Dr. Benjamin Kinyili | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award
Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests at Kenya Forest Service, Kenya
Dr. Benjamin Mutuku Kinyili is a distinguished Kenyan environmental expert with over 36 years of experience in forest management, conservation, and sustainable development. Holding a Ph.D. in Environmental Studies from Kenyatta University, his research focuses on agroforestry adoption and its impact on ecosystem services and livelihoods. Dr. Kinyili’s extensive expertise spans areas such as climate change mitigation, forest resource management, ecosystem services, and environmental security. He has also contributed to strategic planning and policy development at national and international levels. In addition to his leadership roles, including Acting Manager at the Kenya Forest Service and Principal Conservator of Forests, Dr. Kinyili has served as a part-time lecturer at Chuka University. His commitment to community outreach, capacity building, and the integration of forest conservation with rural development further underscores his significant impact on environmental sustainability. He is also an advocate for using nature-based solutions to resolve forestry and environmental challenges.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Benjamin Mutuku Kinyili has an extensive educational background, with qualifications spanning environmental studies, diplomacy, and forestry. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Environmental Studies from Kenyatta University in 2021, focusing his research on the influence of agroforestry adoption on ecosystem services and livelihoods in Machakos County, Kenya. Additionally, he holds a Master of Arts in Diplomacy and International Studies from the University of Nairobi, where his thesis explored sports diplomacy in advancing environmental security in Africa. Dr. Kinyili also obtained a Master of Environmental Science from Kenyatta University in 2014, studying participatory forest management. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Botany and Zoology from Kenyatta University, followed by specialized training in sustainable forest management, including a diploma from the University of Helsinki. He has pursued numerous professional development courses, including strategic leadership and management programs at institutions such as the Kenya School of Government and the National Defence College.
Professional Experience
Dr. Benjamin Mutuku Kinyili has over 36 years of professional experience in forest management, conservation, and environmental studies. He currently serves as the Acting Manager for Forest Survey and Information Management at Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Headquarters. Throughout his career, Dr. Kinyili has held numerous leadership positions, including Principal Conservator of Forests and Ecosystem Conservator in various counties, managing conservation areas and leading forest protection and sustainable management efforts. He has been involved in significant projects such as promoting agroforestry, ecosystem services, climate change mitigation, and forest resource assessments. Dr. Kinyili has also contributed to policy development and regional security planning related to forestry. His expertise extends to community-based natural resource management, capacity building, and forest resource utilization. Additionally, he has been a part-time lecturer at Chuka University, where he taught various environmental and forestry courses, further showcasing his commitment to education and mentorship.
Research Interest
Dr. Benjamin Mutuku Kinyili’s research interests are deeply rooted in sustainable forest management, environmental conservation, and the integration of community-based approaches to natural resource utilization. His work focuses on the promotion of agroforestry, ecosystem services, and the sustainable use of forest resources, particularly in rural communities. He is also passionate about the role of forests in climate change mitigation and adaptation, exploring how forests contribute to greenhouse gas reduction and sustainable livelihoods. Dr. Kinyili has conducted extensive research on participatory forest management and forest resource assessments, as well as the impacts of forest conservation on local communities. His research extends to forest plantations management, tree planting initiatives, and the potential of biomass production from short rotation forest systems. Additionally, he is dedicated to fostering community engagement in environmental conservation, policy development, and the role of forests in food security and watershed conservation, ensuring a balanced approach to development and environmental sustainability.
Award and Honor
Dr. Benjamin Mutuku Kinyili has earned several notable awards and honors throughout his distinguished career in forestry and environmental conservation. His exceptional contributions to sustainable forest management and community engagement have earned him recognition in both national and international circles. Dr. Kinyili’s dedication to environmental conservation is evident in his involvement with key research projects, especially those focusing on agroforestry, ecosystem services, and climate change mitigation. He has also participated in various international training programs, such as those conducted by the University of Helsinki and the Academy of Forestry Administration in China, further enhancing his expertise. His leadership roles, particularly within the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), have cemented his reputation as a respected professional in the field. Dr. Kinyili’s career reflects a commitment to improving forest governance, promoting environmental security, and strengthening community-based natural resource management approaches, all of which contribute to his well-deserved recognition and accolades.
Conclusion
Dr. Benjamin Mutuku Kinyili is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his extensive academic qualifications, impactful professional experience, and dedication to forestry conservation and community development. While there is room to expand his publication record and embrace emerging technologies in his research, his multidisciplinary expertise, strategic vision, and proven leadership make him a compelling contender for this award.
Publications Top Noted
- Title: Socio-Economic and Institutional Factors Influencing Adoption of Agroforestry in Arid and Semi-Arid (ASALs) Areas of Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: BM Kinyili, E Ndunda, E Kitur
Year: 2020
Citation: International Journal of Forestry and Horticulture (IJFH) 6 (1), 8-18
- Title: Potential of agroforestry in sustainable fuelwood supply in Kenya
Authors: BM Kinyili
Year: 2022
Citation: J. Energy Nat. Resour 11, 1-6
- Title: Impacts of participatory forest management approach in Ol Bolossat forest, Nyandarua county, Kenya
Authors: BM Kinyili
Year: 2014
Citation: Kenyatta University
- Title: Influence of Agroforestry on Rural Income and Livelihood of Smallholder Farmers in the Semi-Arid Region of Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: BM Kinyili, E Ndunda, E Kitur
Year: 2020
Citation: Journal of Tropical Forestry and Environment 10 (1)
- Title: Trade-off between Agroforestry and Ecosystem Services among Smallholder Farmers in Machakos, Kenya
Authors: BM Kinyili, E Ndunda, E Kitur
Year: 2019
Citation: Africa Environmental Review Journal 3 (2), 145-155
- Title: Utilizing Indigenous Knowledge Systems on Climate Change for Forestry Conservation in Kenya
Authors: BM Kinyili
Year: 2023
Citation: American Journal of Environment and Climate 2 (3), 66-72
- Title: Chapter-1 Adoption of sustainable agroforestry practices in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: BM Kinyili, E Ndunda
Year: 2022
Citation: Research Trends in Forestry Sciences. AkiNik Publications, Rohini, Delhi
- Title: Influence of Duration of Agroforestry on Physico-Chemical Soil Quality Parameters in Machakos County, Kenya
Authors: BM Kinyili, E Ndunda, E Kitur
Year: 2020
Citation: J. Appl. Sci. Eng. Technol. Dev, 2020.4-1.4
- Title: Agroforestry Stand Age Influence Physical and Chemical Soil Parameters
Authors: BM Kinyili, E Ndunda, E Kitur
Year: 2024
Citation: Trees, Forests and People 18, 100694
- Title: Forest Adjacent Community Perception on Fencing for Forest Conservation around Western Mt. Kenya Forest
Authors: BM Kinyili
Year: 2023
Citation: International Journal of Forestry and Ecosystem 1 (1), 1-8
- Title: The Nexus of Climate Change and Land-use in Kenya
Authors: BM Kinyili
Year: 2023
Citation: International Journal of Environment and Climate Change 13 (8), 2228-2241
- Title: An Inventory of Wetland Plants with Medicinal Properties in Kenya
Authors: BM Kinyili
Year: 2023
Citation: N/A