CEO & Founder — Universal Evolve

Hon. Amb
Shem Okottah

Building the infrastructure of trust between Kenya and the COMESA region — one shipment, one mentorship, one match day at a time.

Group CEO, Evolve Logistics CEO, KEFOFA Chair, Kenya Fans Association Advisor, LOANI
Portrait of Hon. Amb Shem Okottah in a navy suit and red tie
Nairobi, KE Est. 2013
About

Raised among the maize fields of Trans Nzoia, taught the value of work by two teachers who happened to be his parents.

Hon. Shem Odhiambo Okottah was born and raised in the agricultural county of Trans Nzoia, where childhood afternoons in the maize fields instilled a lasting appreciation for hard work and resilience. His parents — both devoted Christians and teachers — grounded him in integrity, discipline, and service, while the legacy of his late grandfather, Mr. Shem On'gudi Ogwang', a respected businessman and philanthropist in Kisumu, shaped his instinct for entrepreneurship and community empowerment.

That foundation, combined with a defining opportunity extended by Mr. Mukhisa Kituyi — former Secretary-General of UNCTAD and Kenya's former Minister for Trade and Development — set him on a path toward building businesses that move goods, and platforms that move people forward. Today he leads Universal Evolve and Evolve Logistics Ltd, while devoting equal energy to youth empowerment, sport, and the causes closest to home.

2013
Evolve Logistics founded
4+
Boards & advisory roles
COMESA
Regional reach
What he leads

Four roles, one throughline — moving things and people forward.

01 / Logistics
Evolve Logistics Ltd

Group CEO of a family-run multimodal logistics enterprise moving goods across the COMESA region since 2013.

02 / Investment
Universal Evolve

Founder of a platform connecting investors and development partners, driving Foreign Direct Investment across Africa.

03 / Football
KEFOFA & Kenya Fans Association

CEO of the Kenya Football Fans Federation and Chairperson of the Kenya Fans Association, championing the country's football culture.

04 / Advocacy
LOANI & Princess LOANI

Honorary Advisor for Sports, Art, Culture and Heritage at LOANI, and Brand Ambassador for the Princess LOANI menstrual cup.

Journey

From the maize fields of Trans Nzoia to boardrooms across the region.

Origins

Trans Nzoia roots

Born to two teachers in Trans Nzoia County, raised on the values of integrity, discipline, and service — and on the entrepreneurial legacy of his grandfather, Mr. Shem On'gudi Ogwang' of Kisumu.

A turning point

Mentorship that mattered

A life-changing opportunity from Mr. Mukhisa Kituyi, former Secretary-General of UNCTAD, reshaped his path and instilled a lasting commitment to opening doors for young people.

2013

Evolve Logistics is founded

What began as a family enterprise grew into a recognized name in multimodal logistics, with a strong footprint across the COMESA region.

Faith & service

Chairman, Kenya Anglican Youth Organization

A cherished role that allowed him to mentor and empower young people through faith-based leadership.

Today

Universal Evolve — the next chapter

An expansion built to create a global platform for investors and partners, advancing trade, commerce, and regional integration across Africa.

Beyond business

Causes built on the belief that opportunity should be given forward.

Keeping Our Girls in School

As Brand Ambassador for the Princess LOANI menstrual cup, he champions access to menstrual products that reduce school absenteeism and protect education continuity for young girls.

Youth & talent development

Through sport, art, culture, heritage and environmental conservation, he creates platforms for young people to discover and grow their talents.

Health & inclusion

Recognized for efforts in combating youth unemployment, improving maternal health, and advocating for children living with disabilities.

"I was given a chance to realize my potential — now I build the platforms that give that same chance to others."
HON. AMB SHEM OKOTTAH