadership (WDL) Scholars program at Gallaudet University graduated in 2005 with a degree in Government with a focus in International Development. He was chair of the Kenya National Association of the Deaf (KNAD), a grassroots national organization of the Deaf advocating for the linguistic rights of Deaf Kenyans. Also prior to earning his bachelor degree at Gallaudet, he worked for six years with South Nyanza Association of the Deaf an affiliate branch of KNAD, as Secretary General. He is also co-founded Global Deaf Connection, currently based in the U.S. and owns Deaf Safaris Ltd, a tour company. Kakiri leadership philosophy is the cornerstone of this foundation, his principle interest in international law and development issues inspired by his experience while growing up from a poor background and facing discrimination while seeking for employment and further studies inspired the formation of this foundation. As a beneficiary of scholarships he believes that everyone has potential no matter what background and where they come from. Through this foundation he will learn from and engage everyone to improve society through dialogue and equal participation where beneficiaries are let to dictate how they want their needs addressed.
