Meet the team
Lamu-based, and almost entirely from the communities the work serves.
Meet the team
Our Founder
Umra Omar
Director & Founder
“Marinating in comfort is not an option. Fear is not an option. With a leap of faith we can all be the change our world screams for.”
Umra Omar is from Pate Island in the Lamu archipelago and was raised in Kenya. After completing graduate school and working in Washington D.C., she returned to Lamu and launched Safari Doctors in 2015—transforming a life-saving medical aid project that had been abandoned due to security concerns into an award-winning, community-driven health enterprise.
The following year, Umra was selected as a CNN Hero for her work. In 2017, she won the United Nations in Kenya Person of the Year Award. Umra is an Africa Visionary Fellow, Aurora Forum Goodwill Ambassador, and World Economic Forum Young Global Leader. She featured among the United Nations #RealLifeHeroes for World Humanitarian Day 2020 and was among the 100 Most Influential Young Africans of 2020.
In 2021, Umra also became an Amujae Leader—the flagship programme of the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center for Women and Development, which aims to shift the landscape for women in public leadership in Africa to one that truly values women leaders.
After a decade of leading the organisation, Umra has transitioned to serving as a board member, bringing her founding vision and deep community roots to Safari Doctors’ governance and strategic direction.
“If you think you’re too small to make a difference, try spending the night in a room with a mosquito.”
Our favourite African proverbThe Board
Amina Abubakar is a pharmacist and entrepreneur who champions patient care and personalized medicine. She owns a pharmacy, founded the Avant Institute to train pharmacists, and advocates for expanding pharmacists’ roles in pharmacogenomics.
Dana Hovig is a global health and development leader with extensive experience in gender equity, governance, and reproductive health. He previously held leadership positions at the Gates Foundation, Hewlett Foundation, and MSI Reproductive Choices, and now serves as a consultant and board member for various organizations.
Philip Holi is a technology expert with over 25 years of experience in water and energy solutions in East Africa. He is the Technical Director at Davis & Shirtliff, where he leverages technology and innovation to address critical challenges in underserved areas. His passion for sustainable, community-driven solutions aligns with Safari Doctors’ vision of accessible healthcare.
Sumayya Hassan is a lawyer and entrepreneur with extensive experience in the oil and gas industry. She founded Azure Energy and GFunze, an e-learning platform. As former CEO of Kenya’s National Oil Corporation, she champions youth, women, and deaf empowerment. She is an Eisenhower Fellow and award-winning leader.
Michelle Kagari is a seasoned international development and human rights leader with over 30 years of experience. She has held senior roles at One Acre Fund and Amnesty International, and currently serves on multiple boards while championing policy reform, gender equity, and inclusive leadership across Africa.
Honoring Our Past Board Members
At Safari Doctors, we believe in service with purpose—and few have embodied this more than our outgoing board members. We extend our deepest gratitude to:
Ms. Anne Gathumbi
Health & Rights Consultant
Mr. Karim Anjarwalla
Managing Partner, Anjarwalla & Khanna
Ms. Kelly Campbell
Co-founder, The Village Experience
Ms. Tahreni Bwanaali
Management Consultant
Dr. Victor Tole
Deputy Director, Lamu County Department of Health
Your leadership, wisdom, and unwavering support have been instrumental in shaping our journey. As we transition into a new phase guided by our strategic plan, we honor your contribution and legacy. Asanteni sana for walking with us on this journey for change.