ONE-ON-ONE WITH DR. ROBERT CHIURI, VISIONARY BEHIND GLOBAL FORCE

Imagine a one-stop shop where solutions to almost any problem—personal, professional, or community-based—are within reach.

Whether you need healthcare services, educational opportunities, business mentorship, or social support, this hub of 60 organisations is ready to tackle it all.

The Global Diaspora One Voice Consortium (OVC), is an umbrella body of influence and impact, created to address the needs of African communities in the U.S. and abroad.

At the helm of this initiative is one Dr. Robert W. Chiuri, a man whose experience and passion have shaped an organisation that transcends borders.

Born from a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the African diaspora, Robert Chiuri’s journey to forming OVC is a story of both necessity and innovation.

“When we founded the organisation in 2019, we noticed there were many community organizations, but no single body to unite them or to handle common issues,” says Robert Chiuri.

“People were working in silos, especially in the U.S. diaspora, and that was limiting the potential for us to make a larger impact.”

With OVC, Robert Chiuri set out to fill that gap. The organisation brings together a network of member organizations from around the world to address cross-cutting issues, from culture shock and economic challenges to mentorship and business opportunities.

More than just a support network, OVC provides resources that address root causes, not just symptoms. Its efforts have helped hundreds of families, individuals and businesses access much-needed services and guidance.

Bridging the divide from local communities to global impact

At the heart of OVC’s mission is a desire to address the challenges the diaspora faces in transitioning to new environments.

From struggles with remittances to culture shock, Robert Chiuri identified early on that a holistic approach was needed.

“We wanted to be more than just about sending money,” he reflects.

“We wanted to send skills and knowledge back home.”

This vision is evident in the wide range of OVC’s affiliate organizations, each playing a role in tackling different issues.

The diverse leadership driving impact

One Voice Consortium is not just a collection of organizations but a dynamic network led by visionary individuals who are making an impact in various sectors. For example, Rose Oginga leads IHOPEE ( International Health Operations Patient Education Empowerment) which conducts annual medical missions in Kenya’s underserved communities, providing much-needed healthcare services.

Meanwhile, Bob Mwiti spearheads the Kenya Airlift Program, which helps Kenyan students secure educational opportunities in the U.S. The Kenya Airlift Program helps students relocate to the U.S. for educational opportunities, easing the transition for those pursuing higher studies.

In the health and welfare space, Lawrence Muraya is in the leadership of the Africa Welfare Association, which assists families during bereavement and repatriation of loved ones.

Serah Munyiri, on the other hand, leads Jambo List, a business platform that supports organizations in navigating the complexities of the U.S. business environment. Jambo List assists African businesses in navigating the U.S. market, making it easier for companies to thrive in foreign environments.

The consortium also extends its influence into financial and legal realms. Dr. Jacob Ongaki is at the helm of Grand Granite Sacco, a savings and investment platform empowering Kenyans in the diaspora to manage their finances better.

In the legal sector, Attorney Laban Opande leads the Kenya-US Bar Association, bringing together the legal fraternity to offer advocacy, legal representation, and support to Kenyan diasporans.

Robert Chiuri’s Global Standards Resources, an organization he chairs, also plays a crucial role in helping African companies achieve global certification standards, thus increasing the competitiveness of African products on the international stage.

With over 600 audits completed and 400 certifications delivered, Robert Chiuri’s work through Global Standards Resources has directly impacted the export potential of African businesses, including projects like Fresh from Africa, which helps African agricultural products meet international quality standards.

“We assist companies to attain market standards and expand their reach to the global marketplace,” Robert Chiuri notes.

“It’s about enabling African businesses to compete globally.”

An architect of solutions, mentorship and community empowerment

Education, mentorship, and experiential learning are pillars of Robert Chiuri’s leadership.

His academic background is as impressive as his professional career, with a Doctorate in Business Administration and Global Management from the University of Phoenix, and two Master’s degrees: one in International Business from St. Louis University and another in Business Administration from the University of Nairobi.

This solid foundation has been the driving force behind his involvement in youth and entrepreneurship mentorship.

Robert Chiuri has always been passionate about helping young people, both in the diaspora and back home.

His mentorship efforts started within the Young African Leadership Institute(YALI), a platform under the Mandela Washington Fellowship, where he played a key role as a community advisor.

Through this initiative, Robert Chiuri has guided countless young Africans in understanding entrepreneurship, leadership, and navigating the complex landscape of business both in the U.S. and Africa.

In addition to his mentorship work with YALI, Robert Chiuri serves as a mentor for PhD candidates at the School of Advanced Studies at the University of Phoenix, helping guide doctoral candidates through experiential learning on entrepreneurship and family business case studies.

His approach is rooted in real-world experience—learning by doing—which has proven to be invaluable to both aspiring entrepreneurs and students.

As a speaker, facilitator and trainer, Robert Chiuri regularly engages with organizations like Kenya Scholars and Studies Association (KESSA) and the Kenya Studies Journal, sharing his research and insights on topics such as business competitiveness and food safety.

The man behind the vision

His work with OVC, Global Standards Resources, and various affiliate organizations reflects a deep commitment to empowering African communities and enhancing their livelihoods.

“Kenya is the hive,” he says, “and we will continue to bring back honey until we make a lasting impact.”

Through OVC, Robert Chiuri has created a platform for change, connecting communities, providing resources, and offering hope.

His work is far from finished and with every new initiative, the diaspora stands to benefit from his unwavering dedication to building bridges between nations, empowering individuals, and fostering sustainable growth.

Under Chiuri’s leadership, OVC has been a driving force in advocating for mobile consular services, bringing government services closer to the diaspora. This initiative has eased the burden of traveling to embassies by ensuring services are more accessible.

“An upcoming event from October 8-10, the Year of Return Africa at Sarit Centre in Nairobi, is expected to attract around 2,000 participants. In November, the One Voice Consortium will host an event for Nyandarua County professionals in Nairobi. In December, the Kilifi County Investment Conference will take place from December 5 to 8, and in March 2025, we will have the 3rd International Conference on Business Models in Agriculture (IBMA) Conference in Naivasha, Kenya, a collaboration between the Food Security Consortium and One Voice Consortium.”

A Global network of solutions

What makes OVC truly remarkable is its ability to harness collective expertise across various sectors. Through its network, OVC addresses issues of food security, health, education, and more. Robert Chiuri’s founding of the Food Security Consortium (FSC) is yet another example of how he’s leveraging his expertise to address global challenges.

By enhancing water access, improving agricultural systems, and creating sustainable value chains, FSC is tackling food insecurity head-on.

“We have a responsibility not just to solve problems in the U.S., but to address the issues facing Africa as well,” Robert Chiuri emphasizes.

The upcoming Africa Day Conference, where Robert Chiuri will be one of the the keynote speaker,is just one of many initaitives that show his commitment to making African products globally competitive through standards certification and regulatory compliance.

He frequently collaborates with organizations like the African Chamber of Commerce, promoting trade and business between Africa and North America.

Looking ahead, OVC continues to lead impactful initiatives. Events like the Year of Return Africa Conference and the Kilifi County Investment Conference are just a few examples of OVC’s efforts to foster collaboration, innovation, and investment both in Africa and across the diaspora.

THE IBMA conference

The 3rd edition of the International Conference on Business Models in Africa (IBMA) will take place from March 10th to 13th, 2025, in Naivasha, Kenya. Co-organized by the Africa Organization of Technology in Agriculture (AOTA) and key partners like the Kenyan government, University of Rwanda, University of Nairobi, and the Food Security Consortium, the conference aims to drive innovative agribusiness models, investments and food security across Africa.

It will provide a platform for policymakers, researchers, and industry experts to collaborate on reshaping agribusiness models for sustainable growth, with a focus on Sustainable Agricultural Intensification (SAI). The conference is expected to generate $4.5 million in revenue for Kenya, create jobs, and foster local partnerships. Key objectives include aligning agricultural productivity with food security, fostering innovation through ICT, and promoting collaboration across the continent.

Looking ahead, OVC will continue to advocate for better diaspora engagement and promote African competitiveness in global markets. Dr. Chiuri’s leadership in both the public and private sectors exemplifies the importance of standards, mentorship, and community-driven solutions in creating sustainable change.