ACT Awards Planning Committee
Bio
Beatrice Ndunge Mbula is the Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests in charge of Natural Forest Conservation at the Kenya Forest Service. With a career rooted in environmental stewardship, she brings over two decades of expertise in forest conservation, protection, and sustainable management. Beatrice holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry and a Master of Philosophy in Environmental Studies (Environmental Planning and Management) from Moi University.
A passionate advocate for a clean and healthy environment, Beatrice believes that sustainable social and economic development in Kenya is intrinsically tied to environmental integrity—particularly the protection and restoration of forests. She is driven by the conviction that every Kenyan has a right to a healthy environment and that forests and trees are central to achieving this vision.
As Chairperson of the ACT Awards Planning Committee, Beatrice brings visionary leadership, a deep commitment to environmental excellence, and a collaborative spirit to spotlight Kenya’s champions of climate action. She calls on all Kenyans to grow more trees—not just for the planet, but for improved livelihoods and a better future.
Ann Kaari
Bio
Anne Kaari is the Acting Manager of Corporate Communication at the Kenya Forest Service, where she leads public engagement, stakeholder relations, and strategic communication initiatives. A seasoned communication professional with over 22 years of experience, Anne has built her career in government relations, corporate communications, marketing, and advocacy across Kenya and the broader African region.
Her diverse background includes roles at Professional Marketing Services, development communication work in South Sudan and other African countries, and consultancy engagements with the European Union and the United Nations. Anne holds a B.A. in Communication from Daystar University, and two Master’s degrees—one in Communication Studies and another in International Studies—from the University of Nairobi. She is also a graduate of the National Defence College (Kenya).
Anne has managed previous forest award schemes and served as a judge at the Zanzibar International Film Festival. She is currently Deputy Chairperson of the Daystar University Alumni Association Board and a member of the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK). In 2023, she received the PRSK Warrior Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the profession.
Bio
Wambui Karobia is the CEO and Project Lead at the ACT Awards Secretariat. With over 15 years of experience in marketing, communications, and business development, Wambui has mastered the art of blending strategy with heart. She is known for crafting compelling narratives that inspire, building brands that make a difference, and leading teams with clarity and vision. She thrives at the intersection of creativity and impact, always driven to turn bold ideas into tangible, measurable results.
If Wambui could wield one environmental superpower, it would be the ability to make the world 1% greener every single day. She believes in the quiet strength of small, consistent actions—recognizing that real change grows slowly, like a forest. Whether it’s planting a tree, shifting a mindset, or telling a transformative story, she is committed to shaping a greener, more hopeful future through everyday choices.
Through the ACT Awards and every project she leads, Wambui carries this mission forward: to build, to connect, and to champion the idea that the future remains green—if we choose to protect it.
Bio
Charles Ngunjiri is the Acting Principal Corporate Communications Officer at the Kenya Forest Service, where he leads the development and execution of communication strategies that support forest conservation and public engagement. With 22 years of experience in Kenya’s public sector, Charles is a seasoned corporate communication expert known for his strategic insight and cross-sector impact.
Since joining the Kenya Forest Service in 2008, he has played a key role in enhancing forest management through effective messaging, media relations, and stakeholder outreach. His expertise spans public relations, crisis communication, internal communication, event planning, digital media, and marketing communications.
Charles holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Public Relations and Print Media) from Daystar University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Journalism and Communication from Makerere University. He is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Corporate Communications at Daystar University and is a member of the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK).
Bio
Ambrose Genga is a Conservator of Forests in charge of Partnerships at the Kenya Forest Service. With over a decade of practical forestry experience, Ambrose is a passionate advocate for community-centered environmental conservation.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from Moi University and a certification in Resource Mobilization. Ambrose believes deeply in the principles of social forestry and environmental governance that prioritize community involvement in sustainable resource management.
His commitment to partnerships and inclusive environmental solutions is guided by the words of Lady Bird Johnson:
“The environment is where we all meet; where we all have a mutual interest; it is the one thing all of us share.”
Bio
Bio
Wilson Leboo is the Deputy Commandant at the Kenya Forest Service, where he leads high-level forest law enforcement operations and disaster response initiatives. A transformative leader with over 24 years of experience in government security and conservation, Leboo has been instrumental in strengthening forest protection systems across the country.
He has successfully led numerous specialized enforcement missions and developed comprehensive training programs focused on forest law enforcement and compliance. His work continues to enhance the capacity and effectiveness of forest security teams nationwide.
Leboo is a graduate of the National Defence College (Kenya) and holds two Master’s degrees—one in International Studies from the University of Nairobi and another in Natural Resource Management from Egerton University.
He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Sociology from the University of Nairobi.
Bio
Winfred Wanjiru Gichogoh serves as Chief Inspector at the Kenya Forest Service, where she plays a key role in forest law enforcement, administrative coordination, and protocol management. With over 23 years of service, she brings dedication, precision, and leadership to the agency’s security and ceremonial operations.
Winnie has been instrumental in organizing high-level events such as Passing Out Parades and served as Secretary to the Reforms Secretariat during the critical transition from the Forest Department to the Kenya Forest Service. Her extensive experience in protocol and administration has earned her a strong reputation for excellence and reliability.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Office Management and Administration from Mt. Kenya University, a Diploma in Human Resource Management from the Kenya Institute of Management, and a Diploma in Secretarial Studies from the School of Professional Studies, along with several professional certifications.
Bio
Oscar Simanto is the Head of Forest Advisory and County Liaison at the Kenya Forest Service, where he leads initiatives that strengthen county-level forest management and community engagement.
With over 30 years of experience, Oscar is a respected expert in sustainable agriculture, agroforestry, farmer organization development, and value chain systems.
He has developed and implemented innovative extension and advisory models that empower smallholder farmers, pastoralists, and fisherfolk to adopt tree growing and climate-smart practices. His work also includes the design of award schemes, project planning, and resource mobilization to promote environmental sustainability at the grassroots.
Oscar’s deep technical knowledge, combined with his people-centered approach, continues to inspire lasting impact in counties across Kenya.
Bio
Francis Kariuki is the Regional Conservancy Areas Coordinator at the Kenya Forest Service, where he oversees the management and conservation of forests across multiple regions. With over 30 years of hands-on experience, Francis is a seasoned forestry professional known for his deep commitment to sustainable forest management and community-led conservation.
His areas of expertise include forest protection, dryland and farm forestry development, participatory forest management, community development, forest planning, project management, and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA). He is also actively involved in capacity-building for natural resource management teams across Kenya.
Francis holds a degree in Forestry and a Master’s in Community Development. His technical knowledge, leadership, and collaborative approach continue to shape effective forest conservation efforts nationwide.
Dr. Thomas K. Kiptoo
Member
Bio
Dr. Thomas Kiptoo is the Acting Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests at the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), under the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry. He oversees Forest Advisory, County Liaison, and Investment functions across the country.
He holds a PhD in Forestry from the University of Eldoret, an MSc in Tropical Forest Management from Technische Universität Dresden in Germany, and a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry from Moi University.
Dr. Kiptoo has served in various strategic roles, including as Field Coordinator for the FAO Sustainable Development Project in the Mau Forest Complex — a role that earned him the prestigious Eduardo Sauma International Award. He is a recipient of multiple performance awards at KFS and has contributed to the global forestry community through research, publishing eight peer-reviewed articles and participating in numerous scientific forums.
