Rev. Dr. Walter Akuno is a Kenyan agricultural extension scholar, community development practitioner, and faith leader. He holds a PhD in Agricultural Extension from Egerton University and currently serves as a Senior Lecturer in the School of Agricultural and Food Sciences at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology. Beyond teaching and research, Dr. Akuno contributes to regional development initiatives as an Adjunct Senior Researcher with African Institute for Capacity Development (AICAD). He has also served as a peer reviewer and resource person supporting institutional audits and academic programme accreditation processes in higher education. He is currently an external examiner at Rongo and Kabianga Universities. On research, Dr Akuno has recently been appointed as Sub Group Leaders 2 for VLIR Project on: Building Capacity for Transformative Agri-food Systems for Resilience in Lake Victoria Basin of Kenya). Dr Akuno has over 30 years of professional experience spanning public service, academia, and community development. He served for more than two decades in Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (Kenya) and later held senior academic and administrative roles including Registrar for Academic Affairs. He has authored over twenty peer-reviewed publications in agricultural extension and rural development. He is also the Founder and CEO of Villages Future Network, an NGO dedicated to empowering vulnerable populations including widows, smallholder farmers, youth, and orphans through sustainable livelihoods and community development initiatives. Akuno also serves as a Senior Pastor in Deliverance Church International and is a Certified Professional Mediator committed to peacebuilding and community empowerment. Akuno draws inspiration from the philosophy of Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc., particularly the principle: “Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.” This mantra reflects his commitment to continuous learning, innovation, and courageous leadership.

Motto: Empower. Engage. Change the Community.