Trademark Suites, Enaki Town, Nairobi – May 2, 2025, Photo credits: Kip
The Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) Africa hosted a memorable farewell dinner in honour of Dr. Philip Osano, marking the end of his distinguished tenure as SEI Africa Center Director. The event sought to celebrate Dr. Osano’s impactful leadership as well as witnessing the chain of mentorship impacted by his stewardship in Kenya and across the Africa region.
In attendance were esteemed ambassadors and state representatives, government dignitaries, international stakeholders, scientists, youth leaders, and members of the sporting fraternity led by Athletics Kenya. The evening was a testament to Dr. Osano’s wide-reaching influence in the realms of environmental research, climate diplomacy, and mentorship. Among the guests was Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Eng. Festus Ng’eno, who delivered a heartfelt tribute on behalf of the Government of Kenya.
In his address, PS Ng’eno lauded Dr. Osano’s six-year leadership at SEI Africa, during which the institute became a trusted scientific partner to the Government of Kenya, especially the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry. “Under Dr. Osano’s stewardship,” he remarked, “SEI has significantly supported Kenya’s climate action policies, particularly during the inaugural Africa Climate Summit in September 2023 and in developing a national action plan for short-lived climate pollutants.”
The PS also recognized SEI’s technical training programs, which have empowered staff from multiple ministries including energy, transport, and agriculture with skills to model greenhouse gases and air pollutants using the Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP) tool. These tools are instrumental as Kenya works towards the implementation of its new Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), aiming to reduce GHG emissions by 35% by 2035 compared to the projected 215 MtCO₂e under a Business-As-Usual scenario. Find the latest NDC submission by Kenya here. and a simplified about the NDC (article) here. He also highlighted Dr. Osano’s leadership in science diplomacy stating his pivotal role in Kenya’s inaugural Nairobi Environmental Diplomacy Symposium (NEDS) held on 6th February 2025 and his contribution to the publication “Celebrating 60 Years of Kenya’s Environmental Diplomacy.” Dr. Osano was further commended for expanding SEI’s engagement in regional and global policy platforms, including the Africa Climate Summit (ACS), United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), Stockholm+50 International Meeting, and multiple climate and biodiversity COPs.
Dr. Osano’s contributions extended beyond policy and science. He notably spearheaded SEI’s partnership with Athletics Kenya and the UNEP Regional Office for Africa, positioning Athletics Kenya as a global champion and leader in the UN Sports for Climate Action under the UNFCCC. Representatives from Athletics Kenya and the Kenya Academy of Sports (KAS) were present at the dinner to celebrate the intersection of sports and sustainability that Dr. Osano helped foster.
Significantly, SEI’s low-cost air quality sensor network is officially deployed in cities like Nairobi, Nakuru, and Mombasa which were developed during Dr. Osano’s tenure. The data has already informed national reports and policies, such as the Nairobi City County Air Quality Policy (Sessional Paper No. 2 of 2020), the Nairobi City County Air Quality Act (no. 4 of 2022), and provided data for the critical data, some of which was included in the State of the Climate Kenya 2024 Report by the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD).
The evening also provided an opportunity to formally welcome Niall O’Connor, who brings with him a wealth of experience as Director of SEI’s Asia Center. Dr. Osano expressed confidence that Mr. O’Connor’s leadership will strengthen the institute’s global perspective while maintaining strong regional roots in Africa. In his brief remarks, Mr. O’Connor acknowledged the solid foundation laid by Dr. Osano and expressed excitement at the opportunity to work with partners across the continent to address the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. As Dr. Osano transitions to a new chapter as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), he leaves behind a legacy of science-driven advocacy, regional collaboration, and deep investment in human capital. The evening in his honour was more than a farewell it was a celebration of impact, of relationships built, and of a vision realized.
The event was rich in diversity drawing senior officials from SEI’s global leadership, youth climate champions led by Alphonce Muia who made a remarkable speech.
He shared reflections of Dr. Osano’s mentorship and leadership style his commitment to capacity building, his inclusive approach to stakeholder engagement, and his passion for nurturing young professionals in climate policy and research, above all, his humility. For many young attendees, Dr. Osano has always been more than a leader he was a visionary mentor who created opportunities for African youth in environmental governance. One of the outstanding projects was the Stockholm+50 which was aimed at reflecting on the urgent need for actions to achieve a healthy planet and prosperity of all.
Notably present was Hon. Ababu Namwamba, Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UNON and UNEP and former Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Sports and the Arts, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei, the President of Athletics Kenya and Vice President of World Athletics, symbolizing the fusion of environmental advocacy with sports and youth engagement.
In a final gesture, PS Ng’eno invited all present to stand and applaud Dr. Osano for his exemplary service, finalizing his remarks noting that they were grateful to him and to the SEI leadership for their contribution to advancing Kenya’s environmental and climate programs.
Indeed, the applause echoed with gratitude, respect, and hope for the future. We wish Dr. Philip Osano well in his new appointment.
More pictures from the event.
Written by
Linda Makau , A regional journalist specializing in Policy Advocacy with a focus on plastic pollution, anticipatory action and early warning systems.
