Dr William Nyakwada is a Kenyan born in Mfangano Island, Homabay County. He is a former staff of the Kenya Meteorological Department, which he joined in 1983 and retired in 2009. At Kenya Meteorological Department his position at the time of retirement was Deputy Director of Meteorological Services/Principal WMO Regional Training Centre. He joined the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Secretariat in 2009 as a Strategic and Risk Management Officer. He separated from WMO in 2018.

Dr Nyakwada is a meteorologist by profession. He acquired his first degree in meteorology at the University of Nairobi in 1983. He graduated at the same University in 1992 with a Master of Science in Meteorology. In his master of science degree, he studied agro-meteorology, hydrometeorology, remote sensing and climatology. He developed interest in environmental conservation, when studying atmospheric pollution, which has a significant impact on health of the planet together with the global climate. His Doctor of Philosophy in Meteorology was focused on improving the prediction of seasonal rainfall in East Africa to support initiatives to adapt to climate extreme events associated with climate change.

Dr Nyakwada understands that unless communities are engaged in activities to conserve the environment, minimal or no success shall be realized. Luwanga Sustainable Environment (LSE) is focused on engaging communities in its efforts to conserve the environment. We understand that communities get their life supporting needs from the environment. They should be made to understand that they need to use natural resources in a sustainable manner.

Dr Nyakwada brings to LSE vast experience in project implementation, working with communities to develop appropriate strategies to conserve the environment, guiding communities to use their indigenous knowledge to conserve the environment and adapt to climate change,  and to integrate climate information into agricultural activities.

Dr Nyakwada has led and participated in various relevant projects, which include:

1. Principal investigator of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) funded project on ‘Capacity Building through Partnership, Information and Communication Technology for Using Indigenous Knowledge for Nature Conservation and Natural Disaster Management in Africa”.
2. Leader of the Climate Component of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) funded Project on the Factoring of Weather and Climate Information into Disaster Management in Kenya.
3. Led the studies on coping with floods in Kenya addressing the vulnerability, impacts and adaptation options for the flood prone areas of western Kenya
4. Principal investigator in the UNDP funded study on the sector specific application of weather /climate information and prediction products for sustainable development.
5. Participated in the studies on enhancing national strategies in addressing the specific challenges of the rapid and slow onset disasters in Kenya.
6. Principal investigator of the study on the harmonization of traditional and modern scientific climate prediction methods and
7. Developed strategic and operating plans for institutions to improve service delivery.

Dr Nyakwada believes in partnerships to achieve the shared objectives. He will use his experience in the civil service to assist in harmonious collaboration with the national government and international institutions. His service at WMO and participation in national, regional and international meetings and conferences shall be valuable in working with institutions beyond Kenya.