About the firm
A consultancy built on evidence, integrity, and African expertise
Incorporated in Nairobi in 2023, Livelihood Lab Africa exists to bridge the gap between research, policy, programme implementation, and community-level impact.
Livelihood Lab Africa Ltd is a Kenyan private limited consultancy firm providing strategic consulting, evidence-based research, systematic reviews, technical assistance, MEAL, and capacity development services to public, private, and non-profit organisations across Kenya and the wider African region.
We work closely with clients and partners to understand their needs and deliver tailored solutions that support inclusive and sustainable development. Our work is rooted in professionalism, integrity, practical evidence, and a commitment to transforming ideas into measurable development outcomes.
Our Mission
To provide evidence-based research, strategic advisory, technical assistance and capacity development services that help organisations design, implement, monitor and improve programmes that advance inclusive livelihoods, institutional effectiveness and sustainable development across Kenya and Africa.
Our Vision
To become a trusted African consultancy firm recognised for generating practical evidence, strengthening institutions and supporting development actors to deliver inclusive, sustainable and measurable impact.
The principles that guide every engagement
Integrity
Professionalism, transparency, confidentiality and ethical practice in every engagement.
Evidence & Learning
Data, research and reflection to improve decisions and outcomes.
Inclusion
Gender equality, social inclusion, youth participation and respect for diverse voices.
Accountability
Responsibility to clients, partners, communities and stakeholders for quality results.
Innovation
Adaptive, creative and context-sensitive solutions for complex development challenges.
Sustainability
Practical, locally owned and environmentally responsible solutions with long-term value.
“We exist to bridge the gap between research, policy, programme implementation and community-level impact.”
Livelihood Lab Africa was founded by development professionals who saw the need for practical, locally grounded and evidence-driven solutions to Africa's development challenges. The company brings together expertise across research, programme design, project management, MEAL, partnerships, operations, institutional strengthening and client engagement.
How we work
Our approach is participatory, evidence-based, context-sensitive and results-oriented. We work closely with clients and stakeholders to define clear objectives, understand the operating context and develop practical solutions that respond to real-world challenges.
We combine desk reviews, qualitative and quantitative methods, stakeholder engagement, field research, data analysis, validation sessions and learning-oriented reporting.
Participatory design
We co-design assignments with clients and key stakeholders, ensuring that research questions, methods, and tools are grounded in the context and serve real decision-making needs.
Mixed-methods rigour
We select and combine qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches according to the question — always maintaining rigour while remaining responsive to practical constraints.
Gender-responsive and inclusive
Across all assignments, we apply gender-responsive, socially inclusive, ethical and locally grounded approaches that centre the voices and realities of marginalised groups.
Learning and knowledge transfer
Our methodology emphasises collaboration, quality assurance, practical recommendations and knowledge transfer so that clients can use results beyond the life of each assignment.
Integrated services across the project cycle
Research & Evidence Generation
Rigorous qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research that produces actionable evidence for development decision-making.
Systematic Reviews & Evidence Synthesis
Comprehensive reviews and evidence syntheses that help clients understand what works, for whom, and under what conditions.
Strategic Consulting & Advisory
Strategic planning, programme design, and institutional advisory that translate evidence into coherent development strategy.
Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning
End-to-end MEAL systems that enable adaptive management, accountability, and continuous organisational learning.
Training & Capacity Development
Customised training and mentorship programmes that build lasting in-house capability across research, MEAL, and development practice.
Gender Equality & Social Inclusion
Gender analyses and social inclusion assessments that support inclusive and equitable programme design and implementation.
Climate & Environmental Assessments
Climate vulnerability and environmental assessments that inform resilience programming and community-based adaptation strategies.
Food Systems & Value Chain Development
Value chain and market systems analysis that strengthens inclusive food systems and supports agricultural livelihoods.
MSME Support & Enterprise Development
Business development services and enterprise diagnostics that enable micro, small and medium enterprises to grow sustainably.
Governance & Institutional Strengthening
Institutional assessments and systems strengthening that improve governance, policy implementation, and organisational effectiveness.
Directors and senior leadership
Livelihood Lab Africa is led by a multidisciplinary team of four directors with complementary expertise in partnerships, technical delivery, strategy, operations, project management and client success. The leadership team is supported by a growing network of associate consultants and technical experts.
Shayne Gladys Khaemba
Managing Director
Shayne leads the firm's strategic direction and oversees client engagement, institutional partnerships, and organisational performance. She brings extensive experience in development programme management, stakeholder coordination, and consulting practice leadership across Kenya and the wider East African region.
Calvin Ambolwa Odari
Technical Services Director
Calvin directs the firm's technical portfolio, overseeing research design, methodology, quality assurance, and the delivery of evidence generation and advisory assignments. He has deep expertise in applied development research and MEAL systems.
Jack Malit
Programs Director
Jack manages the firm's programme operations, project delivery, and field implementation. He brings hands-on experience in livelihoods programming, food systems, enterprise development, and community-based project management across Kenya and the Horn of Africa.
Judy Mutegi
Strategy Director
Judy leads the firm's strategy, business development, and client relationships. She specialises in institutional strategy, organisational learning, systematic evidence synthesis, and the design of evidence-driven programmes. Her background spans research, consulting, and senior advisory roles across the development sector.
Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, Livelihood Lab Africa works across Kenya and the wider African region. Through its internal team and associate network, the firm can support assignments in urban, rural, development, humanitarian and market-based contexts across the continent.
Embu County
Field Practices
Partnership Work
Start a conversation
Let's build evidence-based solutions together
Whether you are looking for a research partner, an evaluation team, strategic advisory or capacity support — we would welcome the opportunity to discuss your needs.
Or email us at llabafrica009@gmail.com