Chapter Profile

BIODIVERSITY IN KENYA

Kenya is the epitome of biodiversity in east Africa. Kenya boasts of about 35,000 species of flora and fauna majority of which is dominated by insects. This great biodiversity is contributed by marine ecosystems, mountains, arid lands, dry lands, and aquatic ecosystems both inland and marine. Most biodiversity is in forests and in game parks and reserves. Kenyan ecosystems are highly protected however there are many ecosystems that are facing the threat of over exploitation and degradation causing biodiversity quality declination.

Kenyan forests are rich in plant and animal biodiversity and perform important watershed functions. Kenyan forests are quite rich in biodiversity. The Kakamega and Nandi forests are known to be the richest in biodiversity though they face the threat of biodiversity loss. The forest wildlife includes mountain bongo, elephant, clawless otter, cape buffalo, bushback, sykes monkey, black and white colobus monkey, leopard, white rhino, and formerly black rhino which has now become extinct. (Mount Kenya Trust, 2020)

The Kenyan coast is known for the world most valuable coastal and marine resources which include mangrove trees, coral reefs, beaches, seagrass beds, estuaries, and deltas among others. The mangrove forest cover in Kenya is estimated to be about 54,000ha. Seagrass is equally a key ecosystem resource covering an estimate of 3,400ha. Coral reefs cover an estimate 621.55km2 extending from the Tanzanian boarder to the Somali boarder in the north. Marine biodiversity faces the challenge of coral bleaching, mortality, and effects on benthic structure.
The indo-pacific bottlenose and humpback dolphins are the most common dolphins populating the Kenyan marine. The most common whale species is the humpback whale. Bird species are majorly five key bird habitats along the coast under the Kenyan network of Important Bird Areas (IBAs). IBAs at the coast include: Malindi -Watamu area, Chale Island, Sabaki estuary Mida creek, Kiunga Marine National Reserve and Kisite Island. The Kenyan coast hosts five of the seven world species of turtles which are the Leatherback, Hawksbill, Loggerhead, the Green, and olive Ridley. (Nairobi Convention, 2022)
Conservation in Kenya is much invested on due to the value we gain as a country form biodiversity. Kenya has and is still putting in place interventions meant to prevent further loss of biodiversity. These policies cut across community involvement, environmental policies and legislations, sustainable management among other approaches. (Lusweti, 2011)
Society for Conservation Biology Kenyan Chapter steps in to unite all conservationists and environmental enthusiasts to help lobby for policies for the environment, take part in conservation efforts as well as support the Kenyan government to achieve its environmental obligations.

THE EXECUTIVE TEAM

Dr. Abdullahi Ali

is a Kenyan field biologist and holds a PhD in Ecology from the University of Wyoming, USA. Ali is mainly interested in wildlife ecology and conservation with special focus on endangered species conservation, landscape change and it is impacts on wildlife. Specifically, Ali is keen on how species thrive in human-modified landscapes with the aim of developing best management strategies that integrate conservation with human livelihoods. In recent years, Ali has rapidly established himself as an expert on hirola ecology, while also working hard to raise its profile locally, nationally and globally. As a byproduct of his efforts, he was recently appointed to the IUCN/SSC Antelope Specialist Group, named a World Conservation Fellow (by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other groups), and work as a fellow for the Zoological Society of London’s EDGE (Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered) group. His hirola research focuses on range collapse, habitat selection and demography of hirola in Eastern Kenya. In addition, Ali is interested in restoring habitat for hirola and livestock that co-occur and potentially compete for forage. In all of his effort, Ali is striving to ensure his efforts translate into practical conservation solution for hirola

Angela Rita Onyango, Vice President

is a graduate from Kenyatta University with a BSC in Conservation Biology. She is currently a master’s student at the University of Nairobi studying MA in Environmental Planning and Management. She is a bird enthusiast and an environmental activist with major interest on children in conservation. Angela is focused on involving children within her rural community in conservation activities and avian conservation. She does this through giving conservation education lecturers to school children, involving children in conservation projects such as tree growing, and by involving the children in observing The World Migratory Bird Day event each year.

Nishad Patel, Community Liaison Officer

Nishad Patel, a dedicated environmentalist and wildlife defender, was born and raised in Kenya. He pursued his studies in Ecology at San Francisco State University in California, USA. With over 16 years of experience in the Air emission testing industry, Nishad currently holds the position of Project Manager at Montrose Environmental Group, an environmental services company based in the USA. Despite residing in a different country, Nishad's deep affection for his homeland, Kenya, and its abundant natural and cultural heritage has remained unwavering. To actively contribute to its preservation, he dedicates half of his year to engaging with various local non-profit organizations within Kenya. By immersing himself on the ground, Nishad collaborates with teams, comprehends the challenges, and seeks optimal solutions. He believes in the power of community engagement, youth involvement, and local stakeholder participation as crucial components in the pursuit of preserving Kenya's environment and wildlife. Nishad has an impressive track record of establishing fruitful collaborations, partnerships, and fundraising initiatives across a wide range of industries within Kenya, all in support of local NGOs. His commitment to conservation and unwavering passion for safeguarding the wildlife are unmatched.

Erick Ogallo,

is a holder of a B.Sc. degree in Environmental Studies from Kenyatta University (KE) specializing in Environmental Resource Conservation. An interdisciplinary professional, who has gained valuable knowledge and deep understanding in the field of Natural Resource Management. Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Environmental Management from the Open University (UK). Having held coordinative roles and leading management and research projects on natural resource management, green and circular growth for the last 5 years. Erick has significant strength in coordination and strategic thinking, with his areas of specialization and interests including: community engagement/development, Life cycle analysis (LCA), Monitoring and Evaluation, Sustainability reporting, green and circular economy (GCE), project management, eco-innovation, environmental monitoring and protection.

Dr. E. M. Mwangi

An ecologist/conservation biologist and industry expert with over 20 years of work experience in conservation sector policy and practice, the environment and natural resources management.

Senior Lecturer at the University of Nairobi; independent Consultant and, previously Advisor in several regional biodiversity conservation and environmental programs.

Susan Anyango Oginah

is a graduate with master’s degree in Conservation Biology from Maseno University. She has 3 years’ experience in conservation field research. She is passionate and interested in biodiversity conservation particularly of the critically endangered species.

Mr. Nicholas Kirui

Currently working with Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) based at its headquarters Nairobi in the Wildlife Directorate division.

He is in charge of human wildlife conflict resolution/co –existence office with the task of coordinating response to human wildlife interactions issues from the field among other issues. Interests include biodiversity conservation and coexistence between humans and wildlife and sharing benefits accruing from biodiversity conservation.

Beldine Akinyi Okoth

is a graduate from Kisii University with a BSc in Natural Resource Management and a certificate of Environmental Impact Assessment from the Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology (JKUAT). She possesses broad knowledge and skills in Environmental Management, Natural Resource conservation, and Research Ethics. She has a passion for exploring research and development in areas of climate change, environmental monitoring, conservation and protection in relation to community empowerment and sustainable development. Currently she is engaged with Geo Health Kenya Hub

How can you join the SCB Kenyan Chapter?

Send your resume and cover letter to the following email: member@conbiokenya.org giving a brief description of your current projects and prospects and your intended contribution to the SCB Kenyan Chapter.