May 2015- Present: Chairman, Department of Natural Resources, Egerton University
Some of my responsibilities include;
- Academic and Administrative head of the Department
- Promote efficient management of the Department
- Articulate mission, vision and objectives of the Department
- Ensure that The objectives of the Department are achieved together with all commitments in the Departmental Performance contract
- Convener of Departmental Meetings
- Manage academic programmes
- Representative of the Department at the Faculty, senate and other organs
- Planning and Budget for the Department
- Supervise staff (Academic and non-academic)
- Prepare annual work plans and annual report
- Provide a conducive working environment for all staff in the Department
- Implement the ISO 9001:2008 Quality management systems within the Department
- Perform any other issues assigned/delegated by the Vice Chancellor
February 2013- Present: Lecturer. Department of Natural Resources, Egerton University
At the department level, I am in charge of postgraduate research students where my responsibilities include amongst others, guiding postgraduate students on proposal preparartion and thesis writing.
I a m a member of the University research and extension committee where I represent my faculty on all aspects related to research.
- Undertaking primary, top quality research;
- publishing top quality, primary scientific papers;
- providing specific overviews and reviews on focal topics;
- providing information feedback through technology transfer publications and oral presentations;
- networking and engaging with various industries, NGOs, institutes and universities;
- supervising/co-supervising research students to PhD level, and hosting post-doctoral researchers;
I also conduct individual research and previously have received an award from international organizations e.g. International Foundation for Sceince (IFS) to conduct research on mangrove forests.
March 2009- February 2013. Marine Research Officer: Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute.
I worked in the Marine Ecology and Environment Program (MEEP) which is responsible for monitoring and documenting the physical (including geological) and chemical characteristics of the various aquatic ecosystems to discern natural and/or human induced changes. The program also undertakes studies on the interrelationships between the biota and their aquatic environment in relation to fisheries, aquaculture and conservation of biodiversity. My responsibilities include: Monitoring of restored mangrove plantations,
- Using spatial tools to monitor changes in mangrove statial and temporal changes,
- Preparing proposals for donor funding
- Running projects (current project: Capacity Building in Mangrove restoration and Valuation in East Africa (CAMARV))
- Supervising students on internship
- Assisting the assistant director in compilation of periodic reports
- I am part of an earth-watch funded project that brings volunteers from the globe to engage in mangrove conservation initiative at Gazi Bay Kenya
Feb 2008 – May 2008. Task Force Member : National State of the Coast Report – 2008.
I was involved in preparation of National State of the Coast Report -2008, a policy document- which is spearheaded by National Environment Management Authority. My contribution involved scientific editing of various chapters, proof reading and editing the draft copy of the document before submission to the editors.
June 2004 - April 2008. Project leader/Doctoral Student, Napier University/ KMFRI, Gazi Bay, Kenya
I investigated the correlation between species diversity and ecosystem functions, using replanted mangrove trees as the experimental model. This was a collaborative project between Edinburgh Napier University (UK) and the Kenyan Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, with funding from the Leverhulme Trust (UK) and Earthwatch (UK). We planted forest plots with varying tree diversity to tests the effects of species richness on ecosystem functions, such as productivity, nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration and the prevention of soil erosion. The work involved Kenyan technicians, post-graduate students and Earthwatch volunteers from all over the world. I provided mangrove research expertise, planned and organised year-round field campaigns, and ran annual team of expeditions. Other engagements included a number of lectures on biodiversity and ecosystem functions, climate change and mangrove ecology
Every July/August 2004, to June 2009: Co- Principle Investigator: Earthwatch’s Mangrove forests of Kenya Expedition Project
This periodic expedition brings together a teams of volunteers from all over the world. My duties as a team leader/player in this project have included;
- Overseeing the volunteers health and safety;
- Guiding the volunteers as they collected data;
- Liaised with the village committee in exposing the volunteers to local village cultures
June 2006: Coordinator: Gazi village Clean up campaigns:
- Organized a local youth group (called Gazi youth group) to weekly clean-up camapaigns in the village.
- Also assist the local women group in managing a mangrove walkboard- an ecotourism initiative at Gazi village.
2003-2005: Research Assistant: Ecological Economics of mangrove forests- associated fisheries – Food security and sustainability’. I was involved in forestry aspects of this Sarec funded project.
