Faculty: Forestry
Program: Master of International Forestry
Year: 2024
Country: Kenya
I am a self-driven, compassionate, and adaptable individual with a strong affinity towards environmental sustainability, natural resources management, and social development. I grew up in a rural village in the western region of Kenya – the food basket of the country. Over time, I witnessed livelihoods being decimated by climate change attributable to deforestation in the Mau water catchment area; further entrenching food insecurity, poverty, and inequality. These changes in climate patterns and extreme weather events fueled my interest in pursuing a career in forestry and environmental sustainability. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree (First Class Honors) from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
After graduation, I founded an initiative aimed at restoring lost ecosystems and complementing Kenya’s ambitions towards increasing forest cover. To date, we have planted more than 30000 trees to boost forest cover and improve carbon sequestration. I also volunteer with different community-based forest associations that champion forestry and environmental conservation initiatives. My passion for forestry and its intersection with international development particularly in global south countries enhanced my interest in studying the Master of International Forestry at UBC. Here, I will acquire the skills, knowledge, and contemporary perspectives necessary to develop policies that promote environmental sustainability through effective forest management. I am excited to join UBC’s vibrant, multicultural, and diverse community of global scholars and alumni. My long-term career objective is to become a global consultant influencing environmental sustainability and forestry policies that contribute to global efforts toward a more sustainable low-carbon future.