Former Tourism CS Najib Balala has landed a new job at the international wildlife conservation charity, Fauna and Flora International.
He is the vice president of the organisation, which protects threatened species and ecosystems worldwide.
The organisation chooses solutions that are sustainable, based on sound science and that enhance human well-being.
Operating in more than 40 countries worldwide, FFI saves species from extinction and habitats from destruction, while improving the livelihoods of residents.
Founded in 1903, FFI is the world’s longest-established international wildlife conservation organisation and a registered charity.
As FFI’s vice president, Balala is expected to use his experience in wildlife conservation and tourism to support the charity with future developments and partnerships globally.
FFI chief executive officer Mark Rose said he is delighted to welcome Balala as vice president.
He said he will be a wonderful global ambassador for FFI.
“Balala has been incredibly influential in the wildlife and tourism sectors in Kenya and across Africa. We are very privileged to be able to benefit from this wealth of knowledge and experience,” the CEO said.
Balala has been in the service for 25 years, during which he spent 17 years as a minister and 12 in the tourism sector.
The charity said Balala has played a significant role in boosting tourism growth and stability in Kenya and in the African regional tourism sector.
Balala was responsible for the development, launch and implementation of the National Wildlife Strategy 2030 in 2018, a roadmap for transforming wildlife conservation in Kenya.
He also launched and implemented the Wildlife Policy 2021.
FFI said the former CS has worked closely with private and institutional investors, and conservation and regional development agencies to ensure that the economic potential of the Tourism and Wildlife sectors is both prudently and sustainably managed.
Balala was born in Mombasa in 1967 and trained in International Urban Management at the University of Toronto, Canada.
He underwent the Executive Programme for Leaders in Development at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
Balala began his political career as the elected mayor of Mombasa, Kenya, from 1998 to 1999.
In January 2018, he was re-appointed to his position as the Cabinet secretary for Tourism and Wildlife.
Balala also served in various ministries, including CS for Tourism (2015-2017) and minister for Tourism (2008-2012).
He is the chairman of the United Nations World Tourism Organization commission for Africa and was voted best Tourism minister in Africa in 2009 by Africa Investor.
During the Covid-19 outbreak, the former CS is accredited to have spearheaded the recovery fund for community conservancies and the Kenyan Wildlife Service.
He is also accredited for leading the first national wildlife census in Kenya.