Henry PARKOLWA

I am Henry Mustafa Parkolwa, a seasoned professional with over 30 years’ experience in drought risk management, climate change adaptation, and resilience building in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs). I currently serve as the Technical Advisor for the Towards Ending Drought Emergencies (TWENDE) Project Component 1, which is an ecosystem-based adaptation project intended to reduce the cost of drought response and build resilience of the land-based production systems in Kenya. It is implemented by the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) and funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF). 

My career has focused on protecting vulnerable populations in drought-prone regions by leading contingency planning, resilience programmes, and coordinated emergency responses. As County Drought Coordinator in Marsabit, Laikipia, and Samburu, I oversaw stakeholder collaboration, community capacity building, and delivery of cash transfer programmes, ensuring no lives were lost during the unprecedented drought of 2020–2023.

I hold an MBA in Project Management from Kenyatta University and a BSc in Range Management from the University of Nairobi. I have also published works on practical solutions for livestock and sustainable agriculture.

I remain committed to advancing systems that safeguard livelihoods, strengthen resilience, and support vulnerable communities across Kenya’s ASALs.