
Ashah Shaaban
@ashahshaaban
I build community-owned water and environmental governance systems that turn policy into measurable climate resilience.
What I'm looking for
At CESPAD, I lead integrated water and environmental governance programmes that strengthen water security, climate resilience and sustainable natural resource management across Kenya.
Over the past decade, I’ve helped mobilise over USD 1.5 million, strengthened 150+ community institutions, developed 19 sub-catchment management plans, and supported restoration of thousands of hectares of degraded land. I’ve also co-authored water policies for Kajiado and Makueni and contributed to the Makueni County Sand Conservation and Utilisation Act.
I co-founded APGI-Africa to advance community-led restoration, green enterprise and inclusive opportunity for women, youth and marginalised groups. Through board leadership with KEWASNET and Wash Alliance Kenya, I champion accountable, climate-resilient WASH and environmental governance built with communities rather than delivered to them.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Co-founded APGIA to pioneer a community-led development model integrating environmental restoration, climate resilience and green economic opportunity. We empower women, youth and marginalised groups through nature-based solutions, eco-tourism and sustainable enterprises thus creating scalable, financially viable pathways for both social and ecological transformation.
➡️I provide strategic leadership and governance oversight to Kenya's national network of water and sanitation civil society organisations, driving a shared vision for sustainable and inclusive WASH and water resources management. Build institutional capacity, foster cross-sector collaboration and elevate the role of civil society in shaping national policy, governance reforms and sector accountabi
➡️ As a Board Member, I provide strategic oversight and governance that strengthen the organisation's standing as a leading voice in Kenya's WASH sector. Advance cross-sector partnerships, shape policy and institutional reform and champion community-led, climate-resilient approaches thus expanding access to sustainable water and sanitation services while advancing health, equity and resilient live
Team Lead
Jun 2018 - Present (8 years 3 months)
I provide strategic leadership for the organisation, driving the design and implementation of integrated water and environmental governance programs that strengthen water security, climate resilience and sustainable natural resource management. My role spans organisational strategy, institutional development, partnerships, resource mobilization, financial stewardship and governance, while represen
Director of Programs
Feb 2017 - May 2018 (1 year 3 months)
➡️Promoted to provide strategic leadership for the organisation's program portfolio, driving the design and delivery of integrated initiatives that advanced sustainable livelihoods through water governance, wetland conservation, climate resilience and environmental sustainability. Directed program strategy, resource mobilization, partnership development, financial oversight, advocacy and external
Governance and Policy Advocacy Lead
Jun 2015 - Feb 2017 (1 year 8 months)
➡️ I earned a promotion to lead policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and communications strategies to influence water governance reforms and support the integration of equitable and sustainable water resource management at local and regional levels.
► Played a key role in influencing water governance reforms adopted by four county governments, supporting the integration of IWRM practices int
Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Advocacy, Governance & Networking O
Jan 2012 - Jun 2015 (3 years 5 months)
➡️ Led advocacy, stakeholder engagement and strategic partnerships to drive the adoption and implementation of IWRM across the Athi Basin. Partnered with government agencies, WRUAs, CFAs, civil society, and local communities to strengthen water and environmental governance, influence policy and advance sustainable natural resource management.
Selected Achievements
-Accelerated IWRM implementation
Intern ► Water and Climate Change Program
Oct 2011 - Nov 2011 (1 month)
➡️ I supported environmental advocacy efforts by analyzing climate and water policies, drafting high-impact briefs and public awareness materials and producing concise summaries of key meeting and conference outcomes for senior leadership.
Water and Wetlands Program Officer
Feb 2011 - Oct 2011 (8 months)
➡️ Contributed to a significant increase in women and youth participation in environmental conservation in Kenya’s coastal region, supported the establishment of the Kenya Oil and Gas Network to amplify advocacy for marginalized communities, and strengthened the advocacy presence and growth of the Kenya Water Partnership in promoting Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM).
➡️ Supported the
Area Sales Manager/Medical representative
Jun 2006 - Jan 2011 (4 years 7 months)
➡️ Managed strategic engagement with healthcare professionals, pharmacies and clinical institutions to drive the evidence-based adoption of pharmaceutical products. Developed and executed targeted market growth strategies, cultivated key stakeholder relationships and accelerated business development through high-impact territory management and scientific communication.
Selected Achievements
-Succe
Co-Founder and Director of Marketing, Media & Publicity Department
May 2004 - Dec 2009 (5 years 7 months)
➡️ Co-founded and directed a youth-led organization dedicated to advancing science, technology, innovation and environmental stewardship. Designed and led high-impact initiatives to inspire youth careers in STEM, bridge the gap between academia and industry and promoted environmental conservation through targeted education and public outreach.
Selected Achievements
-Conceived and executed landmark
Assistant to Environmental Officer
Feb 2005 - Feb 2006 (1 year)
Supported the execution of environmental management and regulatory compliance initiatives, contributing to assessments, monitoring programs and corporate sustainability activities. Assisted in driving environmental performance improvements through targeted stakeholder engagement, internal capacity building and the implementation of environmental best practices.
Selected Contributions
Supported Env
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
University of Nairobi
Master of Arts - MA, Environmental Planning and Management
2007 - 2019
University of Nairobi
Bachelor of Science, Zoology and Chemistry
2001 - 2005
National Environment Management Authority - KE (NEMA)
Associate Expert
Tech stack
Software and tools used professionally
Availability
Location
Authorized to work in
Salary expectations
Social media
Job categories
Skills
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