Dr. Mohamed A. Dahir, PhD
Dr. Mohamed A. Dahir is a Kenyan educationist, development practitioner, humanitarian leader, and researcher with more than 25 years of experience working across East Africa. His expertise spans education reform, humanitarian coordination, disaster risk management, public policy, and academic research. Dahir has led high-level programs in Kenya, Somalia, Uganda, and the wider Horn of Africa, focusing on resilience, peacebuilding, food security, governance, and youth empowerment.
He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Education For Africa (EFA) and is an adjunct lecturer in Disaster Resilience Leadership at the United Nations University for Peace (UPEACE), Africa Program.
Education
Dr. Dahir holds a PhD in Leadership and Management from the Management University of Africa, earned in 2023, where he studied integrative leadership and educational performance in Kenya’s frontier counties. He also holds a Master of Science in Project Management from Salford University, UK (2017); an Executive Master in Education Leadership and Policy from Moi University (2011); a Bachelor of Science in Science Education from Egerton University (2002); and a Diploma in Science Education from Kenya Science Teachers College (1995).
In 2002, he completed advanced training at the National Institute for Science Education, University of the Philippines, where he focused on improving science education in developing country contexts.
Career
Dr. Dahir began as a high school teacher and national trainer under Kenya’s SMASSE program (Strengthening Mathematics and Science in Secondary Education). He later joined the Teachers Service Commission, working on teacher training and capacity building.
From 2006 to 2010, he served as Head of Disaster Management at the Kenya Red Cross Society, overseeing major emergencies including drought response and post-election violence. His leadership was recognized in reports from UNOCHA and ReliefWeb:
- UNOCHA: Kenya Drought Response Evaluation
- ReliefWeb: Kenya Red Cross and Safaricom Response
Between 2014 and 2017, he was Chief of Party for the USAID-funded PROGRESS program in Somalia, which focused on resilience, governance, and climate adaptation.
- Noema Magazine: Somalia on the Brink of Famine
From 2018 to 2019, Dahir worked as Head of Office for Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in Uganda, where he supported South Sudanese refugees and local communities.
- Monitor Uganda: Concern as Refugees Destroy Forests
- CRS: Africa Hunger Crisis in Somaliland
He also served as Executive Director of Sadar Development and Resilience in Somalia from 2019 to 2021, managing donor-funded programs in disaster risk reduction, food security, and governance.
Academic and Consulting Work
As an adjunct lecturer at the United Nations University for Peace (UPEACE), Dahir teaches Disaster Resilience Leadership. In 2022–2023, he was appointed to the Mandera County Education Reform Taskforce, co-authoring the county’s first Education Status Report addressing early childhood education, vocational training, and Islamic religious education.
Dahir has consulted for organizations like RACIDA, Islamic Relief Kenya, and UNOCHA on topics such as drought response, disaster risk reduction, and resilience programming.
ReliefWeb: Bamburi Drought Appeal
Research and Publications
Dr. Dahir’s research focuses on leadership, resilience, and institutional performance. Key publications include:
- Relationship Between Integrative Leadership and Performance of Public Boarding Secondary Schools in Frontier Counties
- Relationship Between Integrative Leadership and Performance in Selected Counties under the FCDC, Kenya
He also contributed to the Entrepreneurial Leadership Book published by the Management University of Africa.
Media and Public Engagement
Dr. Dahir’s work has been covered by major media outlets:
- The Star (Kenya): Speed Up Modogashe-Wajir Road Construction
- PBS NewsHour: Somalia Drought Forces Thousands to Leave Homes
- Noema Magazine: Somalia on the Brink of Famine
- HuffPost: Contributor Profile
- LinkedIn: Leadership Tribute
He has also appeared in interviews and videos on resilience and humanitarian leadership:
Language Skills
Dr. Dahir is fluent in English, Somali, and Swahili and has working knowledge of Arabic. His multilingual ability has supported his work across culturally diverse and conflict-sensitive environments.
External Profiles