In 2006, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Management and Conservation from the University of Nairobi. Phyllis has since built upon this undergraduate work, earning a certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation from the African Medical & Research Foundation (AMREF) in 2012, and later acquiring a certificate in Social Innovation Management from the Amani Institute in 2016. She has four years of experience as a conservationist, three as an entrepreneur running a small business, and two working in the social sector. Phyllis came to the Archimedes Project through the Amani Institute, her interest piqued by the opportunity to do research on problems she saw as crucial for the success of Nairobi: sanitation and access to water. In her opinion, Nairobi is at a crossroads. It can either become the heart of the “Silicon Savannah” or crumble under the weight of its own growth; Phyllis hopes to be a driving force for positive change.

‍

During her fellowship, she spoke with dozens of organizations and identified key challenges that those seeking to improve the sanitation situation that the residents of Nairobi's slums are facing.

‍