WWF Kenya appoints Jackson Kiplagat as new CEO

The announcement was made on December 8, 2025, during the launch of WWF Kenya’s Annual Report and a farewell ceremony for outgoing CEO Mohamed Awer at the organisation’s Panda House headquarters in Karen, Nairobi.

Kiplagat, who officially assumes office in January 2026, takes over from Awer, who exits after nine years at the helm and more than 30 years of service to WWF and the conservation sector.

Kiplagat previously served as WWF Kenya’s Head of Conservation Programmes, where he led the organisation’s strategic realignment and program transformation, championing initiatives that delivered conservation impact at scale.

WWF Kenya Board Chairman Isaac Awuondo welcomed Kiplagat’s appointment, noting the leadership and experience he brings to the role.

“This is not a walk in the park; it is a tough job, and he has what it takes. You have passed the baton onto him with very open, clear minds and very good hands so that he can nurture this institution for the next 10 plus years," Awuondo said. 

In his remarks, Kiplagat expressed gratitude to his predecessor while reassuring his commitment to steering the organisation toward its 2030 vision.

The event also saw the launch of the organisation’s FY25 Annual Report, which highlighted major achievements across six strategic goals: wildlife conservation, habitat protection, community impact, climate action, governance, and financial performance.

According to the report, Kenya’s black rhino population grew by 5.5% to reach 1,059 rhinos, surpassing national targets. The year also saw the deployment of AI-enabled thermal cameras in Lake Nakuru National Park, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, and Solio Game Reserve to enhance anti-poaching efforts.

WWF Kenya restored 7,199.8 hectares of degraded landscapes in FY25, bringing the total restored since 2020 to 183,980 hectares.

Communities benefited significantly, with 75,113 new beneficiaries reached and Ksh. 85.5 million earned through nature-based enterprises supported by the organisation, and generating Ksh. 525.8 million in total from WWF Kenya initiatives since 2020.

In climate action, WWF-Kenya abated 60,808 tonnes of carbon, while 739 households adopted clean energy technologies such as biogas units and modern cook stoves.

On governance, 15 policies were adopted and 18 implemented, double last year’s total. The organisation secured Ksh. 2.27 billion, achieving 87.4% of its annual funding target.

The event was attended by National Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo, WWF International Director General Kirsten Schuijt, and CEOs from WWF offices in the US, UK, and Germany, alongside conservation leaders from Kenya.