Profile

Dr. David Chiawo is the Dean of the School of Tourism and Hospitality and Lead Scientist, Centre for Biodiversity Information Development at Strathmore University. A three-time British Council grant awardee for advancing innovation ecosystems in African universities and serves as the Regional Chair for the Innovation for African Universities Community of Practice, promoting innovation through training, curriculum reform, mentorship, and capacity building for young innovators.

He founded the Tourism Innovation Hub at Strathmore University to equip tourism graduates with digital skills, entrepreneurial capacity, and technology-driven solutions for sustainable and inclusive tourism development. He led the Tourism Recovery research for Narok County in Masai Mara post-COVID 19, guiding data-driven frameworks for resilience and sustainable growth to recovery. With over 40 publications in tourism sustainability, conservation, climate change, and policy in Kenya’s tourism and conservation ecosystems, Dr. Chiawo continues to champion youth emtpowerment, technology integration, and skills development as the foundation for a responsive and future-ready tourism industry in Africa.