The Kangabe Foundation
Meet our Founder
The Founder of Kangabe Foundation, Ms Marie Kangabe Nzungize, a retired Nutritionist with many years of Professional experience in Central, Eastern and West Africa and in the USA, currently living in Nairobi Kenya, founded Kangabe Foundation as a way of coordinating, together with her partners, her philanthropic side, her continuing fight and advocacy to alleviate poverty through provision of quality education and health care treatment to All people, regardless of their background and socio-economic situations.
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Marie Kangabe Nzungize is a retired nutritionist with over three decades of professional experience in the United States and across Africa. She holds a Master of Science in Nutrition from Syracuse University (1989), a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition from Cornell University (1986), and earlier completed three years of undergraduate studies in Biochemistry at the Université Nationale du Zaïre, Kisangani (1976).
Marie began her professional journey as an educator in the Democratic Republic of Congo, teaching Sciences, Geography, Physical Education, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, and French. After several years in teaching, she advanced her studies in the United States, later serving as a dietitian at Cortland Memorial Hospital in New York.
Her career expanded into public health and nutrition programming across West and East Africa, in following. Countries: Senegal, Ivory Coast, Guinee Conakry, Kenya, South Darfur and Eritrea. She held multiple leadership roles with NGOs and UNICEF, including Project Officer, Nutrition Program Manager, and Child Survival Specialist. From 2013 to 2016, she served as a consultant in Health and Nutrition with Concern Worldwide in Rwanda.
Marie’s lifelong passion for education and youth development continues to guide her work. She is particularly committed to supporting adolescents and young adults—especially those facing financial and economic challenges in Rwanda and neighboring countries—to access quality education. She strongly believes that educating a child is one of the most effective pathways of breaking the cycle of poverty.
As the Founder and Guardian of the Kangabe Foundation, Marie provides vision, mentorship, and guidance rooted in decades of experience and a deep commitment to community empowerment.
Statement
Kangabe Foundation- is a Common-Benefit Foundation aimed at “Restoring Movement, Building Health, Securing Equity in Health and Education Sectors to All Rwandans and to people from countries neighboring Rwanda”
OUR VISION
Kangabe Foundation’s Vision is to ‘uplift the standards of living of qualified young adult males and females, high school graduates who might be interested in pursuing their tertiary education in Physical Rehabilitation and Nutrition Programs and to ensure that every Rwandan has equitable access to high quality and comprehensive Physical Rehabilitation and Nutritional Care services, supported by excellence in Professional Education.
OUR MISSION
Kangabe Foundation ‘s dual mission is to:
1) Improve Technical Training Institutions with particular focus on Physical Rehabilitation and Nutrition Programs.
2) Assist needy Patients and Students by providing:
– Financial and material resources to strengthen the quality, availability, and sustainability of physical rehabilitation and nutrition programs in Rwanda, thus, investing adequately in service delivery, professional education, and infrastructure.
– Assisting disadvantaged patients, supporting the education of underprivileged students pursuing physical rehabilitation and nutrition training, and enhancing the quality of rehabilitation services through investments in both the health and education.
OUR CORE VALUES
Integrity
We uphold honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct in all we do.
Compassion
We serve with empathy, dignity, and respect for all individuals.
Inclusivity
We pursue high standards and continuous improvement.
Equity
We foster partnerships that multiply impact.
Sustainability
We embrace creativity and new solutions to advance care.
Support
We ensure responsible stewardship and measurable outcomes.
OUR GOALS
Kangabe Foundation’s main goal will be its contribution to the Rwandan Government’s 2050’s vision by increasing the technical capacity and standards of health care services delivery within the Physical Rehabilitation and Nutrition sectors.
In order to achieve this goal, KANGABE Foundation will carry out below activities
Kangabe Foundation Projects
2024-2030
Strengthening Physical Rehabilitation and Nutrition Services & Workforce Development
(Initial Project: 2024-2026)
This project focuses on enhancing the delivery of physical rehabilitation and nutrition services while
investing in workforce development. The goal is to ensure improved patient outcomes, stronger systems,
and sustainable health service delivery through training, capacity building, and infrastructure support.
1. Training of 25 Health Professionals including Nurses, Doctors, Physiotherapists, Nutritionists. This activity will be carried out between Jan 2026 and Dec 2026 and will require (1.7M Rw F)
2. Sensitize Community Health workers on the basic key issues regarding prevention of non- communicable diseases, adequate fitness and nutritional lifestyle and help them to be able to provide adequate information for those seeking appropriate physical rehabilitation services. This activity will be conducted between October and December 2025 and will require ( 800,000 RwF)
3. Develop in partnership with WHO, appropriate training modules for use for post-acute physical rehabilitation and nutritional care. This activity will be carried out between June and December 2025 and will require 1.5M RwF)
4. Education: Offer scholarship to 2-5 university students based on their needs for 2025-2026 2.5M
Fundraising Project (2025–2026): $200,000 for M&E, Policies, and Strategic Development
This project aims to raise 200,000 USD between 2025 and 2026 to support:
• Monitoring and Evaluation systems
• Development, approval, and implementation of policies and strategies
• Yearly work planning and end-of-year evaluations
• Annual progress reports
• A comprehensive five-year survey evaluating improvements in patient health outcomes and professional expertise
• Yearly financial audits
Team
Meet the leadership behind this noble cause
Prof. Denis Bikesha
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Bio
Prof. Denis Bikesha is an accomplished legal scholar and practitioner with extensive experience in transitional justice, constitutional law, criminal law, and governance. He holds an LL.B and LL.M in Business Law from the National University of Rwanda, a PhD in Law from the University of Dar es Salaam, and professional diplomas in Legal Practice and Conflict Resolution.
Prof. Bikesha is currently an Associate Professor of Transitional Justice at the University of Rwanda, School of Law, where he previously served as Dean. His academic work is complemented by significant national service, including membership on the High Council of the Judiciary and the High Council of the National Public Prosecution Authority, where he contributed to strengthening judicial professionalism, legal reforms, and institutional development.
He has played a central role in Rwanda’s post-genocide justice processes, notably through his work at the National Service of Gacaca Courts as Legal Officer, Director of Training, Research and Documentation, and advisor on the courts’ closure and archival processes. His expertise also extends to peacebuilding, where he has trained international and local students, judges, prosecutors, and security actors across Africa, Europe, and North America.
Prof. Bikesha currently serves as Chief Editor of the Rwanda Law Journal, member of Rwanda’s National Technical Operational Safety and Health Steering Committee, and legal expert for various international and national institutions. He has led numerous legal consultancy assignments involving law reform, governance, decentralization, human rights, and criminal justice. His publications appear in respected international outlets, including Routledge, Edward Elgar, and Juta.
With over two decades of experience as a legal academic, consultant, researcher, and trainer, Prof. Denis Bikesha brings to the Kangabe Foundation a deep commitment to justice, rule of law, and the development of strong, accountable institutions.
Council Member
Alphonse Rugigana
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Bio
Alphonse Rugigana is a seasoned finance and administration professional with over 12 years of experience in financial management and 10 years in human resource leadership across businesses and NGOs. He holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Kigali Independent University.
As a council member, Mr. Rugigana brings expertise in strategic oversight, governance, and organizational management, having led budgets, procurement, and staff coordination in multiple organizations. He has also consulted for startups, focusing on project analysis and financial planning.
A committed volunteer, he supports initiatives that empower vulnerable children and social entrepreneurs. Fluent in English and French, with basic proficiency in Swahili, Mr. Rugigana combines technical expertise, leadership, and a strong commitment to social impact—key qualities that guide his contributions to the Kangabe Foundation.
Council Member
Valence M Rukesha
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Bio
Valence M. Rukesha is an experienced legal professional specializing in banking and finance law, corporate and commercial transactions, alternative dispute resolution, and financial sector regulation. He holds a Master of Laws (LL.M) in Business Law from the University of Rwanda, a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Institute of Legal Practice and Development, and an Executive Master’s in the Financial Services Industry from the Luxembourg School of Business (ongoing). Valence also holds multiple professional certifications in mediation, arbitration, banking, and management development.
Valence currently serves as a Senior Associate at Liedekerke, where he advises on corporate and commercial transactions, mergers and acquisitions, property and real estate matters, energy deals, private equity, venture capital, and complex banking and finance operations. Prior to this, he worked with ENSafrica as a Senior Associate in Banking and Finance, providing specialised legal advisory on syndicated lending, due diligence, dispute resolution, and business restructuring.
With over a decade of experience in the financial sector, Valence previously served as Senior Legal Officer and Deputy Head, Legal & Company Secretary at Ecobank Rwanda, where he advised on complex credit structures, corporate governance processes, regulatory compliance, policy formulation, and litigation. He also held key legal and documentation roles at KCB Bank Rwanda Plc and the Rwanda Development Board.
Beyond his corporate work, Valence has a strong record of industry leadership and professional service. He served as Chairman of the Legal Committee of the Rwanda Bankers Association, contributing to legal reforms, regulatory reviews, and strategic capacity-building for the banking sector. He is also a part-time lecturer at the Rwanda Academy of Finance and the Institute of Legal Practice and Development, teaching banking law and legal practice.
Valence is affiliated with the Rwanda Bar Association, International Bar Association, East African Law Society, Insol International, the Loan Market Association, and is a Certified Professional Banker.
With his broad exposure in legal practice, financial services, governance, and professional training, Valence M. Rukesha brings strong expertise and strategic insight to the Kangabe Foundation’s Council.
Council Member
Sibomana Faustin
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Bio
Sibomana Faustin holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the Independent University of Kigali and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the National University of Rwanda. With extensive experience in administration, project management, and human resource leadership, he brings strong organizational and operational skills to the Kangabe foundation.
He has held leadership and management roles with FATE Consulting Ltd, The Country Inn Hotel, OrangeKat Company Ltd, and Heaven Restaurant, overseeing project execution, team supervision, human resources, logistics, and client relations. Through these roles, he has developed expertise in managing teams, coordinating operations, and ensuring the smooth delivery of projects and services for both organizations and their clients.
Fluent in Kinyarwanda, English, and French, with proficiency in Kiswahili, Sibomana Faustin combines strategic coordination, administrative expertise, and a commitment to social impact, ensuring the Kangabe foundation’s operations run efficiently and effectively.
Executive secretary
1000+
Targeted Beneficiaries
2+
Project Milestones
30+
Years of Experience
4+
Professional Team