Tarus is an experienced professional in forestry and climate change, currently serving as the Acting Secretary for Forest Conservation at Kenya’s Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry. With over a decade of technical expertise, Mr. Tarus has been instrumental in formulating and implementing policies that promote sustainable forest management in Kenya.
He holds multiple advanced degrees, including Bsc in Forestry, Moi University, Msc in Natural Resources Management, Egerton University and MSc in Climate Change University of Nairobi and an ongoing PhD in Natural Resources Management from Egerton University. His academic foundation is complemented by practical experience, notably his previous role at the Kenya Forest Service, where he led climate change initiatives focused on forestry.
Tarus serves as the national focal point for REDD+ and Forest and Landscape Restoration, and he is recognized internationally as a UNFCCC expert on AFULO and REDD+. He is also a member of the Forest Carbon Innovations Working Group under the Verified Carbon Standard and sits on the Technical Advisory Group of the Plan Vivo Standard.
In addition to his technical roles, Tarus is actively involved in leadership and advisory positions, including serving as the Vice-Chair of the Forestry Society of Kenya and as a lead expert registered by the Environmental Institute of Kenya (EIK).