Lisa Manya

Lisa is an Intern (Research, Collaboration & Innovation – Climate Risk Management, Climate Adaptation) at PlanAdapt.

Based in Nairobi, Lisa is passionate about integrating climate change adaptation with climate change mitigation, and she is particularly interested in exploring how nature-based solutions could not only help mitigate the effects of climate change but also improve the quality of life for marginalized communities. Her master’s dissertation, “Assessing the Suitability of Green Infrastructure Implementation for Flood Mitigation in Informal Settlements: The Case of Kibera Public Space Project”, examined the suitability of green infrastructure implementation for flood mitigation in informal settlements through a case study approach.

Before joining PlanAdapt, Lisa worked at Impaque Consultants Ltd., a Kenyan consultancy firm contributing to sustainable urban development. She participated in several urban planning assignments that the firm carried out, ranging from preparing detailed local plans to rezoning and environmental impact assessments. These assignments exposed her to an urban planning environment where there is interface between private initiatives and public policy, giving her an understanding of how policy works and how to conceptualize projects in line with clients’ briefs taking into consideration public policy.

During her time at Erasmus University, she worked on several projects focused on climate resilience and adaptation. One of these projects involved collaborating with a diverse team of consultants to produce a climate adaptation strategy for the Municipality of Rotterdam that focused on equitable and effective approaches, emphasizing on sustainability, justice, and inclusivity.

Lisa holds an MSc in Urban Management and Development, specializing in Urban Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change from the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies of Erasmus University Rotterdam. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Planning from University of Nairobi. Her interdisciplinary academic journey has deepened her interest in the environmental and social dimensions of climate change adaptation and given her a strong understanding of how social factors and nature considerations shape effective adaptation strategies.

At PlanAdapt, Lisa is eager to expand her knowledge and gain hands-on experience in developing inclusive and just strategies that integrate climate change adaptation and mitigation.