MEET THE TEAM
Dickson Kaelo
Chief Executive Officer
Founding CEO of KWCA, Dickson has a passion for working with communities and landowners to conserve and benefit from wildlife conservation.
A Kenya Wildlife Service Honorary Warden and winner of the Sustainability Science Award from the Ecological Society of American, Dickson has over two decades of experience in conservancy.
One of his key career highlights has been his 14 years of engagement in the Maasai Mara ecosystem, which resulted in the formation of four conservancies (Olare Orok, Motorogi, Mara North and Naboisho Conservancies) and improved coordination among 16 conservancies within the greater Maasai Mara ecosystem.
Dickson, a member of Lemek-Olchorro Oiroua and Enonkishu Conservancies in the Mara, has co-authored various articles and book chapters on community natural resource management and has been a speaker in local and international conservation science conferences.
He holds a Master of Philosophy degree in Wildlife Management, a Bachelors of Science degree in Animal Production and is currently pursuing his PhD in Range Management.
Linet Misiko
Chief Operations Officer
Linet Misiko is our Chief Operations Officer. She is driven, hardworking and passionate about numbers solving organizational challenges.
At KWCA, she oversees operations and in charge of management, human resources and administration. Linet has 16 years of experience from the manufacturing, research, advisory and not for profit sectors. Prior to Joining KWCA, Linet worked for Geopoll as the accounting and human resources manager.
Linet considers herself a visionary change agent who builds and leads teams to drive organizational success. She hold a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems from Kansas State University.
Joshua Ayuo
Programmes Manager
Joshua is our Programmes Lead steering strategic leadership and oversight of KWCA
programmes ensuring they are in delivering high level impact results. He 9 years of experience in Monitoring and Evaluation, Project Management, Participatory Development, Data Analysis, and Reporting.
He has built years of career as a Program Manager and M&E specialist across sectors including Health, Gender, Livelihood, Education,and latterly NRM.
He has extensive experience on programs and projects with a focus on impact management, project design, management, inclusion, specifically through rights-based approaches to programming, results-based management, and outcome mapping.
His expertise also spans impact assessments, gender analysis, evaluations, outcome mapping, and using qualitative and quantitative approaches.
Before Joining KWCA, he worked for Centre for Rights Education and Awareness (CREAW) in
charge of M&E, developing evidence-based and gender-integrated programs and plans.
Joshua has a BA in Education (Geography) and currently undertaking MA in M&E for Population
Development, among other short courses.
Joyce Mbataru
Communication & Development Officer
Joyce is our lead in development communication, gender and media relations. She is passionate about utilising both traditional and digital media to highlight and advocate for conservancy matters to the world.
At KWCA, she handles the implementation of our communication strategy to enhance the organisation’s brand presence, advance its goals and achieve its mission.
Prior to joining KWCA, Joyce horned her skills in various positions, including as a Programmes Officer at the Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK).
Joyce has also worked at Youth, Arts, Development and Entrepreneurship Network (YADEN) where she was responsible for developing content for their social media platforms and their website, media mobilisation and production of communication materials.
She aspires to establish a network of communication professionals in conservation that will offer a platform for sharing Kenya’s conservancy news to the world.
Joyce holds a Masters of Arts in Development Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Communication Degree from Catholic University of Eastern Africa and Tangaza University College respectively.
Raymond Cheruiyot
Accountant
Raymond, our numbers prodigy, maintains all the checks and balances in terms of our finances. Apart from working in the finance docket, he also offers his support in the Administration and Human Resources departments.
His love for working with figures has seen him hold accounting positions in various organisations and bag an accolade or two while at it.
Prior to working at KWCA, Raymond worked at the Litein Town Council, Regent Group East Africa, Basecamp Foundation Kenya and The Kenya Land Conservation Trust.
His stellar work in finance has seen him recognised in various capacities, including being awarded the Best Performance in Financial Accounting in the Kenya and the East African region by KASNEB (Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examinations Board).
Raymond holds a Bachelor of Business Management in Finance and Banking.
Gladys Warigia
Policy Coordinator
Gladys Warigia Njoroge is our strategy maverick thanks to her vast experience on policy issues on Natural Resources and Project Management.
She has been at the heart of wildlife conservation in the country in several capacities, including participating in the Technical Working Group involved in the establishment of KWCA in 2012/13 where she represented World Wide Fund Kenya.
Gladys was also in the Technical Working Group tasked with reviewing the Wildlife Conservation and Management bill 2012 where she served as a member of the secretariat.
She holds a Bachelor of Laws degree and she is currently pursuing a Master of Laws in Environmental Law and a diploma in Project Management.
Reagan Onyango
Monitoring & Evaluation Officer
Reagan is our lead data guru. He manages the organizational M&E systems, ensuring that our programmatic data is continuously and consistently collected, analyzed in a systematic manner that permits decision making and demonstrates impact of our work. He is passionate about generating numbers, figures into data that makes the case for conservation in Kenya.
Reagan is vastly experienced in research, monitoring and evaluation. Prior to joining KWCA, he worked for Lewa Wildlife Conservancy as the M&E coordinator based in Isiolo. He has also worked for Development Kenya Action as Programs Officer in charge of Monitoring and evaluation in Nairobi.
His aspiration is to contribute towards the development of a resilient ecosystem with stable wildlife population in which wildlife and human can co-exist through research and data driven decision making.
Reagan holds a Masters of Arts Degree in Project Planning and Management and a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Agricultural Economics & Resource Management.
Peris Maumo
Assistant Accounts Officer
Peris is adept, meticulous and boast a high degree of precision. She ensures the accounts department is efficient and effective in observing compliance and financial standards. She also support the administration and human resources department.
Peris is a people’s person and a figures enthusiast and when she is not analyzing figures, she enjoys the outdoors especially going on game drives and supporting community conservation activities.
She previously worked with Aga khan sports center, and Pan African Christian University in the
finance departments.
Peris is a Certified Public Accountant of Kenya
Vincent Oluoch
Projects Officer
Currently supporting implementation of KWCA’s Private Sector Engagement Strategy and the Conservancies Crisis Fund project, Vincent considers himself as a laid back individual with positive attitude who easily integrates well with others or different situations. He aspires to grow with KWCA in its quest for self-reliance and to also contribute in the organization’s mission of ensuring wildlife conservancies in Kenya thrive.
Vincent previously worked for the Kenya Community Based Tourism Network and Uganda
Community Tourism Association where his work focused on mainstreaming local communities into the tourism value chains through the development and promotion of tourism-based enterprises. He also worked briefly with KWCA in 2014 for his MSC internship project.
Among his career highlights, Vincent points out his involvement in a technical team, drawn from
non-state tourism agencies, which successfully secured a grant from Business Advocacy Fund in 2018 and successfully advocated for a review of the licensing regimes governing Homestays operations in Kenya.
Vincent holds a Masters of Science Degree in Tourism and Environment and a Bachelor of
Science Degree in Tourism Management.
Joseph Njogu
Admin Assistant-Logistics
Njogu is our to go person in matters logistics, office administration and photography and
videography. A motorbike enthusiast, Njogu is quite adventurous and regularly participates in
off-road motorbike travels.
Njogu has vast knowledge on the location and terrain of KWCA member conservancies having
travelled and interacted with diverse communities across the country over the course of his
duties.
He expresses his unwavering commitment in playing an integral role in the realization of the
organization’s vision of ensuring creation of vast and connected landscapes where people and
wildlife co-exist across Kenya.
He was previously engaged in private organization of safaris tours across Kenya and holds a
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business and Information Technology.
Jacob Tukai
He possesses over 7 years of work experience in wildlife ecosystem conservation, project management and coordination.
Jacob’s interests encompass natural resource benefits, community-based conservation, ecosystem feasibilities and data analysis. His expertise span to resource mapping and cartography. Prior to joining KWCA, Jacob served as the senior vultures’ conservation officer at Birdlife International, where he supported vulture conservation efforts in Eastern Africa. Jacob holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies.
Joyce Peshu
Programmes Officer- Gender
Joyce is our gender officer and our go to person on matters social inclusion. She is the project lead for KWCA’s USAID Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Environment (RISE) project that addresses Gender Based Violence (GBV) by advancing equitable social, gender and power norms in Kenya’s conservancies for more equitable access to and control of natural resources.
Joyce is a certified Project Manager for development professionals by APMG International and has worked in the development sector for over 5 years with a focus on project design and implementation. She is passionate about women empowerment and women leadership using the approach of social inclusion and gender in her project design and trainings.
She previously worked with VSO as a project officer involved in project management and delivery, volunteer management, community mobilization and engagement, social inclusion and gender,
advocacy and social accountability.
Joyce holds a Bachelor of Arts in Microbiology and is currently pursuing a Masters in Project Planning
and Management.
Faith Ngina Ndegwa
Policy Advocacy Officer
Faith was born and raised within a conservancy, and shares a deep appreciation for the inherent need to enhance sustainable socio-economic growth and resilience of the natural ecosystems, livelihoods, and well-being of the local communities. She is committed to continuous learning and sharing, staying informed about emerging issues and seeking innovative solutions to complex environmental policy and legal challenges. Faith believes that
Faith is a lawyer and an advocate of the High Court of Kenya, currently pursuing a master’s degree in Environmental Governance. She has horned skills in environmental advocacy, community engagement, and analytical research.
Atandi Anyona
Communications Officer
Atandi is our communications associate working towards supporting the capacity on both internal and external organizational communication. Atandi joined KWCA through the LGT Venture Philanthropy Impact Fellowship on a communication associate secondment to support the communication docket. Through the LGT Impact Fellowship, Atandi is aiding in production of a wide range of print publications and digital media. In addition, he is supporting the review and implementation of the KWCA’s communication strategy.
Before joining KWCA, Atandi worked as an Impact Manager and Communications Lead at Mr. Green Africa, documenting the company’s social impact footprint, and as a Social Media Executive for a marketing agency where he developed & implemented digital campaign content and strategies for key client accounts.
Atandi holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Science from Dickinson College.
Nancy Neema
In her previous role at the Green Belt movement, she was involved in implementing the Afri-100 project, which guided Kenya to commit 5.1 million hectares for potential restoration. Nancy was the lead GIS resource in spatial analysis and cartography and co-authored the Technical Report on the National Assessment of Forest and Landscape Restoration Opportunities in Kenya 2016.
She has also been actively involved in raising awareness about the benefits of GIS in the conservation space and has organized and led numerous training exercises involving stakeholders in the conservation field.
Neema holds a bachelor’s Degree in Geography and various GIS certifications.
Horris Wanyama
Conservation Planner
Meet Horris Wanyama-our Conservation Planner; A talented & ambitious Conservation scientist with immense work experience of over 13 years cutting across both the government, International & Local NGO’s and Conservancies. He started his conservation Career at Kenya Wildlife Service as a Rhino/ Elephant Researcher in 2011, where he was one of the researchers spearheading the renowned Rhino Impact Investment (RII) Project to full realization in collaboration with ZSL & Conservation Alpha.
Before joining KWCA, Horris served as Research Team Lead at Natural State where he led a team of field researcher in collecting carbon impact monitoring data; He also worked as a Conservation Monitoring Coordinator at Space For Giants where he led the conservation monitoring and technology wing building capacity on quality data collection and management. Horris hold a Master Degree in Wildlife Management from the University of Eldoret and a Bachelors Degree in Wildlife Management from Moi University.
He has also participated in numerous international conservation Fellowship in London, Madagascar & Namibia. He is an accredited member of the IUCN –AfRSG and an affiant’s fellow of both ZSL EDGE Fellowship and Tropical Biology of Africa.
As the KWCA Conservation Planner, Horris main role being to lead, facilitate and implement the Kenya Project For Permanence (PFP)through proper conservation Planning. He will be co-coordinating PFP together with both the government, county government and TNC.
Carol Gathu
Programme Officer- Climate Change
Caroline is a Climate Change specialist who has dedicated over 10 years to practically engage in the development and deployment of interventions that seek to build the adaptive capacity and resilience of climate-vulnerable communities. She has also contributed to the development of climate-related plans, policies, and regulatory frameworks while supporting the capacity strengthening of government and grassroots institutions to translate policies into innovative, high-quality, and sustainable solutions to tackle social, economic, and environmental challenges that undermine the well-being of the communities.
Over the years, Caroline has gained valuable strategic, operational, and program development and implementation work experience in local and international development including in very fragile contexts. She has overseen multiple projects aimed at reducing vulnerability to disasters and improving livelihoods among the most vulnerable communities.
Her main role as a climate change offer at KWCA is to provide thought leadership in the development of the climate change unit whose mandate is to lead and coordinate the implementation of KWCA’s Climate Change strategy and efforts to promote Climate Change initiatives internally and across its members.
Caroline holds a Master’s Degree in International Relations/Development; I Bachelor’s Degree in Development Studies; a diploma in Project Management several certified climate change courses including a certified expert in Financing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Jenniffer Bett
Before joining KWCA, Jennifer previously worked with Pastoralist Girls Initiative. Jenniffer works closely with the finance and programs team.
She is a Certified Public Accountant of Kenya(CPAK) and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Management .
Senthil Balasubramanian
Resource Mobilization Officer
Senthil Balasubramanian joins KWCA as its Resource Mobilization Officer. In this role, Senthil will lead the design and implementation of KWCA’s long-term resource mobilization strategy for sustainable funding for the organization’s goals. He is inspired by KWCA’s mission of community-led conservation.
Senthil brings 15+ years of experience in the climate sector, and he is passionate about advancing mission-driven ventures. Most recently, he was co-founder and CEO of Sistine Solar, an MIT startup that he grew from idea on paper to an award-winning technology and revenue generating business. Prior to that, as GM of Corporate Finance at Astonfield Renewables, he helped mobilize funding for renewable energy projects in developing markets. Early on in his career, Senthil was part of the strategy and business development team at NBC Universal, where he helped launch the subscription video service Hulu.
Senthil holds an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management and is an Honors graduate of GE’s Financial Management Program. Outside of work, he enjoys slow traveling and scuba diving.
Eric Gaitho
Project Accounts Fellow
Gaitho is out accounting system expert with a solid academic and professional background in Finance and Management Information Systems. He brings expertise in project accounting and financial management, with a strong focus on aligning financial systems to support sustainable implementation of organizational goals.
His skills span from project accounting, financial planning, and forecasting, with a strong focus on leveraging accounting systems to enhance financial management, reporting accuracy, and operational efficiency. Gaitho is supporting donor-funded projects, ensuring compliance, transparency, and alignment with organizational goals.
Gaitho holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (Management Information Systems), a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), and CPA Advanced Level certification.
Outside of work, he enjoys watching documentaries that explore nature, culture, sports and global economic systems.
Jenniffer Bett
Before joining KWCA, Jennifer previously worked with Pastoralist Girls Initiative. Jenniffer works closely with the finance and programs team.
She is a Certified Public Accountant of Kenya(CPAK) and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Management .
MEET THE COMMITTEE
Richard Vigne
Jackson Mwato
Sadia Mohammed
John Sengeny
David Lusoka Mshila
Mohammed Hersi
Lorna Rutto
MEET THE COUNCIL
William Lekadaa
Representing Northern Rangelands Trust
Peninah Taki
Representing National Conservancies Women Forum
Mary Kirabui
Representing KWS
Livingstone Kiute Mjomba
Representing Taita Taveta Wildlife Conservancies Association
Barisa Bahola Abdala
Representing NRT Coast
Abdi Sora
Representing Laikipia Forum
Sadalla Stephenson Korinko
Representing Amboseli Ecosystem Trust (AET)
Peter Kandagor
Representing Baringo Community Conservancies (BCCA)
John Soit
Representing Maasai Mara Conservancies (MMWCA)
Charles Ambunya
Representing Western Wildlife Conservancies Association
John Ndegwa
Representing Rift Lakes Conservancies Association (RLCA)
Dr. David Kasanga
Representing Athi Kapiti Wildlife Conservancies Association
Ibrahim Jilo
Representing Pwani Ecosystem
Sharmake Mohammed
Representing North Eastern
Patita Nkamunu
Representing Women
Ivy Kibor
Representative National Conservancies Women Forum
MEET THE FOUNDERS
Munira Bashir
KWCA Founding Member
Munira is the Kenya Programme Director at The Nature Conservancy (TNC).
She has more than 20 years’ of experience in wildlife conservation, community development and tourism.
Previously, Munira worked as the director in charge of community wildlife department at Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) where she managed and implemented corporate social responsibility projects (social, health and water) for communities who live in wildlife areas, approval and payment of human wildlife conflict cases (death and injury), and was a member of the government gazetted task force charged with the review of the Wildlife Act of 1989 that eventually led to the enactment of the current Wildlife Act of 2013, which recognises community conservancies.
In 2008, Munira was awarded the Head of State Commendation for championing communities’ benefits from wildlife conservation.
Since then, Munira continues to work with communities to improve their livelihoods through nature-based businesses and preserve the country’s wildlife.
Munira has a Master in Tourism Administration and Management from the University of Cracow in Poland.
Allan Earnshaw
KWCA Founding Member
Allan is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Kenya Wildlife Trust (KWT) and a Partner/Director at Ker & Downey Safaris.
A fourth generation Kenyan whose family came to Kenya in 1896, Allan is a member of several other environment and conservation boards as well, including the Kenya Land Conservation Trust, Kenya Private Sector Alliance and the Kenya Tourism Federation. He is also a former board member of the Kenya Wildlife Service.
He holds a Master in Human Sciences degree from Oxford University.
Dr Julius Kipng’etich
KWCA Founding Member
Dr Kipng’etich has been the CEO of Uchumi Supermarkets Limited since August 3, 2015.
He has previously served as the COO of Equity Group Holdings Limited and was the Director General of Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) from 2004 to 2012.
He holds a PhD from the University of Nairobi, a Master of Business Administration degree and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Nairobi.
Fiesta Warinwa
KWCA Founding Member
Fiesta has worked for African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) since 1999, rising through the ranks from an internt to a Landscape Conservation Officer to now the Director of Philanthropy Africa.
She spent several years directing AWF’s Samburu Heartland and later moved to direct AWF’s programme in the Kilimanjaro Heartland.
Fiesta now oversees all of AWF’s programme implementation activities for Kenya, including Kilimanjaro, Samburu, and Mau Forest.
She holds an Master of Science in Wildlife Conservation and Management from the University of Reading, UK.
Charles Oluchina
KWCA Founding Member
Charles is a natural resources management, conservation, climate change and rural development specialist with over 18 years’ of experience.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources Management and a Master of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship degree.
He is skilled in project management, policy analysis and design, strategic planning, business design and research methodologies.
His breadth of professional experience include careers with the Ornithology Society of Kenya as a field assistant, Rural Development Specialist with Pact Inc, Biodiversity and NRM specialist at USAID/Kenya and a Programme and Policy Strategy Advisor on Environment, Land Policy and Community within USAID-US Embassy/Nairobi office.
In 2012, he joined The Nature Conservancy (TNC) as the Country Programme Director and in June 2013, he was appointed TNC’s Africa Director of Field Programmes with purview over seven countries, namely Gabon, Namibia, Zambia, Kenya, Seychelles, Mozambique and Tanzania.
Charles is a highly-accomplished strategist, manager, researcher and facilitator with a number of successful and outstanding achievements.
He is currently a member of the Board of Management of NEMA, a passionate diplomat, public speaker, writer, traveler and development commentator.
Tom Lalampaa
KWCA Founding Member
KWCA’s Founding Chairperson, Tom brings on board more than ten years’ wealth of hands-on-experience in managing wildlife through host communities gained from working with community-based organisations in Kenya.
Currently pursuing his PhD, he holds a rich background in community development, conservancy management and fundraising, an MBA in Strategic Management, MA in Project Planning and a BA in Social Work and Management.
Tom has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to the development of northern Kenya’s communities, conflict resolution and sustainable conservation of wildlife.
His list of accolades include the 2013 TUSK Trust Conservation award, awarded to him by His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge.
Tom was also the first African to accept the prestigious Stanford University Bright Award, an international award that recognises environmental pioneers
Kathryn Combes
KWCA Founding Member
Kathryn is a conservationist, ecologist, artist and photographer.
CEO of Soysambu Conservancy and Co-founder of the Rift Lakes Conservancies Association, Kathryn has over a decade of wildlife management experience.
Educated in the U.S., Kathryn has worked in various conservancy spheres, including developing large conservancy areas by incorporating dual land use of wildlife and agriculture.
She serves in the Kenya Lakes System World Heritage Site technical committee and is also a member of the Nakuru County Conservation and Compensation Committee.
A KWS Honorary Warden, Kathryn previously worked as the Project Director at Rhino Rescue Trust Kenya.
John Kamanga
KWCA Founding Member
John is the coordinator of Southern Rangelands Association of Landowners (SORALO) and chairperson of the Olkiramatian Group Ranch.
John has coordinated conservation, tourism development and research within the SORALO region covering over 2 million acres within the Rift Valley floor, working towards connecting the Maasai Mara and the Amboseli ecosystem.
His toils has seen him gain international recognition, including being awarded the 2013 Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden’s Wildlife Conservation Award.
Anne Kahihia
KWCA Founding Member
Anne is the Assistant Director, Community Wildlife Service Department (Devolution and Community Service Division) at Kenya Wildlife Service.
She previously worked as an Assistant Director of the Southern Conservation Area and Central Rift Regions. She has also worked as a senior warden at Aberdares National Park and Lake Nakuru National Park and an area warden at Hell’s Gate National Park.
Anne holds a Bachelor in Zoology degree and a Master of Science in Zoology from Pune University, India.
She has also undertaken international courses in crisis management, negotiation skills for conflict management in protected areas and strategic leadership development.
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MEET THE TEAM
Dickson Kaelo
CEODickson Simiren Ole KaeloChief Executive Officer
Founding CEO of KWCA, Dickson has a passion for working with communities and landowners to conserve and benefit from wildlife conservation.
A Kenya Wildlife Service Honorary Warden and winner of the Sustainability Science Award from the Ecological Society of American, Dickson has over two decades of experience in conservancy.
One of his key career highlights has been his 14 years of engagement in the Maasai Mara ecosystem, which resulted in the formation of four conservancies (Olare Orok, Motorogi, Mara North and Naboisho Conservancies) and improved coordination among 16 conservancies within the greater Maasai Mara ecosystem.
Dickson, a member of Lemek-Olchorro Oiroua and Enonkishu Conservancies in the Mara, has co-authored various articles and book chapters on community natural resource management and has been a speaker in local and international conservation science conferences.
He holds a Master of Philosophy degree in Wildlife Management, a Bachelors of Science degree in Animal Production and is currently pursuing his PhD in Range Management.
CloseLinet Misiko
COOLinet Misiko
Chief Operations Officer
Linet Misiko is our Chief Operations Officer. She is driven, hardworking and passionate about numbers solving organizational challenges.
At KWCA, she oversees operations and in charge of management, human resources and administration. Linet has 16 years of experience from the manufacturing, research, advisory and not for profit sectors. Prior to Joining KWCA, Linet worked for Geopoll as the accounting and human resources manager.
Linet considers herself a visionary change agent who builds and leads teams to drive organizational success. She hold a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems from Kansas State University.
CloseJoshua Ayuo
Programmes ManagerJoshua Ayuo
Programmes Manager
Joshua is our Programmes Lead steering strategic leadership and oversight of KWCA
programmes ensuring they are in delivering high level impact results. He 9 years of experience in Monitoring and Evaluation, Project Management, Participatory Development, Data Analysis, and Reporting.He has built years of career as a Program Manager and M&E specialist across sectors including Health, Gender, Livelihood, Education,and latterly NRM.
He has extensive experience on programs and projects with a focus on impact management, project design, management, inclusion, specifically through rights-based approaches to programming, results-based management, and outcome mapping.
His expertise also spans impact assessments, gender analysis, evaluations, outcome mapping, and using qualitative and quantitative approaches.
Before Joining KWCA, he worked for Centre for Rights Education and Awareness (CREAW) in
charge of M&E, developing evidence-based and gender-integrated programs and plans.Joshua has a BA in Education (Geography) and currently undertaking MA in M&E for Population
Development, among other short courses.CloseJoyce Mbataru
Communications ManagerJoyce NyaruaiCommunication & Development Officer
Joyce is our lead in development communication, gender and media relations. She is passionate about utilising both traditional and digital media to highlight and advocate for conservancy matters to the world.
At KWCA, she handles the implementation of our communication strategy to enhance the organisation’s brand presence, advance its goals and achieve its mission.
Prior to joining KWCA, Joyce horned her skills in various positions, including as a Programmes Officer at the Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK).
Joyce has also worked at Youth, Arts, Development and Entrepreneurship Network (YADEN) where she was responsible for developing content for their social media platforms and their website, media mobilisation and production of communication materials.
She aspires to establish a network of communication professionals in conservation that will offer a platform for sharing Kenya’s conservancy news to the world.
Joyce holds a Masters of Arts in Development Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Communication Degree from Catholic University of Eastern Africa and Tangaza University College respectively.
CloseRaymond Cheruiyot
Finance and Grants ManagerRaymond CheruiyotAccountant
Raymond, our numbers prodigy, maintains all the checks and balances in terms of our finances. Apart from working in the finance docket, he also offers his support in the Administration and Human Resources departments.
His love for working with figures has seen him hold accounting positions in various organisations and bag an accolade or two while at it.
Prior to working at KWCA, Raymond worked at the Litein Town Council, Regent Group East Africa, Basecamp Foundation Kenya and The Kenya Land Conservation Trust.
His stellar work in finance has seen him recognised in various capacities, including being awarded the Best Performance in Financial Accounting in the Kenya and the East African region by KASNEB (Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examinations Board).
Raymond holds a Bachelor of Business Management in Finance and Banking.
CloseGladys Warigia
Policy and Advocacy ManagerGladys Warigia NjorogePolicy Coordinator
Gladys Warigia Njoroge is our strategy maverick thanks to her vast experience on policy issues on Natural Resources and Project Management.
She has been at the heart of wildlife conservation in the country in several capacities, including participating in the Technical Working Group involved in the establishment of KWCA in 2012/13 where she represented World Wide Fund Kenya.
Gladys was also in the Technical Working Group tasked with reviewing the Wildlife Conservation and Management bill 2012 where she served as a member of the secretariat.
She holds a Bachelor of Laws degree and she is currently pursuing a Master of Laws in Environmental Law and a diploma in Project Management.
CloseReagan Onyango
Senior Monitoring & Evaluation OfficerReagan OnyangoMonitoring & Evaluation Officer
Reagan is our lead data guru. He manages the organizational M&E systems, ensuring that our programmatic data is continuously and consistently collected, analyzed in a systematic manner that permits decision making and demonstrates impact of our work. He is passionate about generating numbers, figures into data that makes the case for conservation in Kenya.
Reagan is vastly experienced in research, monitoring and evaluation. Prior to joining KWCA, he worked for Lewa Wildlife Conservancy as the M&E coordinator based in Isiolo. He has also worked for Development Kenya Action as Programs Officer in charge of Monitoring and evaluation in Nairobi.
His aspiration is to contribute towards the development of a resilient ecosystem with stable wildlife population in which wildlife and human can co-exist through research and data driven decision making.
Reagan holds a Masters of Arts Degree in Project Planning and Management and a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Agricultural Economics & Resource Management.
ClosePeris Maumo
Finance Officer- PayablesPeris MaumoAssistant Accounts Officer
Peris is adept, meticulous and boast a high degree of precision. She ensures the accounts department is efficient and effective in observing compliance and financial standards. She also support the administration and human resources department.
Peris is a people’s person and a figures enthusiast and when she is not analyzing figures, she enjoys the outdoors especially going on game drives and supporting community conservation activities.
She previously worked with Aga khan sports center, and Pan African Christian University in the
finance departments.Peris is a Certified Public Accountant of Kenya
CloseVincent Oluoch
Senior Programmes Officer- Private Sector EngagementVincent Odaka OluochProjects Officer
Currently supporting implementation of KWCA’s Private Sector Engagement Strategy and the Conservancies Crisis Fund project, Vincent considers himself as a laid back individual with positive attitude who easily integrates well with others or different situations. He aspires to grow with KWCA in its quest for self-reliance and to also contribute in the organization’s mission of ensuring wildlife conservancies in Kenya thrive.
Vincent previously worked for the Kenya Community Based Tourism Network and Uganda
Community Tourism Association where his work focused on mainstreaming local communities into the tourism value chains through the development and promotion of tourism-based enterprises. He also worked briefly with KWCA in 2014 for his MSC internship project.Among his career highlights, Vincent points out his involvement in a technical team, drawn from
non-state tourism agencies, which successfully secured a grant from Business Advocacy Fund in 2018 and successfully advocated for a review of the licensing regimes governing Homestays operations in Kenya.Vincent holds a Masters of Science Degree in Tourism and Environment and a Bachelor of
Science Degree in Tourism Management.CloseJoseph Njogu
Administrative Officer LogisticsJoseph Njogu
Admin Assistant-Logistics
Njogu is our to go person in matters logistics, office administration and photography and
videography. A motorbike enthusiast, Njogu is quite adventurous and regularly participates in
off-road motorbike travels.Njogu has vast knowledge on the location and terrain of KWCA member conservancies having
travelled and interacted with diverse communities across the country over the course of his
duties.He expresses his unwavering commitment in playing an integral role in the realization of the
organization’s vision of ensuring creation of vast and connected landscapes where people and
wildlife co-exist across Kenya.He was previously engaged in private organization of safaris tours across Kenya and holds a
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business and Information Technology.CloseJacob Tukai
Programmes Officer – LandscapesJacob Tukai serves as our Programmes Officer for Landscapes. He is responsible for developing and maintaining partnerships between KWCA and regional conservancies associations, conservancy support organizations, individual conservancies and organizations furthering the mission of community-led conservation.He possesses over 7 years of work experience in wildlife ecosystem conservation, project management and coordination.
Jacob’s interests encompass natural resource benefits, community-based conservation, ecosystem feasibilities and data analysis. His expertise span to resource mapping and cartography. Prior to joining KWCA, Jacob served as the senior vultures’ conservation officer at Birdlife International, where he supported vulture conservation efforts in Eastern Africa. Jacob holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies.
CloseJoyce Peshu
Programmes officer- GenderJoyce PeshuProgrammes Officer- Gender
Joyce is our gender officer and our go to person on matters social inclusion. She is the project lead for KWCA’s USAID Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Environment (RISE) project that addresses Gender Based Violence (GBV) by advancing equitable social, gender and power norms in Kenya’s conservancies for more equitable access to and control of natural resources.
Joyce is a certified Project Manager for development professionals by APMG International and has worked in the development sector for over 5 years with a focus on project design and implementation. She is passionate about women empowerment and women leadership using the approach of social inclusion and gender in her project design and trainings.
She previously worked with VSO as a project officer involved in project management and delivery, volunteer management, community mobilization and engagement, social inclusion and gender,
advocacy and social accountability.Joyce holds a Bachelor of Arts in Microbiology and is currently pursuing a Masters in Project Planning
and Management.CloseFaith Ngina Ndegwa
Policy and Advocacy OfficerFaith Ngina Ndegwa
Policy Advocacy Officer
Faith was born and raised within a conservancy, and shares a deep appreciation for the inherent need to enhance sustainable socio-economic growth and resilience of the natural ecosystems, livelihoods, and well-being of the local communities. She is committed to continuous learning and sharing, staying informed about emerging issues and seeking innovative solutions to complex environmental policy and legal challenges. Faith believes that
Faith is a lawyer and an advocate of the High Court of Kenya, currently pursuing a master’s degree in Environmental Governance. She has horned skills in environmental advocacy, community engagement, and analytical research.
CloseAtandi Anyona
Communications OfficerAtandi Anyona
Communications Officer
Atandi is our communications associate working towards supporting the capacity on both internal and external organizational communication. Atandi joined KWCA through the LGT Venture Philanthropy Impact Fellowship on a communication associate secondment to support the communication docket. Through the LGT Impact Fellowship, Atandi is aiding in production of a wide range of print publications and digital media. In addition, he is supporting the review and implementation of the KWCA’s communication strategy.
Before joining KWCA, Atandi worked as an Impact Manager and Communications Lead at Mr. Green Africa, documenting the company’s social impact footprint, and as a Social Media Executive for a marketing agency where he developed & implemented digital campaign content and strategies for key client accounts.
Atandi holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Science from Dickinson College.CloseNancy Neema
GIS OfficerNancy Neema is an experienced GIS and Remote Sensing Analyst who is passionate about using technology to drive informed decision-making and solve real-world problems. She has developed skills in data management, analytics, and visualization.In her previous role at the Green Belt movement, she was involved in implementing the Afri-100 project, which guided Kenya to commit 5.1 million hectares for potential restoration. Nancy was the lead GIS resource in spatial analysis and cartography and co-authored the Technical Report on the National Assessment of Forest and Landscape Restoration Opportunities in Kenya 2016.
She has also been actively involved in raising awareness about the benefits of GIS in the conservation space and has organized and led numerous training exercises involving stakeholders in the conservation field.
Neema holds a bachelor’s Degree in Geography and various GIS certifications.
CloseHorris Wanyama
Conservation PlannerHorris WanyamaConservation Planner
Meet Horris Wanyama-our Conservation Planner; A talented & ambitious Conservation scientist with immense work experience of over 13 years cutting across both the government, International & Local NGO’s and Conservancies. He started his conservation Career at Kenya Wildlife Service as a Rhino/ Elephant Researcher in 2011, where he was one of the researchers spearheading the renowned Rhino Impact Investment (RII) Project to full realization in collaboration with ZSL & Conservation Alpha.
Before joining KWCA, Horris served as Research Team Lead at Natural State where he led a team of field researcher in collecting carbon impact monitoring data; He also worked as a Conservation Monitoring Coordinator at Space For Giants where he led the conservation monitoring and technology wing building capacity on quality data collection and management. Horris hold a Master Degree in Wildlife Management from the University of Eldoret and a Bachelors Degree in Wildlife Management from Moi University.
He has also participated in numerous international conservation Fellowship in London, Madagascar & Namibia. He is an accredited member of the IUCN –AfRSG and an affiant’s fellow of both ZSL EDGE Fellowship and Tropical Biology of Africa.
As the KWCA Conservation Planner, Horris main role being to lead, facilitate and implement the Kenya Project For Permanence (PFP)through proper conservation Planning. He will be co-coordinating PFP together with both the government, county government and TNC.
CloseCarol Gathu
Programme Officer- Climate ChangeCarol GathuProgramme Officer- Climate Change
Caroline is a Climate Change specialist who has dedicated over 10 years to practically engage in the development and deployment of interventions that seek to build the adaptive capacity and resilience of climate-vulnerable communities. She has also contributed to the development of climate-related plans, policies, and regulatory frameworks while supporting the capacity strengthening of government and grassroots institutions to translate policies into innovative, high-quality, and sustainable solutions to tackle social, economic, and environmental challenges that undermine the well-being of the communities.
Over the years, Caroline has gained valuable strategic, operational, and program development and implementation work experience in local and international development including in very fragile contexts. She has overseen multiple projects aimed at reducing vulnerability to disasters and improving livelihoods among the most vulnerable communities.
Her main role as a climate change offer at KWCA is to provide thought leadership in the development of the climate change unit whose mandate is to lead and coordinate the implementation of KWCA’s Climate Change strategy and efforts to promote Climate Change initiatives internally and across its members.
Caroline holds a Master’s Degree in International Relations/Development; I Bachelor’s Degree in Development Studies; a diploma in Project Management several certified climate change courses including a certified expert in Financing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
CloseJenniffer Bett
Grants OfficerJennifer is our accountant with over 10 years of a experience in Finance and Accounts.Before joining KWCA, Jennifer previously worked with Pastoralist Girls Initiative. Jenniffer works closely with the finance and programs team.
She is a Certified Public Accountant of Kenya(CPAK) and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Management .
CloseSenthil Balasubramanian
Resource Mobilization OfficerSenthil BalasubramanianResource Mobilization Officer
Senthil Balasubramanian joins KWCA as its Resource Mobilization Officer. In this role, Senthil will lead the design and implementation of KWCA’s long-term resource mobilization strategy for sustainable funding for the organization’s goals. He is inspired by KWCA’s mission of community-led conservation.
Senthil brings 15+ years of experience in the climate sector, and he is passionate about advancing mission-driven ventures. Most recently, he was co-founder and CEO of Sistine Solar, an MIT startup that he grew from idea on paper to an award-winning technology and revenue generating business. Prior to that, as GM of Corporate Finance at Astonfield Renewables, he helped mobilize funding for renewable energy projects in developing markets. Early on in his career, Senthil was part of the strategy and business development team at NBC Universal, where he helped launch the subscription video service Hulu.
Senthil holds an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management and is an Honors graduate of GE’s Financial Management Program. Outside of work, he enjoys slow traveling and scuba diving.
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Project Accounts FellowEric GaithoProject Accounts Fellow
Gaitho is out accounting system expert with a solid academic and professional background in Finance and Management Information Systems. He brings expertise in project accounting and financial management, with a strong focus on aligning financial systems to support sustainable implementation of organizational goals.
His skills span from project accounting, financial planning, and forecasting, with a strong focus on leveraging accounting systems to enhance financial management, reporting accuracy, and operational efficiency. Gaitho is supporting donor-funded projects, ensuring compliance, transparency, and alignment with organizational goals.
Gaitho holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (Management Information Systems), a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), and CPA Advanced Level certification.
Outside of work, he enjoys watching documentaries that explore nature, culture, sports and global economic systems.
CloseJenniffer Bett
Grants OfficerJennifer is our accountant with over 10 years of a experience in Finance and Accounts.Before joining KWCA, Jennifer previously worked with Pastoralist Girls Initiative. Jenniffer works closely with the finance and programs team.
She is a Certified Public Accountant of Kenya(CPAK) and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Management .
Close - Executive Commitee
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MEET THE COMMITTEE
Richard Vigne
ChairpersonJackson Mwato
Chairperson National Conservancies CouncilSadia Mohammed
Vice Chairperson National Conservancies CouncilJohn Sengeny
SecretaryDavid Lusoka Mshila
TreasurerMohammed Hersi
Independent Executive MemberLorna Rutto
Independent Executive Member - National Conservancies Council
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MEET THE COUNCIL
William Lekadaa
Representing the Northern Rangelands TrustWilliam Lekadaa
Representing Northern Rangelands Trust
ClosePeninah Taki
Representing National Conservancies Women ForumPeninah Taki
Representing National Conservancies Women Forum
CloseMary Kirabui
KWS RepresentativeMary KirabuiRepresenting KWS
CloseLivingstone Kiute Mjomba
Representing Taita Taveta Wildlife Conservancies AssociationLivingstone Kiute MjombaRepresenting Taita Taveta Wildlife Conservancies Association
CloseBarisa Bahola Abdala
Representing NRT CoastBarisa Bahola AbdalaRepresenting NRT Coast
CloseAbdi Sora
Representing Laikipia ForumAbdi Sora
Representing Laikipia Forum
CloseSadalla Stephenson Korinko
Representing Amboseli Ecosystem TrustSadalla Stephenson KorinkoRepresenting Amboseli Ecosystem Trust (AET)
ClosePeter Kandagor
Representing Baringo Community Conservancies Association (BCCA)Peter KandagorRepresenting Baringo Community Conservancies (BCCA)
CloseJohn Soit
Representing Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancies AssociationJohn Soit
Representing Maasai Mara Conservancies (MMWCA)
CloseCharles Ambunya
Representing Western Wildlife Conservancies Association
Charles Ambunya
Representing Western Wildlife Conservancies Association
CloseJohn Ndegwa
Representing Rift Lakes Conservancies Association (RLCA)John Ndegwa
Representing Rift Lakes Conservancies Association (RLCA)
CloseDr. David Kasanga
Representing Athi Kapiti Wildlife Conservancies AssociationDr. David KasangaRepresenting Athi Kapiti Wildlife Conservancies Association
CloseIbrahim Jilo
Representing Pwani Ecosystem
Ibrahim Jilo
Representing Pwani Ecosystem
CloseSharmake Mohammed
Representing North Eastern
Sharmake Mohammed
Representing North Eastern
ClosePatita Nkamunu
Representative National Conservancies Women ForumPatita NkamunuRepresenting Women
CloseIvy Kibor
Representative National Conservancies Women ForumIvy KiborRepresentative National Conservancies Women Forum
Close - Founding Members
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MEET THE FOUNDERS
Munira Bashir
Kenya Programme Director, The Nature Conservancy (TNC)Munira BashirKWCA Founding Member
Munira is the Kenya Programme Director at The Nature Conservancy (TNC).
She has more than 20 years’ of experience in wildlife conservation, community development and tourism.
Previously, Munira worked as the director in charge of community wildlife department at Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) where she managed and implemented corporate social responsibility projects (social, health and water) for communities who live in wildlife areas, approval and payment of human wildlife conflict cases (death and injury), and was a member of the government gazetted task force charged with the review of the Wildlife Act of 1989 that eventually led to the enactment of the current Wildlife Act of 2013, which recognises community conservancies.
In 2008, Munira was awarded the Head of State Commendation for championing communities’ benefits from wildlife conservation.
Since then, Munira continues to work with communities to improve their livelihoods through nature-based businesses and preserve the country’s wildlife.
Munira has a Master in Tourism Administration and Management from the University of Cracow in Poland.
CloseAllan Earnshaw
Trustee, Kenya Wildlife Trust (KWT)Allan EarnshawKWCA Founding Member
Allan is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Kenya Wildlife Trust (KWT) and a Partner/Director at Ker & Downey Safaris.
A fourth generation Kenyan whose family came to Kenya in 1896, Allan is a member of several other environment and conservation boards as well, including the Kenya Land Conservation Trust, Kenya Private Sector Alliance and the Kenya Tourism Federation. He is also a former board member of the Kenya Wildlife Service.
He holds a Master in Human Sciences degree from Oxford University.
CloseDr Julius Kipng’etich
Former Director General, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)Dr Julius Kipng’etich, CBSKWCA Founding Member
Dr Kipng’etich has been the CEO of Uchumi Supermarkets Limited since August 3, 2015.
He has previously served as the COO of Equity Group Holdings Limited and was the Director General of Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) from 2004 to 2012.
He holds a PhD from the University of Nairobi, a Master of Business Administration degree and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Nairobi.
CloseFiesta Warinwa
Former Director Philanthropy, Africa Wildlife Foundation (AWF)Fiesta WarinwaKWCA Founding Member
Fiesta has worked for African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) since 1999, rising through the ranks from an internt to a Landscape Conservation Officer to now the Director of Philanthropy Africa.
She spent several years directing AWF’s Samburu Heartland and later moved to direct AWF’s programme in the Kilimanjaro Heartland.
Fiesta now oversees all of AWF’s programme implementation activities for Kenya, including Kilimanjaro, Samburu, and Mau Forest.
She holds an Master of Science in Wildlife Conservation and Management from the University of Reading, UK.
CloseCharles Oluchina
Regional Programme Coordinator, The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)Charles OluchinaKWCA Founding Member
Charles is a natural resources management, conservation, climate change and rural development specialist with over 18 years’ of experience.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources Management and a Master of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship degree.
He is skilled in project management, policy analysis and design, strategic planning, business design and research methodologies.
His breadth of professional experience include careers with the Ornithology Society of Kenya as a field assistant, Rural Development Specialist with Pact Inc, Biodiversity and NRM specialist at USAID/Kenya and a Programme and Policy Strategy Advisor on Environment, Land Policy and Community within USAID-US Embassy/Nairobi office.
In 2012, he joined The Nature Conservancy (TNC) as the Country Programme Director and in June 2013, he was appointed TNC’s Africa Director of Field Programmes with purview over seven countries, namely Gabon, Namibia, Zambia, Kenya, Seychelles, Mozambique and Tanzania.
Charles is a highly-accomplished strategist, manager, researcher and facilitator with a number of successful and outstanding achievements.
He is currently a member of the Board of Management of NEMA, a passionate diplomat, public speaker, writer, traveler and development commentator.
CloseTom Lalampaa
CEO, Northern Rangelands TrustTom Lalampa
KWCA Founding Member
KWCA’s Founding Chairperson, Tom brings on board more than ten years’ wealth of hands-on-experience in managing wildlife through host communities gained from working with community-based organisations in Kenya.
Currently pursuing his PhD, he holds a rich background in community development, conservancy management and fundraising, an MBA in Strategic Management, MA in Project Planning and a BA in Social Work and Management.
Tom has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to the development of northern Kenya’s communities, conflict resolution and sustainable conservation of wildlife.
His list of accolades include the 2013 TUSK Trust Conservation award, awarded to him by His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge.
Tom was also the first African to accept the prestigious Stanford University Bright Award, an international award that recognises environmental pioneers
CloseKathryn Combes
Kathryn CombesKWCA Founding Member
Kathryn is a conservationist, ecologist, artist and photographer.
CEO of Soysambu Conservancy and Co-founder of the Rift Lakes Conservancies Association, Kathryn has over a decade of wildlife management experience.
Educated in the U.S., Kathryn has worked in various conservancy spheres, including developing large conservancy areas by incorporating dual land use of wildlife and agriculture.
She serves in the Kenya Lakes System World Heritage Site technical committee and is also a member of the Nakuru County Conservation and Compensation Committee.
A KWS Honorary Warden, Kathryn previously worked as the Project Director at Rhino Rescue Trust Kenya.
CloseJohn Kamanga
CEO, South Rift Association of LandonwersJohn Kamanga
KWCA Founding Member
John is the coordinator of Southern Rangelands Association of Landowners (SORALO) and chairperson of the Olkiramatian Group Ranch.
John has coordinated conservation, tourism development and research within the SORALO region covering over 2 million acres within the Rift Valley floor, working towards connecting the Maasai Mara and the Amboseli ecosystem.
His toils has seen him gain international recognition, including being awarded the 2013 Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden’s Wildlife Conservation Award.
CloseAnne Kahihia
Former KWS Asst. DirectorAnne Kahihia
KWCA Founding Member
Anne is the Assistant Director, Community Wildlife Service Department (Devolution and Community Service Division) at Kenya Wildlife Service.
She previously worked as an Assistant Director of the Southern Conservation Area and Central Rift Regions. She has also worked as a senior warden at Aberdares National Park and Lake Nakuru National Park and an area warden at Hell’s Gate National Park.
Anne holds a Bachelor in Zoology degree and a Master of Science in Zoology from Pune University, India.
She has also undertaken international courses in crisis management, negotiation skills for conflict management in protected areas and strategic leadership development.
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