Kisilu Mary
Nairobi
Summary
Dedicated research professional with expertise in data collection and environmental impact assessment. Proven ability to implement effective project management techniques that streamline processes and enhance project outcomes. Strong advocate for ecosystem restoration initiatives, contributing to sustainable environmental practices. Seeking opportunities in dynamic environments that foster growth and leverage specialized knowledge.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Graduate Project Based Researcher Intern
Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute
Mombasa, Kenya
09.2023 - Current
- Tasked with the Carbon Accounting and Ecosystem Valuation sub-objective under the Going Blue Project, specifically the assessment of mangrove co-benefits in the Lamu-Tana seascape.
- Conducted socioeconomic and ecological data collection and analysis, including mangrove forest inventory assessments, and developed, administered, and analysed questionnaires to gather and present user-generated data.
- Conducted literature reviews to support research objectives and hypothesis development.
- Translated research findings into policy briefs to support governmental and organisational decision-making.
- Estimated carbon and biomass stocks, including above-ground biomass (AGB), below-ground biomass (BGB), and soil carbon, using allometric equations.
- Developed carbon project documentation, including Project Idea Notes (PINs) and Project Design Documents (PDDs) for REDD+ projects such as the Lamu Blue Asset and Panda Blue Carbon projects in Lamu County.
- Provided technical guidance, monitoring, and reporting support for the Mikoko Pamoja and Vanga Blue Forest projects in compliance with Plan Vivo carbon standards.
- Led stakeholder mapping and engagement processes, developed and reviewed PFMAs for community mangrove forest associations.
- Facilitated community training on restoration through Community-Based Ecological Mangrove Restoration (CBEMR).
- Delivered workshop and seminar presentations on study findings.
- Contributed to report writing and the development of national technical documents on the conservation of blue carbon resources.
- Supported in proposal and grant writing.
- Worked closely with project stakeholders to define and meet project requirements.
- Authored and co-authored research papers in peer-reviewed journals, and presented findings at workshops and international conferences.
Environmental Field Officer (Part time)
Kenya Institute of Sustainable Environment and Development Monitoring and Evaluation
Nairobi, Kenya
03.2021 - 08.2023
- Assisted in data collection and report writing.
- Supported environmental impact assessment (EIA) activities.
- Established connections with community leaders to aid local engagement initiatives.
- Cooperated with local agencies and organisations to address community safety concerns.
- Conducted risk assessments to identify security threats and suggested preventative measures.
- Utilised interpersonal skills to foster relationships with local schools, businesses, and community groups.
- Performed preliminary inquiries, field interviews, and follow-up investigations to gather information and evidence.
Deputy Returning Officer
Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission
10.2021 - 09.2022
- Assisted in training support staff to enhance service delivery.
- Helped with stakeholder mapping and engagement to improve collaboration.
- Facilitated conflict resolution to maintain team harmony.
- Collaborated with team members to meet target results effectively.
- Managed complaints through clear communication and problem-solving techniques.
- Participated in team-building activities to strengthen working relationships.
- Demonstrated commitment and effort to achieve results and enhance operations.
- Supervised free, fair, and credible 2022 general elections in Kitui South constituency.
Research Attachee
Kenya Forest Service
04.2019 - 07.2019
- Assisted in conducting forest resource inventories to support sustainability efforts.
- Managed nursery operations to promote plant health and growth.
- Supported seed and soil collection activities for ecological studies and conservation initiatives.
- Helped deliver community training on sustainable forest practices.
Research Enumerator
UN Food and Agricultural Organization
04.2024
- Assisted in data collection regarding fisheries agriculture and residents' livelihoods in Vanga and Jimbo villages, Kwale County.
- Conducted door-to-door visits to gather census data from local households.
- Facilitated face-to-face interviews with participants to ensure data accuracy.
- Kept detailed notes of interviews for future reference.
- Applied problem-solving skills to address challenges during data collection activities.
Education
BSc. - Environmental Science
Chuka University
Nairobi, Kenya01-2020
MSc. - Environmental Science
Chuka University
Nairobi, Kenya01-2025
Skills
- Research and data analysis
- Field Data collection and surveys
- Proposal and grant writing
- Carbon accounting and valuation
- Ecosystem services valuation
- Environmental impact assessment
- Ecosystem restoration and management
- Blue carbon project development
- Biomass and soil carbon estimation
- Ecosystem mapping
- Stakeholder engagement
- Technical report writing
- Study outcome presentations
- Project management
Projects
- 2024-01-01, 2025-01-01: PEGUSUS 5.1.1. 'Take It Further Grant', Enhancing Resource Sustainability: Assessing Spatial Temporal Changes and Mangrove Co-Benefits in Kenya
- 2023-01-01, 2025-01-01: Going Blue Carbon Project, Mainstreaming blue carbon into coastal development to achieve climate commitments and improve livelihoods in Kenya
- 2024-01-01: Giz Blue Carbon and Fishery Potential in Kwale and Lamu Counties, Kenya
Selected Conferences
- 2024-06-01: The Second Aquatic Resources and Blue Economy, Kisumu, Kenya, Poster presentation: Beyond Carbon: Evaluating Mangroves Co-Benefits in Lamu - Tana Seascape
- 2024-10-01: Africa Congress for Conservation Biology (ACCB), Mweka, Tanzania, Oral presentation: Economic Value and Potential of Mangrove Ecosystem in Kenya
- 2024-10-01: Chuka University International Research Conference, Chuka, Kenya, Oral Presentation: Analysis of Selected Physicochemical Makeup of Natural Spring Water in Mt Kenya East Region, Meru County, Kenya
- 2025-06-01: SRI Africa Congress, University of Nairobi, Oral presentation: Potential of Mangrove Ecosystems in Kenya as Nature-Based Solutions
- 2025-09-01: 13th WIOMSA Scientific Symposium, Mombasa, Kenya, Poster Presentation:Economic value of mangrove ecosystems Beyond Extractable services
Languages
English
Proficient
C2
Swahili
Proficient
C2
Publications
- 2025-07-01: Analysis of Selected Physicochemical Makeup of Natural Spring Water in Mt Kenya East Region, Meru County, Kenya, IJRAMT, 6, 26-33, K. Mary, P. K. Gakai, A. Mbatha, https://journals.ijramt.com/index. https/ijramt/article/view/3093
- 2025-01-01: Blue Carbon Investment Potential in Lamu and Kwale Counties of Kenya: Carbon Inventory and Market Prospects, Forests, Kairo, J.G., Mbatha, A., Wanyoike, G.N., Mungai, F., Githinji, B.K., Lang'at, J.K.S., Kinya, G., Kosgei, G.K., Mary, K., Oming'o, L.
- 2025-01-01: Valuation of Mangrove Goods and Services; And Threats Facing Them in the Lamu - Tana Seascape, Kenya, MSc Thesis, Chuka University, Kisilu Mary
- 2025-01-01: It is Beyond Carbon: Holistic Valuations of Mangrove Benefits Would Improve Their Management in Kenya, Draft Manuscript, Kisilu Mary, Hamza, A. J., Kairo, J.G., Lang'at, J. S., Maina, J.K., Mbui, J.M., Mbatha, A., Mungai., Maina, G.W., Castro, M., Simpson, S., Leavitt, S., Sophia, A.
Selected Technical/ Policy Reports
- 2025-01-01: Mangrove Harvest Management Plan for Lamu County (2025 - 2035), Kenya Forest Service, Nairobi, Kenya, GoK
- 2024-01-01: Blue Carbon and Fishery Potential in Kwale and Lamu Counties, Kenya, GIZ, Kenya
Certification
- Associate Member of Environmental Institute of Kenya (EIK) Reg No. EIK/2/6216
- Licenced Environmental Impact Assessment Associate Expert Reg No. 13394
References
- Dr. James Kairo, Chief Scientist, Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), Mombasa, +254722798468, gkairo@yahoo.com
- Dr. Benard Soi, Lecturer, Department of Environmental studies and Resource Development, Chuka University, +254723765668, bsoi@chuka.ac.ke
Timeline
Research Enumerator
UN Food and Agricultural Organization
04.2024
Graduate Project Based Researcher Intern
Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute
09.2023 - Current
Deputy Returning Officer
Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission
10.2021 - 09.2022
Environmental Field Officer (Part time)
Kenya Institute of Sustainable Environment and Development Monitoring and Evaluation
03.2021 - 08.2023
Research Attachee
Kenya Forest Service
04.2019 - 07.2019
BSc. - Environmental Science
Chuka University
MSc. - Environmental Science
Chuka University