We want a world that is thriving, sustainable, and inclusive.

An Environmental Organisation with a Difference

We have had an on-the-ground presence in East Africa for the last 15 years, which has enabled us to build strong connections with both our clients and conservation communities. This local engagement positions our experts prominently in the environmental space and equips us with the knowledge to convey complex messages to a variety of groups, from implementing conservation arrangements with local communities to high-level dialogue with policy leaders.

"With a small, agile team of 20 people based in East Africa, we can mobilise our experts quickly and drive projects forward within tight timeframes."

Our team

Our team is a rare combination of experts who have spent years as both academic researchers and practitioners in fields ranging from conservation, ecology, and development to impact-focused finance and agriculture. This breadth of skills and knowledge has enabled us to work with a range of clients and a diverse project base to date. Nearly all our team members are from the regions we work in, combining our in-depth sectoral knowledge with local nuance, practicalities, language, and cultural understanding.

Dr. Peter Tyrrell

As a co-founder and director at Sustain, Dr. Peter Tyrrell leads the planning and implementation of the organisation’s conservation and development portfolio across East Africa. He is responsible for strategic oversight, scientific direction, and client engagement, ensuring high standards in both delivery and collaboration. Pete has extensive knowledge about the ecological and socio-economic systems in East Africa, with a depth of knowledge in economic cost-benefits of conservation and applied science. He has 10 years working as a practitioner and researcher in East Africa, leading and supporting diverse projects across Kenya and beyond, from developing conservation financing frameworks and governance systems for conservancies, to advancing climate-resilient landscape finance mechanisms.

Dr. Peadar Brehony

As a co-founder and director at Sustain, Dr. Peadar Brehony leads the planning and implementation of the organisation’s conservation and development portfolio across East Africa. He is responsible for strategic oversight, scientific direction, and client engagement, ensuring high standards in both delivery and collaboration. Peadar brings over a decade of experience in conservation science and practice, with particular expertise in community-based conservation, land use change, and the intersection of social and ecological systems. He has held roles as a coordinator of a cross-border conservation initiative, technical advisor, and data scientist, working across Kenya, Tanzania, and beyond. Peadar holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge, where his research focused on the impact of conservation on social-ecological systems, particularly the interplay between drought, conservation, and pastoralist livelihoods in southern Kenya.

Linda Alumada

Linda Alumada is a project assistant at Sustain, supporting data analysis, strategic planning, and reporting across key initiatives. With her passion for GIS, Linda also contributes to mapping, survey analysis, and the development of organizational tools and workflows. Linda has a Bachelor of Applied Science in Geo-informatics from The Technical University of Kenya, she navigates the world of data, maps, and systems. Her professional journey has been diverse, ranging from roles as a System Analyst/Business Analyst Intern to contributing as a GIS Data Entry Assistant. Each experience has added layers to her skill set.

Tom Bachmann

Tom Bachmann supports Sustain by specializing in ecological monitoring and research advisory services covering social-ecological systems in East Africa. Tom holds an MSc Biology (Ecology) from Wageningen University & Research, during which he evaluated the implementation of landscape-scale occupancy models for large carnivores in Kenya’s South Rift. Tom is an autodidact and pragmatic young professional that is keen to explore the resilience and interplay of people and wildlife across working landscapes, considering sustainable community development to be an opportunity that’s synonymous with effective biodiversity conservation.

Emma Etchells

Emma Etchells supports Sustain's research and monitoring efforts by coordinating data collection, designing qualitative and quantitative research tools, and co-authoring reports and communications. She focuses on socio-ecological systems, contributing to understanding biodiversity conservation, community engagement, and resource utilization in East Africa. Emma holds a Master’s degree in Sustainable Development from SOAS, University of London and has a strong interest in community conservation. Before joining Sustain, Emma gained multidisciplinary experience across the development sector, including evaluating agricultural extension services delivered through a range of digital platforms for smallholder farmers in East Africa. Her broader experience spans project management, research, and donor engagement.

David Tyrrell

As a strategic advisor to Sustain, David Tyrrell brings expertise in agriculture, climate change, and renewable energy, offering guidance on strategic planning and technical approaches to ensure high-impact, high-quality solutions. David is a management professional with experience in Europe and Africa focused on agriculture, climate change and renewable energy. Roles with Multinational Companies including technical development, sales and marketing, and Board level management positions. Consulting experience on numerous projects many focused on business development and promoting and commercializing small holder farmer businesses. He specialises on linking SME’s to investors and donors, writing concept notes for donor funds (including DFID and USAID) and evaluating concept notes and Business plans for various investment funds. He has carried out assignments in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi and Mozambique. He have 41 years experience in the Agricultural field including 7 years as Managing Director of Rhone Poulenc/ Aventis in Nairobi and 18 years as a consultant in East Africa where he has been working on projects including clean energy, climate change, animal health, moringa, essential oils, tilapia farming, seed companies, chicken production, agro inputs, hybrid rice, mango, avocado, chilli, herbs, and dairy.

Dr. Lauren Evans

Lauren Evans supports Sustain by providing strategic leadership and expert guidance in the design and implementation of interdisciplinary biodiversity conservation projects. Lauren has worked in conservation in East Africa for 15 years, always in an interdisciplinary way. Lauren's PhD and post-doctoral research at the University of Cambridge looked at the political ecology of electrified 'elephant' fences in Laikipia, Kenya: the politics they represent and create. Lauren delved into issues of identity and access in relation to land by pastoralists and conservationists and the agency of elephants as political actors in breaking fences. She then directed the conservation science department for NGO Space for Giants for eight years: building and mentoring a team of scientists and students; working with farmers, researchers, governments and NGOs to understand and mitigate human-elephant conflict in Kenya, Uganda and Gabon; ensuring the social and ecological impact of conservation practice was measured and evaluated. She is currently training as a practitioner in nonviolent communication and conflict resolution.

Freddie Hunter

Freddie Hunter supports Sustain with the development of methods for the monitoring and evaluation of environmental processes and natural resources, utilising satellite imagery and data science. Freddie has extensive knowledge of statistics and data science for ecological and geo-spatial data, and of electromagnetic radiation for remote sensing theory. His past work involved the use of a range of satellites and instrument types (Multi/Hyper Spectral, SAR, LIDAR) for mapping, change detection, and classification. He is a competent programmer in several languages (R, Python, Javascript and shell), which he uses for data processing, statistical modelling, machine learning and software engineering.

Justin Joyness

Justin serves as a visual designer at Sustain, creating engaging illustrations and digital assets that support clear communication. Justin is an experienced graphic designer, digital artist, and illustrator known for his creative versatility and eye for detail. With a strong foundation in design, a passion for visual arts, professional freelance experience, and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Software Engineering, he blends artistic vision with technical precision to create visually innovative digital work. Justin effectively translates data and information into clear and professional visuals that help convey key messages with impact.

Emma Kambua

Emma Kambua currently serves as a GIS Analyst at Sustain, where she supports spatial data initiatives and contributes to landscape-level conservation and sustainable land management projects across the East African region. Kambua, an alumna of the University of Nairobi, holds a dual Bachelor’s degree in Geography, Population and Environmental Studies, as well as Sociology. She is deeply committed to driving meaningful change in society and the environment. With strong expertise in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing, Kambua passionately utilises these tools to address environmental challenges, support urban planning, and advance conservation efforts. Her work involves analysing spatial data to identify patterns and propose sustainable solutions that benefit ecosystems.

Sandy Kooistra

As the Operations Manager, Sandy Kooistra helps keep Sustain’s projects, office and company running efficiently and smoothly by providing administrative and logistical support to the team. Sandy holds a Bachelors Degree in International Development and Globalization Studies from Trent University in Canada and has worked for many years in the development sector in both programming and operations. Her work has included supporting medical programs, improving access to clean water, and enhancing food security for rural communities in various contexts.

Joy Muganda

Joy Muganda supports conservation efforts at Sustain by developing financial models and innovative financing mechanisms, crafting strategic documents, and conducting stakeholder mapping and risk analysis. Joy is a dynamic and self-motivated individual who is deeply passionate about sustainable development and its intersection with environmental stewardship. Her MSc in Climate Change, Development & Policy from the University of Sussex cemented her interest in the financial system's pivotal role in driving climate and conservation solutions. Joy expertly leverages climate finance and impact investing to mobilize capital for nature-based solutions and biodiversity protection. Her experience includes analyzing investment portfolios for their contributions to climate initiatives. She is dedicated to offering fresh perspectives and practical financial strategies that better align the needs of people and biodiversity, fostering resilient ecosystems and communities across the region.

Rose Muiyuro

As Project Manager for Sustain, Rose Muiyuro leads interdisciplinary projects across various thematic areas: climate resilience enhancement, sustainable land management, and community conservation in East Africa. Rose has experience in project management; research and monitoring; data collection, analysis and utilization in policy development; and stakeholder capacity building in the areas of environment and climate change. Her interests revolve around the use of data science to influence environmental conservation and sustainable use of available resources and exploring the nexus between communities, conservation and development. She has previously worked with the Ministry of Environment (Climate Change Directorate) in various climate change adaptation and mitigation projects in Kenya revolving around the Climate Change Act (2016) and The National Climate Change Action Plan (2018-2022). Additionally, she also worked in Osilalei Ltd, an environmental consulting firm that specializes in harnessing the power of data and information to address real-world challenges in environmental conservation and development.

Ceciliah Njagi

As an Analyst at Sustain East Africa, Ceciliah Njagi applies expertise in ecological assessments and carbon modelling to strengthen the design, implementation, and impact of nature-based solutions. She contributes to project strategies, theories of change, and biodiversity co-benefits, ensuring alignment with climate goals and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Passionate about bridging science and community-driven action, she works to foster resilient landscapes that benefit both people and nature. Ceciliah is pursuing a PhD in Environmental Studies and Community Development at Kenyatta University, researching how local communities and green initiatives can thrive together. She brings rigorous ecological insight to projects that restore landscapes and secure livelihoods for generations to come.

Erick Odire

Erick Odire leads spatial data analysis and mapping across a range of conservation and land use projects at Sustain. He applies geospatial tools such as Google Earth Engine (GEE), R, and QGIS to generate insights that inform decision-making around ecosystem conservation, rangeland management, and community livelihoods. Erick is an environmental scientist and geospatial data specialist with nearly seven years of experience applying GIS and remote sensing tools to support evidence-based conservation and development across East Africa. He holds an MSc in Environment and Natural Resources Management from Makerere University and a BA in Geography from Moi University. Erick has led and supported numerous projects in biodiversity conservation, carbon accounting, sustainable finance, and rangeland management. His work combines technical expertise in spatial analysis, Earth observation, and data visualization with a deep commitment to using science and technology to inform strategic decisions in complex socio-ecological systems.

Kokubanza Timanywa

Kokubanza Timanywa assists with project delivery by managing stakeholder communications, designing compelling outputs, and synthesizing complex research findings, ensuring impactful outputs. With a BA in Global Challenges from the African Leadership University School of Wildlife Conservation in Rwanda, Koku is a conservation leader passionate about transforming conservation outcomes by supporting the pursuit of sustainability. Her expertise mainly lies in tourism enterprise development, communications, and research. Koku worked with several conservation organizations in Tanzania and Rwanda, such as Water Access Rwanda, Honeyguide Foundation, and AndBeyond Travel. She was also one of the organizers of an inaugural 2022 Youth4Nature conference in Tanzania which gave aspiring youth in East Africa a platform to hear the inspiring stories of other young and established conservation leaders.

Esther Wairimu

Esther Wairimu supports data-driven projects through survey design and implementation, data analysis, and coordination to ensure timely and smooth execution. She also supports technical reporting, proposal development, and stakeholder engagement, drawing on practical experience working with communities in the field. Before joining the Sustain team, Esther worked as a research assistant on a project titled ‘Inclusive and Climate Smart Business Models in Ethiopian and Kenyan Dairy Value Chains (CSDEK)’, which is linked to the CCAFS project NAMA for Dairy Development in Kenya. Esther is currently pursuing her MSc in Climate Change and Adaptation at the University of Nairobi, where her research thesis focuses on the quantification of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the smallholder dairy value chain in Kenya. Prior to this, she graduated with honours in BSc Range Management from the University of Nairobi, complemented by hands-on experience gained through her internship with the National Drought Management Authority in Kilifi County, and at Kakuzi Limited, where she developed a strong passion for dryland ecosystems and sustainable land management.

Kate West

As part of the senior management team for Sustain, Kate West leads project oversight alongside supporting wider strategic and organisational development. Kate brings her experience from both the applied conservation and sustainable financing worlds to her role at Sustain, with expertise in marine conservation. Kate has over a decade of experience that blends conservation, international development, and sustainable finance. She has led marine programmes in Africa and South-East Asia and has designed outcomes-based financing mechanisms for addressing international development challenges. She is interested in how the needs of people and biodiversity can be better aligned across land and seascapes while moving away from reliance on donor funding and international aid.

Masters students

Over the past few years we have supported a number of Kenyan and Tanzanian MSc students conducting research in East Africa, including Fenrick Msigwa, Ezra Mremi, Jamila Abdullahi, Halima Hassan, Sheunda Salim, and Ntayia Lema Langas.

Interns

Applications are welcome

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