Management
Meet the Team
Behind every successful conservation effort is a dedicated team—and at Loisaba, it takes many hands to protect 58,000 acres of wildlife habitat and support neighbouring communities. Our work is guided by the Loisaba Community Trust, a committed Board of Directors, and an experienced management team. On the ground, over 350 team members—ranging from rangers and rhino monitors to livestock herders, cooks, and cleaners—play a vital role in keeping the conservancy running smoothly every day. Together, they ensure Loisaba remains a place where wildlife, people, and landscapes thrive in harmony.
Trustees
Munira Anyonge
Joyce Ngugi
Bilal Yusuf
Directors
Sophie Kinyua (Chair)
Kieran Day (Vice-chair)
Chantal Migongo-Bake (TNC Institutional Seat)
George Osuri (KWS Institutional Seat)
Max Graham (SFG Institutional Seat)
Tom Lalampaa (NRT Institutional Seat)
Alex Njage
Maria Mbeneka
Ellie Modesta
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Tom Silvester
Chief Executive Officer
Tom is an entrepreneur, rancher and tourism operator with a degree in Agriculture from the University of Edinburgh. Since 1992, he has been working on a large scale tourism, ranching and conservation project in Northern Kenya. He founded Loisaba in 1997, and has been instrumental in guiding the organisation through significant transitions and growth. His deep-rooted understanding of the land, its wildlife, and the local communities has been pivotal in shaping Loisaba into a model of successful conservation and sustainable tourism. Under Tom's leadership, the conservancy has not only continued to thrive but has also expanded its impact, particularly in areas like community engagement, wildlife protection, and sustainable land management. Tom’s commitment to balancing conservation goals with the needs of local communities has helped to foster a collaborative environment that benefits both people and wildlife. As CEO, he is responsible for a labour force of over 400, security operations, wildlife conservation, security, maintenance of infrastructure and the implementation of new projects contributing to research and conservation. He also provides support to neighbouring communities in the way of health and education programmes and grazing plans for their livestock.
Hannah Campbell
Chief Administrative Officer
Hannah's passion for wildlife conservation led her to Kenya after completing her degree in Zoological Sciences at University College London. Her journey with Loisaba Conservancy began in 2017, working with the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance team on their reticulated giraffe and leopard research projects. In 2018, she officially joined the Loisaba team as the Conservation Liaison Officer, and today, she serves as the Chief Administrative Officer. In her role, Hannah plays a crucial part in the execution of annual management plans, grant management, policy development, and enhancing departmental efficiency. She manages and supports Loisaba's diverse conservation partnerships, oversees the implementation of community education and health initiatives, and contributes to the operational management and organisation of the conservancy.
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Daniel Yianker
Security Manager
Daniel became Security Manager at Loisaba Conservancy in 2017, following a distinguished 24-year career with Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), where he served in various game reserves and parks across Kenya, rising through the ranks from Ranger to Assistant Warden. Known for his efficiency and dedication, Daniel led numerous successful operations against poaching, including a high-profile case where his intelligence gathering resulted in the seizure of 81 pieces of ivory, night vision equipment, 50 rounds of heavy-calibre ammunition, and half a piece of rhino horn in Meru County, en route to China. At Loisaba, Daniel has trained and disciplined a formidable security force of over 60 rangers, including a specialized armed unit of 36 men. Under his leadership, Loisaba has maintained exceptional security and anti-poaching services, safeguarding the conservancy's wildlife and resources.
Francis Omondi
Finance Manager
Francis is an accomplished accountant who joined Loisaba Conservancy in 2016, bringing with him valuable experience from his previous roles at Catholic University and BAT Kenya. A graduate of Strathmore University with a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and a CPA qualification, Francis is known for his energy, dedication, and passion for delivering results. His commitment to excellence plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and efficient management of Loisaba's financial operations, contributing significantly to the conservancy's overall success.
Schola Waihenya
HR Manager
Schola joined Loisaba Conservancy after serving as the Head of Human Capital at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, bringing with her over 20 years of experience as a seasoned HR professional. Her deep passion for wildlife aligns perfectly with her belief that employees are the greatest asset and natural ambassadors of any organisation. Schola thrives in working with employees from diverse cultures, always eager to foster a positive and inclusive work environment. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a specialisation in Human Resources and is an active member of the Institute of Human Resource Management.
Paul Wachira Naiputari
Community Programmes Manager
Paul is a dedicated and selfless individual with a deep passion for community development and wildlife conservation. Before joining Loisaba, he worked as a research assistant on various projects, where he honed his commitment to social change and improving the quality of life in local communities. His experience in supporting numerous community initiatives has further fuelled his dedication to protecting wildlife and their habitats. Paul holds a diploma in Wildlife and Conservation Management from the Kenya Wildlife Service Training Institute, reflecting his strong foundation in conservation practices, and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Community Development.
Benard Gituku
Conservation Programmes Manager
Benard is a dedicated rangeland ecologist and conservation leader with at least nine years of experience in managing and preserving Kenya's vital wildlife spaces. With a background in Range Management from the University of Nairobi, Benard's career includes pivotal roles at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, where he led ecological monitoring efforts and contributed to significant research and conservation of endangered species for eight years. As the Head of Conservation Programmes at Loisaba Conservancy, he oversees initiatives that enhance critical biodiversity, habitat connectivity, and community conservation.
Ian Robertson
Workshop & Maintenance Manager
Born and raised in Kenya, Ian has led a diverse and adventurous career. His journey began with managing a cattle ranch near Tsavo, where he initiated and developed a 5,000-acre Jojoba project. He then spent five years on the Kenyan coast as a sisal manager before moving on to Kisima Farm in Timau, where he served as the workshop manager for 11 years. Ian's expertise took him to Portugal, where he spent a decade growing vegetables for the UK market and managing smart irrigation systems across Portugal, Spain, the UK, and Kenya. Returning to Kenya in 2013, Ian worked with Eastern Produce, a large multinational company, as the workshop and factory maintenance manager overseeing 1,500 hectares of tea plantations and seven factories in Nandi Hills. Ian joined the Loisaba team to lead the maintenance of the Conservancy, overseeing 27 staff members in the workshop, building, road, and fencing teams. His extensive experience and leadership ensure the smooth operation and upkeep of Loisaba’s vital infrastructure.
Tormod (Torrie) Macleod
Livestock Manager
Torrie graduated with a BA (Hons) from Exeter University and joined Loisaba in 2011. Throughout his time at the conservancy, he has contributed to various aspects of its operations, including construction, maintenance, security, and livestock management. Now, Torrie oversees the livestock programme, which involves managing breeding programmes, providing veterinary care, and implementing sustainable grazing practices. He also takes charge of internal logistics and general maintenance across the conservancy. When not overseeing livestock operations out in the field, Torrie can often be found at Loisaba HQ, where he enjoys spending time with his adopted family of orphaned kudus!
Jo Silvester
Stables and Landscape Manager
Jo is a talented sculptor and painter with a deep passion for the conservation of Loisaba's unique landscape. She plays a key role in managing the removal of non-indigenous plant species and is actively involved in the conservancy’s tree planting programme, vegetable gardens, and water recycling systems. Jo also oversees the pony breeding and training programme, ensuring the stables and riding activities run smoothly. Beyond her conservation efforts, Jo collaborates with local women on various art projects, including some large installations that are proudly displayed in Nairobi.
Dr Melanie Wangui
Veterinarian
Dr. Melanie Wangui Wangui is Loisaba Conservancy’s on-site wildlife veterinarian, working closely with the Kenya Wildlife Service, and in partnership with the Smithsonian and Max Planck Institutions. A graduate of Egerton University with a degree in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, she brings hands-on experience in wildlife health, emergency response, and community engagement. Her approach is rooted in the One Health philosophy, recognising the vital link between animal, human, and environmental well-being. At Loisaba, Dr. Melanie leads veterinary interventions, monitors wildlife health—including rhinos, elephants, and carnivores—and is helping to develop a rapid diagnostic platform for identifying wildlife diseases in free-ranging animals.