Our Team
Our Expert Team
Francis Mwaura
Team Leader
Francis holds a B.Sc in Geography, Botany, and Zoology, and a PhD in Biogeography from the University of Nairobi, Kenya. Additionally, he earned an MSc in Biogeography from both the University of Nairobi and McGill University, Canada. Currently serving as an Associate Professor specializing in applied biogeography, Francis boasts extensive experience at the intersection of society and natural heritage, with a focus on biodiversity and ecosystems, particularly in Eastern Africa.
He actively contributes to academia as a member of the Editorial Board for the East African Journal of Science, Technology, and Innovation (EAJSTI) under the East African Community (EAC) – East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO). Francis is affiliated with several professional organizations, including the Environment Institute of Kenya (EIK), Africa Nature People for Nature (P4N), Heritage Conservation and Human Rights (HCHR) Network at the University of Nairobi, and the Eastern Africa Population, Health, and Environment (PHE) Network.
In his previous roles, Francis served as an expert in the development of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) guidelines for strategic environmental assessment for nuclear power programs. Moreover, he held the position of Africa Biodiversity Lead Author for the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) GEO-5 State of the World Environment Report in 2012.
Francis has lent his expertise to numerous consultancy projects for both local and international clients, including the East African Community (EAC), World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen), Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), National Council for Population and Development (NCPD), Matt MacDonald Netherlands, Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC-Kenya), Howard Humphreys, and Somaliland Development Fund, among others.
James Mutimu Ndungu
Associate Team Leader
James holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Planning and Management as well as a Bachelor of Science in Botany and Zoology, both obtained from the University of Nairobi, Kenya. He has a diverse professional background, having previously contributed to various institutions such as the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Pact Kenya (NGO), and Habitat Planners, among others. James possesses extensive expertise in natural resources management, nature-based enterprise development, environmental assessments (including SEA, EIA, and EAs), environmental policy analysis, disaster risk reduction (DRR), valuation of ecosystem services, wildlife conservation planning, and workshops facilitation. Notably, he has also served with the IGAD/EU Horn of Africa office in Djibouti.
John Warui Kiringe
(Wildlife Management Expert)
John holds a Ph.D. in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Biology from the University of Leicester (Britain), an M.Sc. in Biology of Conservation, and a B.Sc. in Botany and Zoology from the University of Nairobi. He currently serves as a Professor at the International School for Field Studies (SFS)-Center for Wildlife Management Studies (CWMS) in Kenya. Prior to this, he held positions as a lecturer at the University of Nairobi and as an adjunct lecturer at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and Kenyatta University in Kenya.
John boasts extensive expertise in wildlife management, encompassing baseline wildlife surveys, human-wildlife conflict assessment and mitigation, Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs), Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs), and project Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E). He has undertaken assignments for various esteemed institutions, including the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), GIZ-Kenya, the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), among others.
Phillip Oguba Wandera
(Environmental and Resource Economist)
Phillip holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Economics from Moi University and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Rural Economy from Makerere University (Uganda). He has gained extensive experience working at KWS and the African Business Foundation. His expertise lies in protected area planning, nature-based enterprises (NBEs), and conducting environmental assessments including SEAs, EIAs, and audits. Additionally, Phillip has contributed as a lecturer at the Catholic University of East Africa in Nairobi. His broad skill set includes environmental valuation, project cost-based analysis (CBA), resettlement action plans (RAPs), project feasibility studies, baseline surveys, and project monitoring and evaluations (M&E).
Joel K. Ole Leshao
Social Engagement & CEPA Expert
Joel, a distinguished academic professional, holds an MBA from Kenya Methodist University (Kenya), an M.Ed in Economics and Planning in Education from Maseno University (Kenya), and a B.Ed from Moi University (Kenya). Additionally, he possesses a certificate in environmental impact assessment and audit from Africa Nazarene University (Nairobi). Currently, Joel serves as a part-time lecturer at Masai Mara University (Kenya) and concurrently works as a part-time social engagements consultant for Big Life Foundation.
With a rich professional background, Joel has previously held positions such as senior assistant registrar at Kenyatta University (Kenya) and advisor to the Governor of Kajiado County. He brings a wealth of experience as an educational strategist and an expert in social engagements, communication education, and public awareness (CEAP).
Thandiwe Chikomo
(Regional Climate Action & Conservation Advisor)
Thandiwe holds a PhD in Environmental Management and Planning from the University of Nairobi, Kenya, and a B.Sc in Environmental Studies from the University of Zimbabwe. She currently serves as the Director of Amplifying Voices for Just Climate Action Alliance, following her tenure at Birdlife International (Dakar).
Mary Waithiegeni Githinji
(Smart Agriculture and Climate Change Expert)
Mary is a seasoned agricultural professional boasting over 30 years of hands-on expertise in sustainable production and consumption, food safety systems, market standards, phytosanitary standards, and official controls. She earned a B.Sc in horticulture from Egerton University (Kenya) and a master’s degree in environmental planning and management from the University of Nairobi (Kenya).
Previously, Mary served as the chief inspector at the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) and contributed significantly as a member of national technical working groups in the implementation of OECD standards for fruits and vegetables. Her extensive experience includes a profound understanding of sustainable production and consumption within the agricultural sector, and she played a pivotal role in the review of KS 1758.
Mary possesses a deep comprehension of donor relations and has been actively involved in donor projects, including those supported by USAID, FAO, EU-EDES, and EU-PIP, among others.
Antony Ndubi Oduya
(Geospatial and GIS Advisor)
Antony holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Planning and Management, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from the University of Nairobi. He has received professional training in geospatial technologies from the University of Twente (ITC) and the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) in Nairobi, as well as in ArcGIS from the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI). Antony is currently employed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Somalia, where he contributes to the Somalia Water and Land Information Management (SWALIM) Project based in Nairobi, Kenya.
Tiffany Mwake
Administration & Logistics
Tiffany holds a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Nairobi in Kenya. With over a decade of experience, she excels in providing efficient administrative support services, encompassing front office coordination and supervision, logistics for fieldwork, management of office records, and organization of meetings, seminars, and workshops, including the meticulous preparation of event proceedings.
Fatuma Dida
(Ecosystem Restoration Coordination Volunteer)
Fatuma holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geography and Environmental Studies from the University of Nairobi, Kenya. She is a dedicated Kenyan environmentalist with strong problem-solving abilities and demonstrated expertise in conservation education and field research. Fatuma harbors a particular passion for engaging in ecosystem restoration activities and providing hands-on training.