Collins Masinde

Collins Wafula Masinde is currently a Research Scientist, Plant Taxonomy at the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI). His primary role entails research problem identification in plant taxonomy, research concept development, implementation and research information dissemination among others. Besides, he is the consultant field botanist in the SEOSAW project that involves setting permanent plots for long-term carbon monitoring of woodland vegetation in Africa and the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust and Chyulu Hills REDD+ Carbon estimation Project in the Tsavo West Ecosystem. Collins previously worked as an Assistant Research Scientist at the East African Herbarium, the National Museums of Kenya. The main project he was involved in was undertaking a taxonomic revision of Lippia javanica (Burm.f.) Spreng.

Collins holds a degree in Biology (Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya) and later on graduated with a Master’s degree in Plant Taxonomy and Economic Botany (Maseno University, Kenya). He is enrolled in a Ph.D project under the title “Floristic Composition and Species Diversity, Carbon Sequestration, and Ethnobotanical Survey of the Climbers of Mt. Elgon Forest Ecosystem, Kenya”. He is passionate field botanist with a keen interest in species delimitation, taxonomic revision, vegetation science, biodiversity, conservation and ecology.

List of Publications

1. Masinde C. W., Mutisya, M. D., & Malombe, I. (2019). Non-volatile Chemical Composition and Botanical Extracts from Lippia javanica (Burm. F) Spreng. In Control of Cowpea Aphids. Journal of Applied Sciences, 19(4), 325-330.
2. Itambo Malombe, Paul M. Kirika, Thomas M. Nyange, Judith W. Nyamai, Masinde C.W, Mathias M. Mbale, Paul M. Musili and Emma Mbua, April 2018. A Guide to the Common Plant Species in Kantis Paleontological Site at Jakin Gardens
3. Masinde C.W., Musyimi D.M., and Itambo M. (2021). A Taxonomic Studies of Lippia javanica (Burm F.) Spreng. Complex (Verbenaceae) in East Africa. Asian Journal of Research in Botany, 5(1): 1-8, 2021; Article no. AJRIB.61668.
4. Masinde C.W., Musingo Tito Mbuvi, John Ngugi, Chemuk Wekesa, and        Gladys Ruto. A field guide to the plant species of Tiva Woodland, in Kitui County Kenya.
5. Masinde C.W., Kipkoech S., Kipsaat J., Muroki M., Chepkoech G., and Kagombe J. (20223). Composition, Diversity, and Distribution Patterns of Gums and Resins Producing Trees and Associated Species in Northern Kenya. Heliyon, Elsevier Journal. In Press.
6. Masinde C.W., Kioko, J., Cheruyot T., and Rufo. G., (2023). Vegetation Structure, Dominance Patterns and Height Growth in Loitoktok Forest, South Eastern Kenya. Journal of Plant Ecology. In Press.

Yours faithfully

Collins Masinde

PhD in Plant Taxonomy and Economic Botany 2022 -To date

Master's Plant Taxonomy and Economic Botany- 2015-2018

Bachelor of Science in Biology- 2010-2014