ACT Awards Judges
Bio
Andrew Soi is an accomplished and seasoned forestry professional with over 37 years of experience in forest conservation, environmental planning, and sustainable natural resource management.
Throughout his distinguished career, he has played a central role in advancing Kenya’s forestry agenda in line with the Constitution of Kenya (2010), Vision 2030, the National Forestry Strategy, and the Forest Conservation and Management Act (2016).
A specialist in both forest and urban canopy development, Andrew has been instrumental in designing and implementing landmark projects such as Muchuki Park, Ngong Forest, and the Kenya Air Force Forest Park in Nairobi, as well as urban forestry initiatives in Siaya, Bondo, Ugunja, and Mombasa, including the Mama Ngina Waterfront. His expertise extends to marine ecosystem conservation, where he has led mangrove restoration efforts along Kenya’s coastline, planting over 1,700 hectares and building community capacity in blue carbon conservation to support the blue economy.
With a proven record in resource mobilization, Andrew has successfully engaged diverse stakeholders—including government, NGOs, the private sector, and cultural leaders—to support forestry initiatives through financial, material, and community partnerships. He is also recognized for his leadership in multi-agency environmental security operations and for advising counties on forestry and environmental policy.
Passionate about conservation, Andrew believes that sustainable forestry is not only key to climate change mitigation but also to building resilient communities and ensuring socio-economic development. His legacy is rooted in mentorship, technical excellence, and collaborative approaches that continue to shape Kenya’s forestry landscape.
Monica Masibo
Bio
Monica Masibo is a seasoned forestry and natural resource management professional with over 36 years of experience in sustainable forest management, forest protection, agroforestry, and forest extension services. She holds an MSc in Forestry (Tropical Forest Biology and Silviculture) from Kabianga University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry from the University of Eldoret.
Monica served with the Kenya Forest Service as a Senior Conservator of Forests and County Forest Conservator, where she led county-level forest conservation programmes and strengthened community-based forest management initiatives. She has undertaken specialized training in Forestry Law Enforcement and Governance (China), Environmental Impact Assessment, and the Senior Management Course, among others.
An active member of the Forestry Society of Kenya, Monica has contributed to research on farm forestry development among communities living adjacent to Chepalungu Forest in Bomet, with a focus on improving livelihoods through sustainable practices.
She is currently engaged in conservation and sustainable forest development, working in partnership with community groups such as the Menengai CFA. Her work centers on promoting professional excellence in natural resource management, enhancing environmental resilience, and supporting efforts to assess and mitigate environmental vulnerability and impacts.
Bio
Prof. Donald Oyugi Ogweno is a prominent professional forester with over 40 years experience, in research, training and consulting in the Kenyan environment, climate change, forestry and natural resource sectors. Prof Ogweno holds a Bsc (Hon) from the University of Nairobi; an MSc from the University of British Columbia in Canada; and a PhD from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, all in forestry.
Prof Ogweno has worked at Nairobi, Moi and Kabianga Universities, rising from a graduate assistant to Associate Professor of Forest Management and Economics. He worked for 9 years as a Senior Deputy Director and Principal of the Kenya Forestry College under the Kenya Forest Service. Later, he worked as Chief Officer for Water, Environment, Energy, Forestry and Climate Change, and also as County Secretary for the County Government of Homa Bay. Currently, he is a lead consultant with FORENCON Company Limited, offering consulting services in forestry, environment, natural resources and climate change.
Prof Ogweno’s extensive research and publishing experience covers forest management, policy and law, forestry education, programme evaluation, and wood production, and supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students. As principal of the Kenya Forestry College, Prof Ogweno led forestry curriculum development and capacity building in the service, and contributed to development of various institutional policies and regulations, and to national sector policies. As Chief Officer in the county government, Prof Ogweno led the development of policies, legislation and strategies for the water, environment, forestry, energy and climate change sectors in Homa Bay, and managing key administrative transitions within the county government.
Since the beginning of 2024, Prof Ogweno has been working with FORENCON Ltd as a lead consultant. In this role, he has consulted for various organisations and governments on national and regional climate change policies and nationally determined contributions; programme formulation and evaluation; forest certification; landscape and ecosystem restoration planning; and many other sectors.
Bio
Nafasi Mfahaya is a seasoned environmental conservation professional with over 35 years of experience in forest management, policy implementation, seedling production, and community engagement. Throughout her distinguished career, she has served in various leadership roles at the Kenya Forest Service and the Forest Department, including Ecosystem County Forest Conservator, Regional Forest Conservator – Coast, Outreach Officer, Head of Planning & Monitoring, and Officer in Charge of Seeds and Seedling Information.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry from Moi University and a Master of Science in Environmental Science from Kenyatta University. Her academic training is complemented by extensive professional development in project planning, GIS & GPS, leadership, and paramilitary skills. A certified Master Trainer in the Farmer Field School (FFS) methodology, Nafasi has also gained international exposure through specialized programs in South Africa (nursery management), China (One Belt One Road initiative), Japan (forest soils study), Ghana and the Netherlands (designing sustainable forest landscapes), and Tanzania (cross-border illegal timber trade).
Passionate about sustainable forest landscapes, Nafasi believes that forest conservation and restoration are at the heart of environmental sustainability, improved livelihoods, and climate resilience. Fluent in English and Kiswahili, with working knowledge of Kikuyu, she combines technical expertise with community-focused approaches to drive long-lasting impact in Kenya’s forestry sector.
In her free time, Nafasi enjoys farming, reading, walking, and playing table tennis.
Bio
Kasisi Daniel Wafula is a passionate educator and environmental advocate dedicated to shaping a sustainable future for Africa through transformative education and action. Currently teaching at Namanje FYM Comprehensive School in Bungoma County, he previously served at St. Mary’s School, Nairobi, where he inspired young minds to embrace sustainability.
A certified Laudato Si’ Animator, Kasisi has also graduated from the Faith Environment and Climate Change and Teachers4SDGs Online Courses with KAICIID. He serves as the Focal Point of Teachers4SDGs in Kenya and Africa, a free online program equipping educators across the continent to integrate Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) into their classrooms and to collaborate effectively with government and non-governmental organizations championing sustainability.
As the Founder of the Eco Changers Initiative, Kasisi leads a movement that empowers children to actively and effectively participate in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Africa Agenda 2063 through their teachers. His model places young people at the center of ecological stewardship, nurturing a generation of changemakers committed to restoring ecosystems and creating resilient communities.
Kasisi is also recognized as an SDG Champion and Climate Clock Ambassador, leveraging his platforms to raise awareness on urgent climate action and the critical role of trees in addressing the climate crisis.
With his vast experience in education, grassroots mobilization, and intergenerational advocacy, Kasisi brings unique insight and passion as a judge of the Africa Champion of Trees Award, ensuring that the continent’s most impactful tree-planting and conservation initiatives are recognized and celebrated.
Bio
David Chege is a seasoned forestry and natural resource management professional with over three decades of experience in forest protection, biodiversity conservation, and climate change adaptation. Throughout his career at the Kenya Forest Service, he has held senior leadership positions, including Acting Senior Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests (Protection & Security), Acting Manager of Forest Resources Information Management, and Head of Biodiversity Management.
David holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry from Moi University and a Master of Arts in International Studies from the University of Nairobi, complemented by advanced training at the National Defence College in Karen. His expertise spans natural resource management, forest law enforcement, climate change mitigation, policy advisory, and stakeholder engagement. He has successfully managed large-scale national programmes such as the Imarisha Misitu operation to curb illegal forest activities, the Water Towers Protection & Climate Change Mitigation Programme, the EU/GOK-funded Mau Rehabilitation Project and the Forest Irrigation Climate Change and Green Energy Project.
A passionate advocate for sustainable development, David believes that strong forest governance, coupled with community engagement, is central to Kenya’s climate resilience and socio-economic progress. His vision is rooted in building partnerships, fostering innovation, and ensuring the protection and sustainable use of forest landscapes for generations to come.
