Dr. Jerry Okal, PhD

Dr. Okal is the Founder and Team Lead of Karl Jays Consulting, providing overall strategic direction and leadership. He holds a Doctorate in Medical Social Sciences from Ghent University, Belgium, a Master's in Sociology from the University of Nairobi, and a Bachelor's in Anthropology from Moi University, Kenya.

With more than 20 years of experience in health and development research across Africa and South Asia, Jerry specializes in program evaluation, applied research, and policy engagement. He has led and contributed to projects on reproductive health, HIV and AIDS, gender, urban development, livelihoods, and social transitions among marginalized populations.

Jerry has worked extensively with governments, NGOs, and international partners, including Population Council, UNICEF, Amref Health Africa, IRC, ICRH, Itad, UNFPA and Ministries of Health in the region. His experience spans action research, policy analysis, capacity building, proposal development, knowledge translation and research uptake.

He has served as national lead consultant for the mid-term evaluation of CARE's SHE-SOARS project, and as co-investigator in ITAD's process evaluation of The Challenge Initiative (TCI) in East Africa. He has also received competitive research grants, including studies on violence against children, HIV self-testing, and feminist organizing.

At Karl Jays, Jerry provides thought leadership and ensures the team delivers high-quality, evidence-based solutions tailored to clients' needs.