Our Directors
Ali A. Kaka, HSC, OGW
Ali trained as a Wildlife Biologist at the University of Colorado, USA and Colorado State University, USA He subsequently joined the then Wildlife Division in the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife in 1977, later moving into the Research Unit after the merger of the two main arms of wildlife management in Kenya – National Parks and Wildlife Division.
During this period, Ali worked on numerous research projects and at field stations in Tsavo, Masai Mara and Maralal In 1989, with the formation of the new Kenya Wildlife Service, Ali spearheaded formation of the Rhino Capture Unit dedicated to translocation of core populations of black rhino from threatened areas to Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, Lewa Downs Conservancy, Nairobi and Lake Nakuru National Parks. Subsequently, from 1991 through to 2000, after intense paramilitary and protected area management training, Ali served in the Anti-Poaching/Intelligence Unit and also Parks and Reserves Department of KWS gaining experience working a whole range of Parks and Reserves, including marine protected areas where he set up the first marine parks division and specialized diver teams. While stationed at the KWS HQ, Ali headed the Southern Region which included Amboseli, Nairobi and Ol Donyo Sabuk National Parks in addition to all wildlife matters outside these Parks. At this time he coordinated all the Regional Directors. He subsequently headed the KWS Tourism Development Department. In the year 2000 Ali catapulted into the world of non-government organizations where he was first headhunted by the East African Wildlife Society (EAWLS) to serve as the Executive Director. While at the EAWLS, Ali was instrumental in coordinating advocacy and convening aspects for which the organisation was a leader on. One of the proudest moments of his term at the EAWLS was to create the first Community managed marine conservation area that has led to the establishment of about thirty similar models along the Kenyan coastline and continues to be the training ground of other upcoming community areas in Kenya and Tanzania. The International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) approached Ali in 2009 for the position of Regional Director for East and Southern Africa. In this position which covered twenty-five member countries including Island State and a portfolio of diverse conservation programmes. After retiring from IUCN, Ali was promptly elected twice by members of the region to serve on the IUCN Council as their representative. A position he continues to serve to date. During his long career in conservation, he has also participated or led the process of enacting and reviewing several wildlife policies and legislation in Kenya and SADC region that looks at a sustainable model with a strong basis for communities to have a stronger role and benefit from conserving wildlife. Ali has served on and continues to do so on a number of organisations as advisor and Board member as listed below: IUCN Council – Vice President (2018 – 21) and as Regional Councilor for Africa (2022 – 2025) Senior Wildlife Sector Advisor to the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, Republic of Kenya (2018 – 2022) Chair, CORDIO Advisory Committee Board member/Chair, Ol Pajeta Conservancy (2006 – 2012) Regional Vice Chair, World Commission on Protected Areas Zeitz Foundation – Board member Oceans Alive Trust – Board member AWF – Kenya Board Member Flipiflopi Project – Board member Tusk Trust/Prince William Conservation Awards – Panel Judge With numerous Kenyan and international awards and decorations won in the course of his long career in conservation, Ali provides a mentorship model to young upcoming conservationists in Africa.Prof. James Simiren Ole Nampushi
Crafting sustainable experiences and creating shared value between stakeholders. Exploring the depths of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management with a Ph.D., Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, Clemson University, USA, M.Sc. Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, Clemson University, USA, BTM (Tourism Management), Moi University
Exploring the intersections between parks, recreation, leisure, and tourism management and contemporary society. Helping to create sustainable experiences for all stakeholders. .Major Skills:-Researching and communicating findings of research on recreation, leisure, and tourism management. -Presenting findings to diverse audiences. -Participating in programming for parks and communities in urban environments. -Engaging stakeholders with diverse viewpoints in the design process from theory to practice; public policy development; resource identification; project evaluation. -Communicating complex ideas effectively through written, oral, or visual mediums .I am a Snr lecturer, DVC Finance and planning at Maasai Mara university and has an interest in parks, recreation, tourism and leisure. management. I am interested in the intersections of recreation, leisure, and tourism management in the 21st century. I have a passion for nature that i hope to be able to share with others through my work. Unlocking nature’s secrets! I’m passionate about helping people explore and experience the great outdoors through parks management dynamics. Let’s explore together! My work is focused on increasing and sustaining people’s use of parks and outdoor areas. by applying a cultural and social science approach.Undiscovered gems! I’m passionate about helping people explore and experience the great outdoors through parks management dynamics. I am one of the leads at Maasai Mara University on community engagement in natural resource management and conservation. I have won several awards and has published several articles in peer reviewed journals.
BARBARA CHESIRE
Barbara has been in the insurance industry for the last 14 years and is a champion for inclusive insurance as a tool for poverty alleviation. An actuarial scientist by training, Barbara is passionate to see insurance play a role in increasing financial resilience across the continent. She co-founded AB Consultants in 2014 with the aim to build the capacity of the African insurance industry to offer meaningful solutions and to make insurance accessible to those who need it most. She has led inclusive insurance projects in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Ghana, Zambia and Mozambique, with a focus on market research, human-centered design approach to product development, strategy formulation, regulation and actuarial advisory. Barbara has pioneered several initiatives within the insurance industry including design of the first Human-Wildlife Conflict Insurance scheme and development of an insurance game, ResilientME! that aims to educate people of all ages about insurance and financial management. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Actuarial Science from the University of Calgary in Canada minoring in Statistics and Economics. She has a Diploma in Actuarial Techniques and actuarial training from Swedish insurer, Folksam. She has attended various leadership courses including Women in Leadership and Women Directors Leadership Summit offered by Strathmore Business School. Barbara has volunteered with the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) and currently with the International Actuarial Association (IAA) microinsurance taskforce.
