Michael Wamithi

Michael brings to IFAW more than 35 years of experience in the conservation field. Previously, he served as officer and CEO of Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), CEO of Kenya Wildlife Trust (KWT), Advisory Council for the Pan-African Sanctuaries Association (PASA), and Supervisory Board member for the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) in The Hague, as well as IFAW’s Kenya Country Director and International Advisor for Africa.  

In these roles, Michael initiated and oversaw conservation projects across Africa aimed at enhancing the status of protected areas and conservancies; supported communities; guided the training and supervision of law enforcement staff; and campaigned against deforestation, poaching, and illegal wildlife trade. He has also helped review wildlife law in Kenya. 

Working in conservation has developed Michael’s strong love for the outdoors, as well as a recognition that an appreciation for wildlife—as with other positive values—must be fostered early on in people’s lives. He finds joy in providing opportunities and mentorship to young people. 

Today, Michael advises IFAW’s President and CEO, while serving on the boards of the East Africa Wildlife Society (EAWLS) and WJC in the US. He is also the founding Chairman of the Wildlife Conservation & Management Professionals Society of Kenya and the co-founder and CEO of the Africa Conservancy Foundation (ACF). He holds an MSc in Security Management and lives in Nairobi, Kenya.