Speaker Listing 6

Dr. Ruth Kimaiga holds a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Tourism Management and a Master of Science Degree in International Tourism Management both from Kenyatta University. She also holds a Bachelors’ Degree (Hons.) in Tourism Management from Moi University. Dr. Ruth has extensive knowledge and experience in Public Policy and Strategic Management in the tourism sector having worked with the Ministry of Tourism and wildlife, various Public Universities and State Corporations for over seventeen (17 years). Dr. Ruth’s areas of interest and research focus on tourism and socio-economic wellbeing of rural communities in Kenya, regulatory approaches in tourism development, inclusive growth, the circular economy, climate change and sustainability. Currently, Dr. Ruth is the Head of Planning and Strategy at the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) and a full member of the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM).

Atti Pye is a Kenyan-born career conservationist and environmentalist hailing from right here in Diani. His sustainability consultancy business, Wakijani Consultants, works with several clients around Kenya, with a primary focus on Kwale. Through years of working in Tourism and Conservation, Atti learned to appreciate the complex relationship between people and nature, becoming more aware of humankind's impact on the world around us due to our businesses and investments. In 2017, after leaving the Maasai Mara, Atti moved back to his original home in Diani to set up a sustainability consultancy business helping hotels and lodges become more environmentally friendly. He manages hotel waste utilization plans, data collection, and report generation, four organic farms for his customers, organizes community and school training, beach cleans, local marine conservation efforts, and has guided four Diani hotels towards official eco certifications this year. He hopes that through more dialogue and action, Diani can become a sustainable tourism destination benefiting all, The people through employment, secure food systems and health, the environment through understanding and protection, and businesses through reduced costs and increased bookings.

Sham created Travel4Purpose with a mission to provide positive impact travel experiences within Kenya. A few years ago during her travels, she was introduced to the negative impact travel can have from the environmental harm to exploitation of locals and culture. She had to do something to spread awareness that travellers can live their best lives while creating a positive impact within the country they’re travelling, hence Travel4Purpose was born.

Semerian Sankori is the Founder and Director of Patinaai Osim, a grassroots organization advancing gender equality, education, economic independence, and environmental justice for Indigenous Maasai women, youth, and children in Kenya. Her work centers on education, economic empowerment, sexual and reproductive health rights, climate action, and the preservation of Indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage. Through digital inclusion, alternative skills training, and community-led advocacy, Semerian leads transformative initiatives that dismantle systemic barriers and create lasting impact. Her visionary approach has earned global recognition for its deep respect for tradition, equity, and sustainability.

Job is a highly experienced sustainable tourism professional specializing in the design and management of impactful solutions. His expertise encompasses project management, training, research, and policy development, consistently achieving successful results. A certified sustainability auditor and advisor, he excels at integrating best practices into tourism businesses and destinations, offering valuable consulting in areas like business planning and marketing. His proven ability to manage multi-partner projects ensures the effective delivery of technical assistance. With a strong academic background in responsible tourism and ecotourism, complemented by specialized training, Job brings a deep understanding of sustainability challenges. His research has focused on areas like community conservation and tourism's impact, and he has contributed to policy development in the sector. His established knowledge and practical skills make him a recognized expert dedicated to creating a sustainable future for the tourism industry.