Our Team

Jonathan is CER-K’s founder and organisational lead. He has managed restoration design at our Highland Hub since 2019 and successfully accredited Brackenhurst Botanic Garden and Forest as the first BGCI Botanic Garden in Kenya. Jonathan holds an MSc in Land and Ecosystem Restoration. In 2021, he became a Society of Ecosystem Restoration Practitioner in Training (SERPiT). During his studies, he recognised an opportunity and need to grow botanic gardens beyond the confines of the highland ecosystem. Jonathan has expanded our areas of work to global biodiversity hotspots by launching our Savannah and Coastal Hubs.

Andrew has a PhD in Botany, specialising in conservation genetics. He also holds an MSc in Botany (Population Genetics), and a BSc in Biotechnology. Andrew previously worked as a propagation specialist at Syngenta-Kenya Cuttings Ltd., and as a part-time lecturer in the Department of Botany at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Nairobi. Andrew designs and implements science-based approaches that promote the conservation, preservation, and restoration of degraded ecosystems.

Victor is a seed scientist with 15 years of experience in project management, experiment design, seed analyses and seed value chains. He has an MSc. in Seed Technology and Business Management and he is a member of the International Society for Seed Science (ISSS). He manages CER-K’s Seedbank at our highland forest site. Victor comes to us with 12 years of experience at the Kenya Forestry Research Institute, working on various donor-funded projects as a project officer and collaborating with stakeholders in conservation and sustainable use of Forest Genetic Resources (FGR).

Nicola Heath, BSc in Fine Arts, boasts a decade of illustrative mastery and is recognised as an expert in her field in communicating through art. As a critical member of CER-K since its inception in 2019, she has shaped the organisation's visual identity, infusing it with her passion for connecting people to nature. Nicola's expertise spans across all visual elements, from infographics to botanical gardens, making her an indispensable asset in the realm of art and communication.

Harrison holds an MSc in water technology, a joint program by the Wageningen University of Research, University of Twente, and Groningen, the Netherlands. He holds a BSc in Environmental and Biosystems Engineering from the University of Nairobi. Before joining CER-K, He is CER-K’s savannah restoration manager based in the Mara. Harrison is enthusiastic about learning new things, sharing knowledge, effecting change, and bringing long-lasting solutions to conservation problems. He aspires to see resilient, diverse, and functional ecosystems in the Mara and globally.

Teresiah Muciku Mungai our Coastal Hub Manager with a background in Botany (MSc) and Ecology and Environmental Sciences (PhD). With experience as a research affiliate at the National Museums of Kenya and as a part-time associate at ECAS, Teresiah is passionate about conservation and science leadership. She thrives on providing impactful guidance for environmental programs, exploring innovative approaches, and forging partnerships to enhance conservation efforts. Teresiah is committed to developing and implementing coastal conservation and management strategies, ensuring the sustainability of coastal ecosystems and resources.

Lucy holds a BSc in Biotechnology and did her thesis on plant pathology. She previously interned at the National Public Health Laboratories. She currently supports CER-K with biotechnological intervention in landscape restoration and conservation of biological resources, and works as the seed bank assistant. Her interests include biofertilisers, vermiculture, biopesticides, bioremediation, and biopharmaceuticals.

Tobin holds a BSc in Plant Ecology and Environmental Science from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). He is inspired as a botanist to conserve plant life so that we can be able to sustain and achieve our sustainable development goals and protect the earth's environment by protecting and restoring degraded land.

David Karanja Wambui is a Botanist and Taxonomist consultant based at the Coastal Hub. With a BSc in Botany from Pwani University (2021), he dedicates his expertise to ecosystem restoration and biodiversity preservation. Collaborating with organisations such as Pwani Botanical Garden, Leaf Charity, and Kenya Forest Service-Kilifi, David's passion lies in exploring diverse ecosystems, discovering new plant species, and understanding the intricate relationships between flora and fauna. As a Research Assistant, he facilitates taxonomic work and trains field teams in research techniques, contributing to the understanding and preserving biodiversity.

Protus Mutua is a passionate environmentalist and horticulturist with a BSc in Environmental Horticulture and Landscaping Technology From JKUAT. He is keenly interested in creating sustainable and beautiful landscapes that enhance the quality of life and the environment. He is skilled in various aspects of horticulture, such as plant identification, propagation, ornamental plant management, and design. He is proficient in using multiple tools and software for landscaping projects, such as AutoCAD and LandscapePRO. Protus is always eager to learn new things and expand his knowledge in horticulture and landscaping.

Mercy Sigei is the manager at Highland Hub Landscaping, bringing her expertise as a graduate with a BSc in environmental horticulture and landscaping technology. With a background as a Landscape maintenance lead at The Rustic Landscapes Studios, she fosters a deep passion for green spaces that enhance people's lives. She aims to delve into the interconnection of landscapes and biodiversity at CER-K.

Shadrack is an upcoming environmentalist with certificate courses in computer engineering, nursery management, seed collection, and introduction to seed banking. He also has certified course badges in forest and landscape restoration and restoration site management. He is currently the nursery manager for CER-K and on an aspiring journey of integrating technology with ecology and the environment.

Maina has worked at Brackenhurst—now our Highland Forest Hub—for 20 years as the grounds manager. A Kikuyu cultural specialist on trees and shrubs, Maina is passionate about teaching people about indigenous trees and making sure that we are not just planting trees but looking after them while we grow. He manages the forest, planting trees and understories, and runs tree-planting activities with adults and children.