Dr. Joanes Atela is an accomplished executive with over 15 years of experience in research and providing technical support to African governments in natural resource management, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and knowledge management. Currently serving as the Founder and Executive Director of the Africa Research and Impact Network (ARIN), he excels in developing strong evidence-based actions and strategies that are adaptable and well linked to national, regional, and international climate change initiatives.

Joanes previously served as the Director Partnerships and Impact and the Head of the Climate Resilient Economies Programme at the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) to become one of the best in the world, ranking third globally and the best in Africa according to the 2016 ICCG rankings based on research and policy work. He has been extensively involved in academia and research, serving as an Associate at the Institute of Climate Change and Adaptation (ICCA), University of Nairobi, and as a Research Fellow at the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) and the United Nations University.

Joanes has published widely in international journals, books, media and blogs focusing on resilience, knowledge systems as well as international politics with over 1000 citations on Google Scholar. He has successfully led the design and implementation of numerous funded projects. He played a pivotal role in synthesizing key community-based adaptation initiatives across the world which provided significant evidence towards the establishment of the Locally Led Adaptation Agenda within the global climate action arena.

Joanes is particularly passionate about making science work for the local vulnerable communities. He has particular interest in strengthening the Science-Policy Interface in Africa. He founded the Grassroot Impact Centre- an initiative operating and empowering local communities including girls, youth, women with knowledge on resilience and innovation and seeks to develop models in which research can better align and support the needs of local communities.

At the strategic level, Joanes is a member of several high-level technical boards. He is the Lead Expert in the development of the African Union Green Innovation Framework, which guides member states in accelerating green growth actions; the Lead expert for developing the First Kenya’s Innovation Outlook Framework and a member of the Strategic Advisory Group for the UK Research and Innovation Fund (UKRI). Joanes also served as a Scientific Advisory Panel Member of Stockholm at 50+ and Advisory Committee Member to the Resilience Evidence Forum alongside serving in several global Advisory Committee.

He has won various awards including the Young Scientist Ward by the European Meteorological Society, the Exceptional Achievement Delegate in the Model United Nations Forum among others. Dr. Atela holds a Ph.D. in Environment and Development from the University of Leeds, United Kingdom, MSC in Natural Resource Management from Bonn University Germany (First Class) and BSc in Environmental Science, Maseno University- Kenya (First Class Honours).

Kennedy Mbeva is the Secretary to the Advisory Committee, CO-Convernor of  the  African Research and  Impact Network(ARIN). He is currently a Research Associate at the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS). He is also a PhD candidate, and a Research Associate at the Climate and Energy College, University of Melbourne. His PhD project examines the design of environmental standards in Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs).

Kennedy’s broader research interest is in the political economy of low-carbon transition, and his previous professional experiences include international climate diplomacy. He has an extensive research publication profile; please see an extensive list here: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=uj7GUIoAAAAJ&hl=en

Dr. Reuben Makomere LL.B (Hons) P.G.D Law (KSL)  is a legal adviser at ARIN and a doctoral researcher at the University of Tasmania, Faculty of Law. His current research is focused on governance for addressing ocean acidification through regulation of its response strategies. He has previously worked as a non-resident research fellow at the intergovernmental policy think tank, African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) and Africa Sustainability Hub (ASH) focusing on climate resilient economies and natural resource economies. He completed his master’s research at the UNEP-Tongji Institute of Environment for Sustainable Development in Shanghai, China. He is also an advocate of the High Court of Kenya. His research interests cover a variety of areas including climate change and marine governance, international law and international environmental politics.

Victoria Chengo is the Research Manager at ARIN. She is also, the Tomorrow’s Cities Nairobi Risk Hub Manager, and a member of the Africa Sustainability Hub

Victoria holds an MSc in Environmental Management from the Pan African University Institute of Life and Earth Sciences (Nigeria), and a BSc in Water Engineering from Kenyatta University (Kenya). Driven by her passion and background on Earth Sciences, Victoria aspires to create a meaningful impact in Africa’s Sustainable Development through evidence-based research and capacity building engagements in the fields of; climate change (climate action and governance), sustainable cities & development – disaster risk reduction, natural resources management – energy & water development.

Charles Tonui is a fellow at ARIN. He is also a research fellow at the African technology studies. As a researcher, Tonui supports action research, resource mobilization, and project management in projects under the Climate Resilience Economies program; co-convening of African Sustainability Dialogues under the African Sustainability Hub and engaging in policy impacts discussion under the Africa Research and Impact Network (ARIN).

He actively participates in sustainability and policy discussions at a local, national, regional, and international level that aim to create awareness, enhance capacity and try to shape evidence-based policies towards building climate-resilient and sustainable economies in Africa.

He has a passion to share new knowledge, Tonui has co-authored several articles on climate change, green infrastructure, energy water, transportation, and agriculture-related topics. Tonui Uses research outputs to inform the UNFCCC Conference of Parties (COPs), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and other international high-level policy discussions and negotiations on climate change, disaster management, urban development, and agriculture and food security through co-convening of side-events.

He has a BSc Degree in Environmental Science from Egerton University and a Masters degree in Environmental Planning and Management from Kenyatta University.

Emily Bolo is a Research Associate at ARIN. She is a dynamic and proactive clean/renewable energy specialist who has championed the institutionalization of regional e-cooking hubs in Kenya. With her registration as an Associate Environmental Impact Assessment Expert by NEMA, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Emily is deeply passionate about environmental conservation, gender inclusion, health, and climate action. She is a person of integrity and an ardent advocate of leaving no one behind, a principle that strongly influences the work that she does. Emily holds a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Management from Moi University and is currently finalizing her Master’s degree in Biology of Conservation at the University of Nairobi.

Over the course of her career, Emily has made significant contributions to various projects. She has played a pivotal role in initiatives such as the Just Transition, Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS), and the development of a Pandemic Response Framework for the East African Community. Within the MECS program, she has successfully organized and facilitated numerous side events and educational webinars, dedicated to promoting awareness and understanding of electric cooking as a clean and viable option. Emily has been instrumental in establishing regional e-cooking hubs in Kitui, Makueni, Nakuru, and Kisumu. Through her meticulous efforts, she has identified and trained local champions who ensure the sustained functionality of these hubs.
Emily’s exceptional aptitude for content development, coupled with her meticulous attention to detail, has resulted in the drafting and review of various publications, including blogs, information briefs, policy briefs, technical reports, and journal papers.

Leah Aoko is a Research Associate at ARIN. Leah has a background in law and policy development. Her passion lies in exploring the intricate interplay between science and policy, recognizing their inherent complementarity and the immense potential they hold for strengthening resilience and adaptation efforts within vulnerable communities.

As an invaluable member of ARIN, Leah has actively engaged in various projects as a law and policy consultant, diligently bridging the gap between scientific endeavors and policy implementation. Noteworthy endeavors include her involvement in the Adaptation Research Alliance project on locally led adaptation, specifically the illustrative case study conducted in Mukuru, Nairobi. Additionally, she has been actively participating in the ongoing Nairobi Risk Hub’s Tomorrow Cities Project, which focuses on mitigating disaster risks in urban settings. Furthermore, Leah has successfully completed the prestigious NDC Fellowship program on Climate Financing in Africa, organized jointly by the Frankfurt School of Business and ARIN. She has contributed significantly to the knowledge translation project aimed at addressing equity in COVID-19 recovery efforts in East Africa.

In recognition of her outstanding achievements, Leah Aoko was honored with the esteemed Spirit of Stetson award in International Environmental Law from Stetson Law University in 2018. Following this accolade, she was granted the prestigious Dean’s Scholarship to pursue her Masters in Law (LLM) at the University of Nairobi in 2019. Leah is fluent in English and Kiswahili, and possesses a working knowledge of basic French.

Amon Mturi Mtunji is the Finance and Administration Officer at ARIN. He has a track record of over 5 years in comprehensive financial management, accounting, budgeting, and financial and donor reporting. Amon assumes key responsibilities such as overseeing budget development, project cash flow planning, financial monitoring, and ensuring the accurate preparation of financial donor reports. His expertise also extends to payroll management and guaranteeing the timeliness and accuracy of financial statements.

He takes pride in providing platforms for science-policy interface in Africa, firmly grounded in evidence-based approaches. Prior to joining ARIN, Amon served as the Finance and Administration Officer at the Centre for Multiparty Democracy Kenya, where he played a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless day-to-day operations of financial functions. A significant portion of his experience lies in accounting and financial management of large donor-funded projects within the nonprofit sector.

With a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Finance and Investment, Amon embodies an analytical and self-motivated professional. His impeccable integrity, exceptional work ethic, and positive attitude are qualities he prides himself on.

Florence Onyango is the Communications Manager at ARIN. She is a highly skilled professional in the field of communications, specializing in climate change and sustainability. Florence obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Moi University. She further enhanced her knowledge and skills by completing a Postgraduate Diploma from McGrath in Australia and a Diploma in Public Relations from the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Currently, she is pursuing a Master of Climate Change Adaptation from the University of Nairobi, focusing on climate and finance.
She previously served in Communications at Nation Media Group, where she successfully oversaw the development and implementation of communication strategies across various channels. Furthermore, Florence excelled as the Vice President of Communications at the United Nations Environment Programme’s Ecosystems Based Adaptation for Food Security Assembly. In this role, she played a pivotal role in designing and executing a comprehensive communications plan to support the organization’s mission. Florence was instrumental in the establishment of the UNEP’s Ecosystem Based Adaptation for Food Security Assembly Kenya Chapter, leaving a lasting impact on sustainable food security initiatives.

In addition to her extensive experience in communications, Florence is highly regarded as a thought leader in the field of climate change and sustainability. She has authored and published numerous opinion pieces, leveraging her profound knowledge and expertise to provide valuable insights and analytical perspectives.

Mr. Paul Richard Osogo is the Government and Diplomatic Liaison Officer of the Africa Research and Impact Network and has held different Liaison positions at the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS), International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) among others.

Paul is a self-driven, highly motivated and results oriented Government & Diplomatic Liaison Officer with over fifteen years of diplomatic experience. Areas of expertise include: Foreign Policy; International Trade & Investment; Public Policy; Protocol; Administration & Management.

Paul holds a Master of Arts in Social Transformation (Governance) from Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) and BA in Sustainable Human Development (Upper Second-Class Honors) from Tangaza University College (CUEA), Kenya.

Washington Kanyangi is a Research Associate at ARIN. Washington is specializing in Climate Justice, Disaster Risk Reduction, and Environmental Sustainability. With a solid foundation in Disaster Management and International Diplomacy, Washington continually seeks to expand his knowledge base, further enhancing his capacity to address pressing global challenges. He has augmented his wealth of expertise through the completion of various professional courses, including Nature-Based Solutions for Disaster and Climate Resilience, Global Diplomacy in the Modern World, and International Women’s Health and Human Rights.

Presently, Washington plays a pivotal role in providing technical support for the Tomorrow’s Cities Project, a groundbreaking initiative. Additionally, he actively contributes to the implementation of the Accelerating Climate Adaptation via Meso-level Initiative project at ARIN, where his expertise is invaluable. Prior to his current roles, Washington successfully completed an in-depth study on the Political Economy Analysis of Air Quality in Nairobi, shedding light on crucial factors shaping the region’s environmental landscape.

Nancy Mutwii, an ambitious intern, brings a robust background in the built environment, physical planning, urban planning, and regional planning to ARIN. Driven by a strong desire for growth and excellence in her field, Nancy exhibits a profound passion for continuous learning. Her particular interest lies in fostering sustainable and livable communities, a testament to her dedication to creating a positive impact.

As a member of our research team, Nancy’s exceptional analytical skills and meticulous attention to detail render her an invaluable asset. Proficient in a variety of software programs commonly employed in urban planning, including GIS, ARCHICAD, and Sketch Up, she effortlessly blends her expertise in data analysis with a discerning eye for design and aesthetics.
Nancy’s unwavering commitment to excellence is evident in her proactive attitude and strong work ethic. Always ready to embrace new challenges, she consistently surpasses expectations and adapts seamlessly to evolving situations and technologies. Her adeptness as a quick learner empowers her to stay abreast of the latest developments in her field.

Throughout her internship, Nancy remains resolute in her determination to make a meaningful contribution to our organization.

Dr. Mary Nantongo is a lecturer at the Department of Economics, Makerere University Business School. She is a postdoctoral fellow on the ‘Capacity Building for Socially Just and Sustainable Energy Transitions’ project, where her research focuses on asset and resource stranding as a consequence of the transition to a low carbon economy in Uganda. Mary is also a certified expert in Applied Development Finance by the European Investment Bank and Global Development Network as well as a certified expert in Financing Nationally Determined Contributions of the Paris Climate Agreement by the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management. She is also a member of the Network for Impact Evaluation Researchers in Africa. For this year, 2022, Mary is a member of the scientific committee for the organization of the annual conference on renewable energy organized by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Uganda. Mary holds a PhD in Development and Environment Studies (Institutional Economics) and an MSc. in Development and Natural Resource Economics from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. Her research interests revolve around the analysis of social, economic and environmental impacts of climate change, as well as evaluations of policies, programs and investments in the fields of environment and climate and the interactions and interdependencies between these and the broad sectors of agriculture, energy and natural resources.

Prof. Felix is the chair of the ARIN Advisory Board and the Focal Point for the Southern Africa region. He is an Associate Professor of Environment and Development at the Copperbelt University in Zambia. He holds a PhD in Environment from the University of Leeds, as well as an MSc in Forest Science and BSc in Forestry. He currently holds the post of Senior Lecturer position at the Copperbelt University, Kitwe, Zambia. He is a socio-ecologist with research interests in ecosystem services and human-environmental relationships including environmental change and implication on risks and vulnerability of communities and ecosystems to these changes. He has authored several scientific papers and provided policy guidance to governments.

Professor Kalaba is a Lead Author for the 6th global assessment for the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) and has been involved in scoping exercise for transformative change assessment for the Intergovernmental Panel for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services.

Prof. Kalaba has provided consultancy services on climate change risks and vulnerability assessments to various organizations. He has conducted various risks and vulnerability assessments in Zambia and consultancy with the World Bank on writing the Forest Investment Plan for Zambia, where he focused on private sector engagement. The Investment Plan focused on implementing the Reduction of emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) strategy exploring investment options to help adapt and mitigate climate change. Dr. Kalaba provides advice to the Government of Zambia on policies such as the REDD+ National Strategy. His work has a strong focus on the delivery of community benefits through REDD+ and policy linkages and implications on the natural resource base. He has also provided consultancy services on various projects, such as mapping ecosystem services in Zambia, Tanzania, and South Africa, for UNCCD/Foundation for Sustainable Development.

Adama SOW BADJI est Maître de Conférences Titulaire au département d’économie à la Faculté des Sciences économiques et de Gestion (FASEG) à l’université Cheikh Anta DIOP de Dakar (UCAD). Après sa maîtrise dans cette même faculté elle a été sélectionnée dans le Programme de Troisième Cycle Interuniversitaire (PTCI) Campus de Dakar où elle a obtenu son Diplôme d’Etude Approfondie en 2008 avant de devenir Docteur en économie dans ce même programme en 2015. Elle est nommée depuis juillet 2021 directrice des études du Centre Universitaire de Recherche et de formation aux Technologies de l’Internet (CURI).

Outside the university she was a fellowship for two months in 2015 at the Virtual Institute of UNCTAD in Geneva, member of the scientific committee at the direction of Forecasting and Economic Studies (DPEE) of the Ministry of Economy and Finance from 2016 to 2018 and member of the scientific committee for the organization of the annual conference on sustainable development at the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development for two years.

Adama SOW was an assistant in the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) program for the Sahel led by FASEG in collaboration with the Millenium Promise (MP) for five years.