Meet the Team

ADK Team
Advisory Counsel

Avatari Development Kenya

Harry Cook - Chief Carbon and Strategy Officer (CSCO)

Harry holds a Master’s in Management from ESCP, specialising in Sustainable Finance. He has worked in carbon project development and trading across Argentina, Brazil, and Kenya, focusing on blue and terrestrial carbon. Now leading ADK’s mangrove restoration project in Lamu and Tana River, he drives sustainability and community impact.

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Jeremiah Muia - Head of Government and Partnerships Liaison

Jeremiah has over ten years’ experience with the UNFCCC Clean Development Mechanism, serving on its Carbon Capture & Storage Working Group. He founded Co2Fixx, leads successful mangrove and terrestrial restoration projects in Kenya, and teaches sedimentology. His community actions involve raising grants to grow mangroves in Tudor Creek.

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Madeleine Kay - Chief Operations Officer (COO)

Madeleine is a Law and Policy specialist with a Graduate Degree in Law and an MSc in International Public Policy. Worked for 9BR Chambers, London, in advising the Government of South Sudan, contributing to reports on South Sudan and Libya, and assisting a Rwanda genocide case review. She now leads in Operations, supporting Avatari Development’s mangrove restoration work.

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Roan Ghataaura - Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)

Roan, a Business Management (Marketing) Graduate, with experience in operations, project coordination and creative marketing. A former coordinator managing end-to-end jobs and stakeholder communication. Previously a Marketing Executive, running ad campaigns, managing social media, and data-driven performance reporting. He now works in the Commercial aspect of the business, supporting Avatari Development’s restoration work

Rita Mulatya - Project Director

Rita is an Environmental and Climate Change Specialist with over eight years’ experience in ecosystem restoration, climate resilience, and environmental monitoring. Holding a Master’s from Pwani University, she led monitoring and evaluation for Eden: People + Planet along Kenya’s coast, focusing on mangrove ecosystems. Also contributed to the design of the Dakatcha ARR and REDD+ carbon projects. As Director of Projects at Avatari Development, she advances sustainable, community-driven climate initiatives.

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Miriam Vihenda - Marine Biologist

Miriam is a Marine Biologist and Environmental Ecologist specialising in mangrove conservation, ecological restoration, and marine biodiversity. A Graduate of Pwani University and former Research Assistant at KMFRI, she has gained extensive experience in restoration projects, biodiversity surveys, and policy development. She has previously worked with Earthlungs Reforestation Foundation and is currently with Avatari Development Kenya, where she leads community-based mangrove restoration and ecological monitoring.

Michael Kiema - Financial Officer

Michael Certified Public Accountant with 10+ years in Finance and Administration. Known for steady, high-integrity reporting, strong internal controls, and clean audits. Brings hands-on experience in budgeting, cash-flow management, payroll, and donor compliance under GAAP/IFRS. A collaborative team lead who improves systems and keeps organisations financially healthy through practical, cost-saving insight.

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Advisory Counsel

Mateus Mendes - GIS Expert

Mateus Mendes is a Forest Engineer and expert in Carbon Markets and Digital MRV, with over five years’ experience leading high-integrity carbon projects worldwide. Formerly with Sylvera and Renoster, he contributed to the Delta Blue Project in Pakistan. He now advises Avatari Technologies on geospatial data and mangrove carbon project feasibility in Kenya.

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