- Welcome to Kilimanyika Group,
a professional advisory group offering innovative solutions for a resilient future.
Kilimanyika Group have been mobilising expertise in natural resources management, conservation, finance and policy planning for two decades catalysing effective practices to support social development and environmental management and conservation efforts and to achieve effective outcomes, including via the UN Sustainable Development Goals and other international pledges for nature conservation, such as the Global Biodiversity Framework (Biodiversity Plan) since 2022.
About Us
Kilimanyika is a private advisory company led by seasoned development experts. Our work is guided by extensive knowledge and deep experience in practical approaches to natural resource management and sustainable development.
Our Leadership
Directors:
Paul Harrison
Executive Chairman Kilimanyika Group
- Successful Entrepreneur and Consultant: Founder of Kilimanyika Group, a thriving natural resources consulting company and current advisor to multiple conservation programs.
- 23+ Years of International Environmental Experience: Paul has worked across 34 countries with governments, intergovernmental bodies, NGOs, businesses, and communities.
- Strong UN and GEF Relationships: Deeply familiar with the UN and GEF systems, having worked within them for many years, including leading the GEF Global Wildlife Program for UNDP.
- Strategic Partnerships Expert: Co-founder of the UK Business and Biodiversity Forum and an active member of the WWF UK Programme Impact Committee and UK Defra IWT Advisory Group.
- Combine Deep Technical Knowledge with Political and Institutional Skills: Creates innovative initiatives that achieve conservation goals while driving economic gains.
- Build Effective Cross-Cutting Teams and Partnerships: Forges strong working relationships internally and externally to drive positive change.
- Execute Strategic Leadership: Brings together diverse perspectives to deliver impactful results.
- Strengthening Traditional Conservation Approaches: Preserving and enhancing successful practices whilst offering innovation into new and emerging areas.
- Shaping Sustainable Economies: Supporting nature conservation through economic development, in tourism, mining and other sectors.
- Driving Positive Change: Leveraging his expertise and experience to create a sustainable future at local, national and global levels.
Paul Harrison
Executive Chairman Kilimanyika Group
- Successful Entrepreneur and Consultant: Founder of Kilimanyika Group, a thriving natural resources consulting company and current advisor to multiple conservation programs.
- 23+ Years of International Environmental Experience: Paul has worked across 34 countries with governments, intergovernmental bodies, NGOs, businesses, and communities.
- Strong UN and GEF Relationships: Deeply familiar with the UN and GEF systems, having worked within them for many years, including leading the GEF Global Wildlife Program for UNDP.
- Strategic Partnerships Expert: Co-founder of the UK Business and Biodiversity Forum and an active member of the WWF UK Programme Impact Committee and UK Defra IWT Advisory Group.
- Combine Deep Technical Knowledge with Political and Institutional Skills: Creates innovative initiatives that achieve conservation goals while driving economic gains.
- Build Effective Cross-Cutting Teams and Partnerships: Forges strong working relationships internally and externally to drive positive change.
- Execute Strategic Leadership: Brings together diverse perspectives to deliver impactful results.
- Strengthening Traditional Conservation Approaches: Preserving and enhancing successful practices whilst offering innovation into new and emerging areas.
- Shaping Sustainable Economies: Supporting nature conservation through economic development, in tourism, mining and other sectors.
- Driving Positive Change: Leveraging his expertise and experience to create a sustainable future at local, national and global levels.
Paul recently completed an MBA with a Social and Environmental Specialism, during which he focused on organizational and leadership strategies to advance sustainability. Paul also holds an MSc in Tourism, Environment and Development and a BSc in African Language and Culture.
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrisonpj/
David Githaiga
Director and CEO
David Githaiga
Director and CEO
David Githaiga is a seasoned natural resource management specialist and a conservation leader with over 23 years of progressive experience - 13 of those at senior management levels. He is a founding director of Nature Investment Group – an impact investment organization focusing on conservation projects in East and Southern Africa. Before joining Kilimanyika, David was the Conservation Director at The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Africa Program - and prior to TNC work, David headed the Natural Resource Management and Climate Change team at UNDP Kenya - where he managed a US$ 40 million projects portfolio.
He was part of the UNDP Kenya management team and advisor to senior management on many aspects of program design and implementation. He also supported liaison between UNDP and other UN Agencies, the World Bank, AfDB, and numerous bilateral donors.
David worked at UNDP for over ten years. Before joining UNDP, David worked for Winrock International - an American-based not-for-profit with operations both in the US and Africa. He backstopped Winrock’s natural resource management programs in Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, South Africa, Uganda, and South Sudan - including projects support of Africa programs from the United States (Washington DC). David holds a BSc in Environmental Studies from Slippery Rock University in the USA, an MSc in Development Economics from Southern New Hampshire, University USA, and an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi.
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-githaiga-0a37852b/
Struan McDougall
Non-Executive Director
Struan McDougall founded the private investment network Cambridge Capital Group, a venture capital network that mobilised $50m+ risk capital into early-stage ventures. He is also a founding trustee of The Cambridge Capital Group (CCG) Trust, a non-profit charity supporting high-impact conservation projects across seven African countries.
He also managed a game park rehabilitation and lodge building project in a remote game reserve in Uganda and recently consulted on an ecotourism research project for the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in Zambia, Uganda and Tanzania. Struan is a founding director of the Nature Investment Group, which aims to attract capital to selected ventures in the conservation market in Africa.
He divides his time between Kenya and the UK and travels extensively in East Africa.
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/struan-mcdougall-80927318/
James Ole Lesikari Laizer
Director
James Ole Lesikar Laizer is an expert in community and natural resource management with over 25 years' experience, of which over 12 years have been in consultancy roles in strategy, biodiversity conservation programme design and policy development.
He has worked extensively with stakeholders in community-based natural resource management projects. He specializes in land use planning and management and community strategic development, including Nature-based solutions for environmental conservation, participatory forest management, wildlife management areas (WMAs), research, monitoring and evaluation, corporate social responsibility and sustainable livelihoods development.
Previously, James worked as head of communications and strategy for a private agribusiness in Arusha, Tanzania. He then managed a tourism and research Centre before setting up Kilimanyika and running a dynamic private consultancy for many years. James then moved into a senior role in the natural resources extractives sector, working for a major gold mining investor and operator as a corporate social responsibility manager.
He later become the Managing Director of Sound and Fair Tanzania, an initiative focused on trading FSC®️ certified hardwoods from community-owned, certified forests. He is also co-founder of the Nature Investment Group, a company focused on building a collaborative network of investors to support the long-term conservation of important nature and wildlife areas in East and Southern Africa, both on land and at sea.
James holds an Advanced Diploma in Wildlife and Natural Resources Management from the Mweka College of Africa Wildlife Management, a Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management from the Dar es Salaam Institute of Hotel and Business Management and an MSc in Community Development from the Tengeru Institute of Community Development, Arusha, Tanzania,
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/laizer/
Samuel Kasiki
Director
Samuel Kasiki is professional conservationist with a long history of practising in sustainable natural resources management and related policy formulation. Before joining Kilimanyika Group he worked for Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) for 36 years, twelve and a half of which he was the Chief Scientist in-charge of Biodiversity Research and Monitoring. In this position, he was the team leader of 150 KWS scientists and was responsible for advising the KWS Director General, and the Kenya government in general, on wildlife conservation matters, including policy formulation for effective conservation and management of the resource in Kenya and beyond by using the best available scientific evidence. In addition, Samuel represented Kenya and the Africa region as an expert in several Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) where he served as the Africa Region representative in the CITES Scientific Council from 2011 to 2017. He was appointed the Scientific a Councilor for Kenya and the Africa Region to representative in the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) Scientific Council from 2016 to 2020. He also represented the Africa Region in the CMS Strategic Planning Committee for 3 years. He participated in many MEAs Conferences of Parties (COPs) as a member of the Kenya delegation and as an expert in some of the MEAs technical committees.
Samuel holds a PhD in Ecology from the University of Kent, UK; a MSc in Conservation Biology from the University of Kent; an Executive MBA from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya, and a BSc in Botany and Zoology from the University of Nairobi, Kenya.
During his tenure at KWS, Samuel worked closely with many government agencies, donor agencies (including USAID, UNDP, EU, JICA) and many NGOs as well as local partners, including civil society and community-based organizations.
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-kasiki-6170ab6a/
Lillian Wanja
Director
Lillian Wanja is a dedicated conservationist and seasoned corporate communicator with over a decade of experience in strategy consulting and relationship management. She has successfully crafted and executed numerous strategic communication plans, effectively raising awareness and engaging stakeholders in various environment and natural resource management initiatives.
Lillian is an active member of the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK). She holds a BSc. in Economics from Kenyatta University and an MBA in Marketing from Kenya Methodist University.
Norah Muthike
Director
Norah Muthike is a seasoned community development and gender specialist - with over 15 years of experience in women empowerment programs across Africa. From 2000 to 2012, she was a senior manager at Winrock International, where she managed the African Women Leaders in Agriculture and the Environment (AWLAE) program. This Winrock International flagship program awarded 470 scholarships to African women for advanced studies, equipped over 1,500 women with leadership skills, and empowered more than 50,000 girls to pursue education across Africa.
The program also trained 100,000 women farmers in innovative farming technologies across the continent. Between 2015 and 2023, Norah managed rural electrification projects under a European Union-funded initiative in Eastern Africa. She is also experienced in development projects, monitoring and evaluation, and proposal development. Norah holds a BA in Community Development from Daystar University in Nairobi.
Principal Consultants:
Dr Robin Lines
Principle Consultant
Dr Robin Lines is an interdisciplinary conservation scientist with 25 years international experience in large landscapes, community-based conservation and applied research within and around protected and conserved areas at local, national and Transboundary scales. Robin specialist in research, strategy, planning and management, notably landscape connectivity, human pressure, complex social-ecological systems, terrestrial mammals and sustainable use initiatives with Indigenous peoples and local communities in arid and semi-arid systems.
He is a Member of World Commission on Protected Areas and holds a PhD Biodiversity Management and MSc Conservation Biology.
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlinesrm/
Dr. Kahiu
Principle Consultant
Dr. Kahiu is a senior leader and development practitioner with over 30 years of experience promoting inclusive and sustainable growth in Kenya and East Africa. With 20 years of leadership in donor-funded programs, he has focused on improving economic and social well-being, natural resource management, livestock productivity, and food security. He has served as Chief of Party for USAID/USDA/USG-funded programs, including the successful K-SALES program. A veterinarian by training, Dr. Kahiu has deep expertise in pastoralist livestock production systems and holds a BVM in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Nairobi and an MSc in Organizational Development from the United States International University.
He is an active member of veterinary professional associations and a former Vice President of the World Veterinary Association. He serves on the Board of Directors of ASNET, where he chairs the Implementation, Monitoring, and Learning Committee. Dr. Kahiu also served as a member of the Board of Directors at the New Kenya Cooperative Creameries (NKCC), the second-largest milk processor in Kenya, from September 2018 to 2021. During this time, he chaired the NKCC Board of Directors Technical Committee, overseeing raw milk supply, factory production operations, quality assurance, and the engineering departments. In May 2019, Ignatius was promoted to the New KCC Board of Directors Chairmanship. In July 2022, Dr. Kahiu was appointed Chairman of the Kenya Dairy Board. Dr. Kahiu has consulted extensively with UN agencies, the World Bank, and various bilateral donors on development issues.
Joseph Njuguna
Principle Consultant
Joseph Njuguna is a seasoned professional in the energy sector with extensive experience in energy access, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. He has provided technical support to numerous energy programs across both private and public sectors, working with international agencies like UNDP, World Bank, IFC, GIZ, and others in Kenya, Botswana, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Tanzania. He has played key roles in various initiatives, including the development of Kenya's National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy, conducting feasibility studies for solar mini-grids, and implementing the first Minimum Energy Performance Standards and Labelling (S&L) program in Kenya, which has led to significant energy and carbon emissions reductions.
Joseph has also worked on capacity development for Kenya’s Ministry of Energy and supported the creation of county energy plans. His work has been instrumental in transforming the electrical appliance market in Kenya and promoting energy efficiency across Africa. Joseph holds an MSc in Management and Implementation of Projects from the University of Manchester (UK), an MBA in Finance, and a BSc in Electrical Engineering from the University of Nairobi. He is certified as a Certified Energy Manager (CEM) and Certified Measurement and Verification Professional (CMVP) by the Association of Energy Engineers (USA). In 2019, he was awarded the AEE’s Sub-Saharan Africa Region Energy Engineer of the Year.
Caroline Ndaama
Principle Consultant
Caroline Ndaama is an experienced expert in environmental and social development, with a career spanning over a decade. She has specialist skills in environmental and social impact assessment and audit, environment and social due diligence, research and analysis, project planning and management, stakeholder analysis and engagement, and GIS and Remote Sensing.
Caroline is also well-versed in environmental and social safeguards and good international industry practices and standards, including those used by the UN and the World Bank. Caroline holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Environmental Studies from The University of Nairobi
Samuel Okure
Principle Consultant
Samuel Okure is a seasoned Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) specialist with over a decade of experience implementing Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) systems in development projects in the East Africa region. Most recently, Samuel served as the Country MEL Manager at the Jane Goodall Institute, where he led the development of a robust monitoring framework that significantly improved data accuracy in the organization.
Before his tenure at The Jane Goodall Institute, Samuel worked as the MEL Coordinator at Save the Children Uganda, where he played a crucial role in strengthening field program monitoring and evaluation processes. In addition to his work at these organizations, Samuel has contributed his expertise to the Norwegian Refugee Council, Welthungerhilfe, and World Vision Uganda on various MEL assignments. Samuel holds a BA in Economics from Kyambogo University and an MBA from Makerere University in Uganda.
Kilimanyika offer professional services in climate change, natural resources management and related socio-economic development activities.
Specifically, we offer consultancy and advisory services on strategy, project design, development and management, proposal writing, research and analysis, strategic guidance, communications and campaigns, and work with a range of clients to research, plan, implement and evaluate initiatives. These include stakeholders from agrarian, pastoral and fishing communities, local and international NGOs, the United Nations, governments and businesses operating in a variety of market sectors. Our approach emphasizes inclusivity and effective use of resources to deliver innovative solutions.
How we can help?
We offer policy, strategy, financing and project management advisory services on climate change, sustainable energy, nature-positive transitions, forestry, fisheries, local community engagement, wildlife conservation, and eco-tourism. We also conduct Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and provide Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) services for a wide range of development projects. We work closely with clients to identify, design, and deliver practical solutions to development challenges.
Our Focus
Our approach emphasizes inclusivity and effective use of resources to deliver innovative solutions.
Climate Change
Kilimanyika provides expert services to help organizations, governments, and communities mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. We conduct climate risk assessments, develop adaptation and mitigation projects and strategies, and support implementation of policies aimed at enhancing governments, communities, and private sector resilience to climate change. We also assist clients access climate finance.
Sustainable Energy
We offer our clients a comprehensive suite of advisory services - designed to scale sustainable energy development. Our expert advisory and financing solutions for renewable energy projects are tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. Kilimanyika’s sustainable energy advisory services are designed to provide project developers with context-based insights. We help our clients navigate and succeed in this dynamic and fast-growing sector in Africa.
Forestry
We provide innovative solutions in private and protected forest development and management. Our approaches in forestry emphasize local community involvement and ownership. We help our clients apply Nature Based Solutions (NBS) in forestry for enhanced livelihoods.
Fisheries
Kilimanyika's fisheries work focuses on improving the productivity and sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture in Africa. We focus on enhancing local communities' food and nutrition security, increasing incomes, and promoting sustainable fisheries resource management. We help our clients develop and implement innovative practices and technologies to support small-scale fish farmers and fishers while improving the resilience of aquatic ecosystems.
Local Community Engagement
We facilitate development by working closely with communities to ensure their active participation and benefits. We conduct needs assessments, facilitate stakeholder engagements, design and implement development projects, and provide a range of capacity-building training. We also work with clients to monitor and evaluate project progress, advocate for community interests, and promote sustainable development practices. We help our clients ensure that development projects and interventions are inclusive and effective.
Wildlife Conservation
We provide expert guidance and support on the protection and sustainable management of wildlife resources. We conduct ecological assessments, develop, and implement conservation strategies, and work with local communities to promote participatory conservation practices. We also facilitate stakeholder engagement, provide capacity development support, and help our clients develop effective wildlife management policies and regulatory frameworks.
Eco-tourism
We help our clients develop and promote sustainable tourism products and practices that conserve natural environments and benefit local communities. Kilimanyika facilitates stakeholder engagement and offers capacity development support to help ecotourism clients develop and implement policies and practices that promote conservation.
Project Cycle Management
We guide our clients in planning, designing, implementing, and evaluating development projects - to ensure they are effective, sustainable, and beneficial to local communities. We help clients conduct participatory needs assessments, project design, and resource planning. We also carry out project-specific monitoring and evaluations of natural resource management programs - to measure impact and outcomes.
Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)
We help our clients assess the potential environmental, social, and economic impacts of proposed projects. We conduct assessments to identify potential risks and benefits of projects, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements - and local and international standards. Our EIA approaches emphasize collaboration with all stakeholders, including local communities and governments. We also provide recommendations for mitigating adverse impacts and work with clients to enhance positive outcomes for projects.