Sen. Dr. Arch. Sylvia M. Kasanga, (h.c.) FCIArb, LLM, is a distinguished public policy leader, governance professional and built-environment expert with over 23 years of experience. She is a registered Architect, holds an LLM in International Dispute Resolution from Queen Mary University of London and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
As a Senator (2017–2022), Dr. Kasanga championed transformative policy reforms, most notably sponsoring the Mental Health (Amendment) Act, 2022. This landmark legislation strengthened Kenya’s mental health framework through a rights-based and public health approach, advancing access to care, psychosocial support, and protection of vulnerable populations. Her leadership during the COVID-19 period, as Chair of the Senate Ad Hoc Committee, further underscored her commitment to well-being, resilience, and community-centered responses.
Dr. Kasanga serves in key institutional roles and remains a prominent voice in national and international forums, advancing mental health policy reform and psychosocial support systems across Africa, including collaboration with Africa CDC to support AU Member States in enacting mental health laws. First mission was in Sierra Leone 2025, then Gambia 2026.