Michael Wamithi is a conservationist with over 35 year successful career in Nature conservation to which he remains actively involved as an independent consultant and serves as adviser to the CEO of International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), and sits on the boards of the East Africa Wildlife Society (EAWLS, Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) Kenya chapter, The Wildlife Justice Commission USA(WJC),The Wildlife Habitat Trust, The Ecosystem Trust Fund and is the current chairman of the Wildlife Conservation & Management Professionals Society of Kenya. He is also Co-founder-CEO of The Africa Conservancy Foundation (ACF).
He has previously served as Park warden and also Director General of Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), The CEO Kenya Wildlife Trust (KWT) and Kenya Country Director and International Advisor for Africa of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Advisory Council of PASA (Pan-African Sanctuaries Association) and Supervisory Board member of the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC). In these roles Michael has initiated and oversighted many conservation projects across Africa aimed at enhancing the status of Protected Areas and Conservancies, enhancing livelihoods of local communities, guided training and supervision of law enforcement staff, campaigned against destruction of forests, poaching and international illegal wildlife trade. He has also participated in review of the wildlife law and policy in Kenya.
Working in conservation has developed a strong love for outdoors and a realization that even nature conservation, as with other positive societal values, to take hold one has to start early with young people. He finds much joy in providing opportunity and mentorship to young people especially, and creating awareness in Kenya citizens in general regarding the environment, current social causes, building their social capital and developing healthy physical and mental lifestyles.
Michael 61 years, carries a strong passion for conservation and extensive skills in donor relations, protected area management, institutional management and administration. He holds a Masters of science degree in Security management and lives in Nairobi, Kenya.
