Kenya Wildlife Trust Welcomes New Leadership to the Board
The Kenya Wildlife Trust (KWT) is excited to announce a dynamic new expansion of our Board of Directors. We welcome Michael Wamithi, Winnie Wambugu, and Arnolda Shiundu – three exceptional leaders who bring a wealth of expertise from diverse backgrounds to the KWT’s mission of predator conservation and community-focused stewardship.
Meet Our New Board Members
Michael Wamithi
Michael Wamithi, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of The Africa Conservancy Foundation, joins our board as the new chairperson with over 35 years of experience in conservation. His renowned career, including leadership roles at Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), underscores his commitment to protecting Africa‘s wildlife. Michael’s involvement in initiating conservation projects, training law enforcement staff, and enhancing the livelihoods of local communities has left an indelible mark on the conservation landscape. We are honored to have him guide our strategic initiatives at KWT.
Arnolda Angela Shiundu
Arnolda Angela Shiundu, the Sustainability Lead Africa at Diageo, brings a wealth of knowledge in sustainability, public affairs, and strategic communications. Recognized as one of the Top 25 Influential Women In Marketing Impacting Business, Arnolda has spearheaded pioneering sustainability agendas, earning accolades on a national, regional, and global scale. Her commitment to nature, evidenced by her outdoor pursuits, reflects her dedication to corporate sustainability. We are excited to leverage Arnolda’s expertise in communications, and public relations as we continue to advance our conservation efforts.
Winnie Wambugu
Winnie Wambugu, a Partner at Axum, joins our board with a dynamic background in both the public and private sectors. Her extensive experience in youth empowerment projects and communication efforts, coupled with her passion for mentoring African women leaders, aligns perfectly with KWT’s mission. Having begun her career in the hospitality industry, Winnie understands the vital link between conservation and tourism. Her expertise will be invaluable in strengthening community development initiatives at the grassroots level.
“After a wonderful 10 years as Chairman of the Kenya Wildlife Trust, I am now handing over the reins to someone who needs no introduction in the conservation world, Michael Wamithi. Karibu sana, Michael! However, I look forward to maintaining my long association with KWT in my new role as Chairman Emeritus.” – Allan Earnshaw, Outgoing Board Chair
Winnie, Arnolda, and Michael join KWT at a pivotal moment where balancing predator conservation, partnerships, and community well-being is paramount. Their perspectives on sustainability, strategic leadership, and on-the-ground experience greatly boost our work within Kenya’s most significant ecosystems: Greater Mara, Samburu-Laikipia, and Amboseli-Tsavo.
“My career actually began in the hospitality industry where I briefly had the pleasure of working in the Mara and Samburu. Excited to be coming full circle and thrilled at the opportunity to work with the Kenya Wildlife Trust in strengthening the connection between conservation and tourism as well as amplifying community development at the grassroots.” – Winnie Wambugu, Board Member
The Board and the entire KWT team are enthusiastic about this new chapter. We believe these exceptional individuals will amplify our impact and help us secure the future of Kenya’s most precious natural resources – its predators and the communities connected to them.
