About Janek Sunga

Governance • Public Policy • Political Analysis

I am a Political Science and Public Administration professional based in Nairobi, Kenya, with a background spanning research, higher education, government, political analysis, writing and public affairs.

My academic background includes a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Park University and doctoral studies in Political Science at Northern Illinois University (All But Dissertation), where I have also taught as Instructor of Record and Teaching Assistant. I have a published research record, including a peer-reviewed journal article and a book review, alongside a decade of political and public-affairs writing in the Kenyan and U.S. press.

How can institutions, leaders and organizations better understand political and policy environments and use that understanding to make better decisions?

This question informs my consulting work.

Janek Sunga speaking at a public event, wearing a Kenyan flag sash
Professional Focus

Where my work concentrates

Governance & Institutions

Institutional development, governance reviews and organizational analysis.

Public Policy & Political Analysis

Political and institutional analysis, policy review and research.

Research & Evaluation

Research, analytical writing, literature review and assessment.

Strategic Communications

Policy communication, public affairs and stakeholder engagement.

Experience

Professional employment history

2023–2025

Instructor of Record

Northern Illinois University
  • Taught Introduction to Public Policy across four semesters.
  • Designed and delivered course material, facilitated discussion, assessed student work, and managed course requirements and deadlines.
2018–2024

Teaching Assistant

Northern Illinois University
  • Supported teaching and student engagement in Political Violence; Contemporary Topics in Politics: Race, Ethnicity, and Globalization; Political Islam; Politics of Russia and Eurasia; Introduction to Comparative Politics; and Nonprofit Management.
2017–2018

Management Fellow

City Manager's Office, City of Wichita, Kansas
  • Prepared weekly reports for City Council and department directors.
  • Created a new take-home vehicle inventory management system.
  • Developed internal City policy on CCTV cameras.
Summer 2015

Research and Policy Intern

Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, Kansas City
  • Performed literature reviews.
  • Attended a STEM education conference and prepared summary reports for a supervisor.
  • Updated a database of past grantees of the Kauffman Emerging Scholar Awards.
2015–2018

Op-ed Columnist

People Daily Kenya
  • Produced political and public-affairs opinion writing for a Kenyan newspaper audience.
2018

Contributor

Nairobi Law Monthly
  • Contributed written analysis and commentary on Kenyan politics and society.
2012–2014

Staff Reporter and Writer

The Stylus, Park University
  • Worked in student journalism and editorial writing.
Academic Foundation

Research-driven, interdisciplinary analysis

My training provides a foundation in comparative politics, political institutions, democratic governance, public administration, public policy, international relations, political economy, political parties and elections, democratization and research methods.

2018–2026

Doctoral Studies, Political Science

Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL
  • Comparative Politics (major); Public Administration (minor).
  • All But Dissertation (ABD).
2014–2017

M.P.A., Public Management

Park University, Kansas City, MO
  • Passed Comprehensive Examination with Distinction.
2009–2014

B.A., English (Writing)

Park University, Parkville, MO

Languages: English • Swahili • Luo   |   Memberships: American Political Science Association • Midwestern Political Science Association • Public Administration Theory Network

My Approach

Understand. Analyze. Advise. Communicate.

01

Understand

Clarify objectives, institutional environment and strategic challenge.

02

Analyze

Research the political, institutional, policy and stakeholder environment.

03

Advise

Translate evidence into practical options and recommendations.