Gibson Mwatete

Part Time Lecturer , University of Eldoret

Eldoret, Kenya

Experienced Environmental Economist with 15+ years of managing projects. Expertise in climate finance, nature-based solutions, stakeholder engagement and capacity building. Skilled in project planning, budgeting and execution. Seeking a role to apply hands-on experience in managing projects within established constraints. Open to assignments in fragile, conflict-affected and post-disaster regions

Contact Gibson Mwatete
Area of Expertise:
  • Agriculture, Livelihoods, Microfinance, Rural
  • Capacity Building, Training, Advocacy
  • Environment, Climate, Energy, Water, Sanitation
  • Fundraising, Business Development, Grants Writer
  • Monitoring, Evaluation, Policy, Research, Analysis
Professional Experience:

I am a seasoned project management and environmental conservation expert with over 15 years of experience in sustainable development, climate resilience, and biodiversity conservation. My career spans academia, program management, project implementation, and policy advocacy, with a strong focus on risk management, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment.
Currently, I serve as a Part-Time Lecturer at the University of Eldoret, specializing in Project Monitoring & Evaluation, Disaster Economics, and Environmental Education. I develop curricula, deliver lectures, and conduct research in these areas while mentoring students in project management and sustainability strategies.

Previously, I was the Local Empowerment Program Manager at Nature Kenya, where I led the implementation of seven large-scale conservation and livelihood projects funded by organizations such as GEF, UNEP, UNDP, IUCN, Darwin Initiative, and Safaricom PLC. My core responsibilities included project design, fundraising, stakeholder engagement, policy advocacy, and capacity-building for local conservation networks. Additionally, I provided technical support for climate resilience, carbon financing, and biodiversity conservation initiatives across Kenya.

As a Project Officer and Project Manager at Nature Kenya, I successfully coordinated landscape conservation programs in Nandi forest landscapes, funded by DFID, DANIDA, and the EU. I played a pivotal role in policy formulation, strategic partnerships, and community-driven conservation models, ensuring sustainable ecosystem management and improved livelihoods.

Beyond conservation, I have a strong background in training and capacity development. I served as a Part-Time Lecturer at the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM), delivering courses on Project Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation, and Business Skills Training under the Kenya Youth Empowerment Program (KYEOP).

My career began as a Project Assistant at the East African Wild Life Society, where I gained hands-on experience in community-led conservation, environmental policy, and donor-funded program implementation.

I am actively involved in consultancies that bridge environmental sustainability and economic development. My recent engagements include:
• Carbon credit project development, funded by The Nature Conservancy, through conducting woody biomass and Soil organic carbon assessments, developing Benefit-sharing mechanisms, and preparing a Project Design Document (PDD) for Plan Vivo;
• Development of 10-year Nandi County Energy Plan funded by World Bank and Nandi County;
• Leading the development of a 10-year Integrated Solid Waste Management Strategy that promotes waste valorization and cost recovery through Willingness-To-Pay (WTP) tariffs;
• Climate-SMART water & sewerage tariffs study, through conducting a socio-economic study to inform sustainable water and sewerage pricing models, funded by Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company (ELDOWAS);
• Economic valuation of oil spill losses, funded by Musembi Ndolo & Co. Advocates, through assessment of environmental and livelihood damages in Thange River Basin, Makueni, and estimation of remediation costs for legal compensation.

With expertise in environmental economics, carbon accounting, and sustainable land management, I am committed to advancing climate resilience, project sustainability, and policy-driven conservation strategies at local, national, and international levels.

Education:

I hold a Master of Science in Environmental Economics from the University of Eldoret, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Project Management from the Kenya Institute of Management, and a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Political Science from the University of Nairobi. I am finalizing my PhD in Project Management from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), where I am currently preparing manuscripts for publication.

My expertise is further enhanced by specialized certifications, including Economics and Policies of Climate Change certification- ongoing (University of Geneva), Carbon Accounting certification (Persefoni Academy), Nature-based Solutions for Climate Resilience (SDG Academy – UN), and Environmental Impact Assessment (NEMA License No. 8457). Additionally, I have undergone professional training in climate change, participatory forest management, resource mobilization, GIS applications, and beekeeping value chains.

With strong analytical, project management, and research skills, I bring a multi-disciplinary approach to climate finance, environmental sustainability, and risk management, making me well-suited for roles in international development and climate resilience initiatives.

Affiliations and Achievements:

Professional Memberships and Affiliations
i. Member, Kenya Management Institute (KMI): Engaged in knowledge sharing and best practices in project management.
ii. Member, Environmental Institute of Kenya (EIK): Supporting environmental governance and policy advocacy in Kenya.
iii. Member, Nature Kenya (East Africa Natural History Society): Actively involved in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development initiatives.

Notable Achievements

Academic and Research Contributions
1. Published works
• “Best practices and lessons learnt on Mitigation of Climate change”
• “The BIOTA East Africa Atlas; Rainforest Change over Time” (I gave Additional Comments)
• “Technical efficiency in rice production for improved food security”
• “Assessing economic value and credit market potential of carbon stock in South Nandi Forest”
• “Comparing economic performance of two rice technologies in West Kano irrigation scheme”
• “Technical efficiency differentials between rice production methods”
• “Role of culture in sustainable management of Mijikenda Kaya forests”
• “Training materials/ modules for Community-Based Organizations”

2. Technical reports & policy documents
• Successfully led and managed complex sustainability-focused projects, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to donor requirements.
• Lead author of 10-year County Energy Plan in Nandi County
• Lead author of 10 year Integrated Solid Waste Management Strategy for Nandi County.
• Authored the Climate-SMART water & sewerage tariffs proposal for Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company (ELDOWAS), submitted to Water Service Regulatory Board (WASREB) for approval.
• Developed economic valuation report on oil spill damages in Thange River Basin, Makueni County.
• Led in production of Pre-feasibility Assessment of Carbon project for Eldoret-Iten Water Fund (EIWF).
• Currently undertaking full study of Carbon project of the Eldoret-Iten Water Fund Carbon Credit Project.
• Piloted Payment for Water Services (PWS) projects in Mt. Kenya and Aberdare forests, scaling up from 5 to 34 forest stations.
• Led in restoration of 850+ hectares of degraded forests and marine ecosystems with high tree survival rates.
• Established 4,500 hectares of community land as Community Conserved Areas (CCAs) for carbon storage and biodiversity conservation.
• Designed and implemented wetlands conservation projects, including biodiversity surveys and water quality assessments in Tana Delta, Yala Swamp, King’wal Swamp, and Kibirong Swamp.

Leadership and community engagement:
i. Former Local Empowerment Program Manager, Nature Kenya: Spearheaded multi-million-dollar conservation projects in the Country, Kenya.
ii. Facilitator, Kenya Youth Empowerment & Opportunities Program (KYEOP): Trained over 500 youth on business and project management skills.
iii. Mentoring of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and NGOs: Supported local organizations in project design, fundraising, and governance.

Available for:

  • Job opportunities

Years of Experience:

15-20 years

Highest Qualification:

Masters

Languages:

English, Kiswahili, Kigiriama

Nationality:

Kenya

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