Michael Mulei Mutava

Affiliate Researcher in the Migration Governance Reform Program

Michael Mutava Mulei is an Applied Economist with expertise in Trade, Capital Markets, and Regional Integration. He is currently a research fellow at the New South Institute (NSI), where his focus lies in exploring the role of finance in economic integration within the African context. Michael’s academic journey began at Kenyatta University in Kenya, where he completed his undergraduate studies, before advancing to the University of Cape Town for his master’s degree. His dedication to excellence was recognised when he was awarded second runner-up at the 2016-2017 Capital Markets Inter-University competition in Kenya.

Michael’s professional experience spans various prestigious institutions, including his role as a consultant at the Africa Institute for Policy Analysis and Economic Integration, where he worked with COMESA, and as Project Coordinator at the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance in Cape Town. He has also contributed to Kenya’s government, working with the Capital Markets Authority on product research and the implementation of the CMA master plan. A MasterCard scholar, Michael’s passion for economic integration and financial development is reflected in his work at NSI, where he contributes to research that shapes policies for greater regional economic collaboration in Africa.

Publications

Policy Documents

• Mutava, M. M. (2024). An analysis of migration governance frameworks in Kenya (NSI Policy Paper). New South Institute. Retrieved from https://nsi.org.za/publications/migration-governance-kenya-nsi-report/
• Mutava, M. (2023). An analysis of trends and patterns of migration in Africa (pp. 1-54). Johannesburg: New South Institute. Retrieved from https://nsi.org.za/publications/analysis-trends-patterns-migration-africa/

Additional Works

• Mulei, M. (2019). Derivatives and Economic Growth in South Africa: Lessons for Kenya (Master’s thesis). University of Cape Town. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/31049

Editorials

• Mulei, M. (2023, November 1). Let’s back free movement in Africa for Africans. Nairobi Business Monthly, 11(8). https://nsi.org.za/news/advocating-for-free-movement-in-africa-insights-michael-mutava-milei/
• Mulei, M. (2023, August 8). Urgently address macro-economic gaps to stop the capital haemorrhage. Nairobi Business Monthly. https://www.nairobibusinessmonthly.com/urgently-address-macro-economic-gaps-to-stop-the-capital-haemorrhage/
• Mulei, M. (2020, January 7). The dark horse in scrapping of interest rate capping. Nairobi Business Monthly. https://www.nairobibusinessmonthly.com/the-dark-horse-in-scrapping-of-interest-rate-capping/