Environmental Scientist
KISILU MARY
Aga Khan University
Mombasa
Work Preference
Work Type
ConsultingContract Work
Location Preference
Remote
Important To Me
Career advancement
8
Years of experience
1
Certification
Dynamic Environmental Scientist, Conservationist, and Carbon Quantification Expert with proven expertise in environmental compliance, ESIA/ESMP reporting, and risk assessment. Specialized in technical delivery for carbon and REDD+ projects, Data collection, Analysis, Ecosystem service valuation, with a strong ability to translate complex scientific data into actionable policy briefs and technical documents. Demonstrated success in leading community-based initiatives such as CBEMR training, managing stakeholder engagement, and driving capacity-building programs. Experienced in project monitoring, evaluation, and proposal development aligned with both national regulations and international donor standards.
Work History
2026.10 - Current
Research Officer
Aga Khan University | Isiolo,Kenya
2026.10 - Current
- Collected and evaluated environmental data to inform assessment of environmental impacts on early childhood development in Isiolo County under Hilton Project.
- Managed coordination with advanced practitioners and physicians during pre-study visits to enable eligible participant enrollment.
- Collected and recorded household-level heat-stress data using r-net devices from identified participants.
- Conducted data analysis to examine correlation between environmental factors and early childhood development outcomes for study findings.
8 Months
2026.01 - 2026.09
8 Months
Environmental Expert
Northern Water Works Development Agency (NWWDA) | Garissa
2026.01 - 2026.09
- Supported assessment of project compliance with environmental regulations; identified potential risks and mitigation needs.
- Participated in site visits to observe social and ecological conditions across project locations.
- Conducted environmental risk assessments including flood risk analyses in flood-prone areas; proposed erosion and flood mitigation measures.
- Prepared detailed reports on environmental studies and contributed to ESMP development to mitigate potential project impacts.
- Reviewed contractor reports including stakeholder engagement reports, resettlement reports, and ESIA/ESMP-related outputs to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, donor standards, and national laws.
2 Years 4 Months
2023.09 - 2026.01
2 Years 4 Months
Graduate Project Based Research Associate
Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) | Mombasa
2023.09 - 2026.01
- Conducted socioeconomic and ecological data collection and analysis, including mangrove forest inventory assessments.
- Developed, administered, and analysed questionnaires to collect user-generated data; ensured quality and usability for reporting.
- Conducted literature reviews to support research objectives and hypothesis development.
- Translated research findings into policy briefs to inform governmental and organizational decision-making.
- Estimated carbon and biomass stocks (AGB, BGB) and soil carbon using allometric equations.
- Developed carbon project documentation including Project Idea Notes (PINs) and Project Design Documents (PDDs) for REDD+ initiatives (e.g., Lamu Blue Asset; Panda Blue Carbon).
- Provided technical guidance, monitoring and reporting support for Plan Vivo carbon projects (including Mikoko Pamoja and Vanga Blue Forest) to meet standard requirements.
- Led stakeholder mapping and engagement; developed and reviewed PFMAAs for community mangrove forest associations.
- Facilitated community training on restoration through Community-Based Ecological Mangrove Restoration (CBEMR) approaches.
- Delivered workshops and seminar presentations on study findings and project learning outcomes.
- Contributed to report writing and development of national technical documents on the conservation of blue carbon resources.
- Supported proposal and grant writing.
- Worked with project stakeholders to define and meet project requirements and timelines.
- Authored and co-authored research papers in peer-reviewed journals; presented findings at workshops and international conferences.
1 Month
2024.04 - 2024.05
1 Month
Research Enumerator
UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) | Kwale County
2024.04 - 2024.05
- Supported data collection on fisheries and residents’ livelihoods in Vanga and Jimbo villages to inform community analysis.
- Administered door-to-door household surveys and facilitated face-to-face interviews to support accurate data verification.
- Recorded and organized detailed interview notes to enable accurate documentation and subsequent analysis.
- Diagnosed field issues, managed on-site challenges, and ensured survey activities were completed as scheduled.
2 Years 5 Months
2021.03 - 2023.08
2 Years 5 Months
Environmental Field Officer (Part-time)
Kenya Institute of Sustainable Environment and Development (Monitoring & Evaluation) | Nairobi
2021.03 - 2023.08
- Supported site visit, data collection and report writing
- Conducted environmental impact assessment (EIA) as per EMCA cap 387.
- Established connections with community leaders to support local engagement initiatives.
- Cooperated with local agencies and organizations to address community safety concerns.
- Conducted risk assessments to identify environmental threats and proposed mitigation/prevention measures.
11 Months
2021.10 - 2022.09
11 Months
Deputy Returning Officer
Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) | Kitui South Constituency
2021.10 - 2022.09
- Trained support staffs to enhance service delivery.
- Supported stakeholder mapping and engagement to improve collaboration.
- Helped manage complaints through clear communication, problem-solving, and escalation where required.
- Supported successful administration of the 2022 general elections (Kitui South Constituency).
3 Months
2019.04 - 2019.07
3 Months
Student Attachment
Kenya Forest Service | Kitui,Kenya
2019.04 - 2019.07
- Assisted in forest resource inventories to support sustainability initiatives.
- Managed nursery operations to support plant health and growth.
- Supported seed and soil collection for ecological studies and conservation initiatives.
- Supported delivery of community training on sustainable forest practices.
Education
MSc. - Environmental Science
Chuka University | 11.2025
Thesis: Valuation of Mangrove Goods and Services; and Threats Facing Them in the Lamu–Tana Seascape, Kenya
BSc. - Environmental Science
Chuka University | 12.2020
Dissertation: Analysis of Selected Physicochemical Makeup of Natural Spring Water in the Mt Kenya East Region, Meru County, Kenya
Skills
Research
data collection and analysis
Proposal writing and development of project documentation
Technical Report writing
documentation
and technical communication
Training and extension facilitation (workshops
seminars
Certification
- Associate Member, Environmental Institute of Kenya (EIK), Reg No. EIK/2/6216
- Licensed Environmental Impact Assessment Associate Expert, Reg No. 13394
SELECTED CONFERENCES & PRESENTATIONS
- 2025-09: 13th WIOMSA Scientific Symposium, Mombasa — Poster: Economic value of mangrove ecosystems beyond extractable services
- 2025-06: SRI Africa Congress, University of Nairobi — Oral: Potential of Mangrove Ecosystems in Kenya as Nature-Based Solutions
- 2024-10: Chuka University International Research Conference — Oral: Spring water physicochemical assessment (Meru County)
- 2024-10: Africa Congress for Conservation Biology (ACCB), Mweka, Tanzania — Oral: Economic Value and Potential of Mangrove Ecosystems in Kenya
- 2024-06: Second Aquatic Resources and Blue Economy, Kisumu — Poster: Beyond Carbon—Evaluating Mangroves Co-Benefits in Lamu–Tana Seascape
Selected Publications
- 2026: Evaluating Biodiversity and Socioeconomic Impacts of Community-Led Mangrove Restoration:A Case Study from Kenya Restoration Ecology e70477. https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.70477. Sila, J., McCarthy, O., Mbatha, A., Mary, K., Nzai, J., Kithi, E., Hays, L., Stewart, M., Whilden, K., Crosse, W., Komu, H., Nadir, S. and Mwamuye, E.
- 2026: 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., Mbu, J.M., Mbatha, A., Mungai, Maina, G.W., Castro, M., Simpson, S., Leavitt, S.
- 2025: Blue Carbon Investment Potential in Lamu and Kwale Counties of Kenya: Carbon Inventory and Market Prospects-Forests Journal. 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: 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
- 2025: Valuation of Mangrove Goods and Services; And Threats Facing Them in the Lamu–Tana Seascape, Kenya —Kisilu Mary, MSc Thesis Chuka University.
References
- James, Kairo, Chief Research Scientist, Mombasa
- Peter, Gakai, Lecturer, Chuka University
- Collins, Awiti, Engineer, Northern Water Works Development Agency (NWWDA)
Projects
- 2026: SWIOFC-NC PP2-Economic Valuation of Marine Ecosystem Goods and Services in Kwale and Lamu Counties (Funded by UNEP), 2026: Application of Earth Observation and Artificial Intelligence in Carbon Assessment in the Aberdare Forest, Kenya (Funded by KENET), 2024–2025: PEGUSUS 5.1.1 “Take It Further Grant” - Enhancing Resource Sustainability: Assessing Spatial Temporal Changes and Mangrove Co-Benefits in Kenya, 2023–2025: Going Blue Carbon Project -Mainstreaming blue carbon into coastal development to achieve climate commitments and improve livelihoods in Kenya, 2024: GIZ Blue Carbon and Fishery Potential in Kwale and Lamu Counties, Kenya
- 2025: Mangrove Harvest Management Plan for Lamu County (2025–2035) — Kenya Forest Service, Government of Kenya, 2024: Blue Carbon and Fishery Potential in Kwale and Lamu Counties, Kenya — GIZ Kenya
Timeline
Research Officer
Aga Khan University
2026.10 - CurrentRead more
Environmental Expert
Northern Water Works Development Agency (NWWDA)
2026.01 - 2026.09Read more
Research Enumerator
UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
2024.04 - 2024.05Read more
Graduate Project Based Research Associate
Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI)
2023.09 - 2026.01Read more
Deputy Returning Officer
Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC)
2021.10 - 2022.09Read more
Environmental Field Officer (Part-time)
Kenya Institute of Sustainable Environment and Development (Monitoring & Evaluation)
2021.03 - 2023.08Read more
Student Attachment
Kenya Forest Service
2019.04 - 2019.07Read more
Chuka University - MSc., Environmental Science
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Chuka University - BSc., Environmental Science
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