Research & Projects
Health & Environmental Research
HERI conducts research to better understand health and environmental challenges. These evidence-based insights are used to inform our interventions, policies and practices, ensuring that decision-makers, partners, and communities have the tools needed to create sustainable change.
Professor of Pediatrics (Infectious Diseases) Stanford University School of Medicine, USA.
Dr. Angelle LaBeaud is an infectious disease physician and epidemiologist dedicated to improving health outcomes in vulnerable communities through research, education, and environmental action. Her work focuses on arboviruses such as dengue, chikungunya, and Rift Valley fever, exploring how climate, ecology, and socio-economic factors shape disease patterns.
She leads research teams across Kenya and internationally, combining field studies, laboratory science, and community engagement to develop practical, sustainable interventions. Dr. LaBeaud’s work also examines the health impacts of climate change and plastic pollution, emphasizing solutions that integrate environmental health with disease prevention.
Prof. LaBeaud mentors global health leaders and advances research at the intersection of infectious disease, environment, and community well-being.
Professor, Environment & Health Sciences. Technical University of Mombasa, Kenya
Prof. Francis Mutuku is a leading researcher in vector-borne diseases and environmental health, with extensive experience addressing public health challenges in coastal Kenya and beyond. His work focuses on understanding mosquito ecology, disease transmission dynamics, and the intersection of environment and health.
With over 120 peer-reviewed publications and thousands of citations, Prof. Mutuku’s research has informed strategies to combat malaria, dengue, Rift Valley fever, and other vector-borne diseases. He integrates field studies, ecological research, and community-based approaches for disease prevention and environmental stewardship.
Prof. Mutuku is also passionate about mentorship, working with students, researchers, and community practitioners to build local capacity in health and environmental sciences.
Our Projects
Community Awareness Forums
Facilitating Community Awareness & Action
These forums create spaces for dialogue and action on pressing health and environmental issues. Through education, knowledge-sharing, and hands-on activities like tree planting, clean-ups, and habitat restoration, communities are empowered to develop community-led solutions that improve well-being and strengthen environmental resilience.
Black Soldier Fly Farm
Turning Waste into Opportunity
The BSF Farm harnesses the power of the Black Soldier Fly to convert organic waste into valuable resources, including nutrient-rich animal feed and organic fertilizer. This innovative model reduces environmental pollution, promotes a circular economy, and creates sustainable income opportunities for farmers, youth groups, and households — turning waste into a driver of food security and economic growth.
Diani Sustainability Campaign
Uniting Stakeholders for a Sustainable Diani
A multi-stakeholder platform dedicated to promoting sustainable practices across Diani. The collective brings together hotels, businesses, conservation groups, and local communities to champion responsible tourism, sustainable waste management, eco-restoration, and eco-friendly development — protecting Diani’s natural beauty and cultural heritage for future generations.
Schools Eco-Club Support
Inspiring Young Environmental Stewards
The HERI Schools Eco Clubs program nurtures environmental awareness and leadership among young people by combining education with action. Students engage in hands-on projects such as tree planting, waste management, climate education, and conservation activities. By fostering creativity, critical thinking, and responsibility, the program inspires future environmental champions who will lead the way in building a sustainable and resilient community.
HERI Capacity Building Hub
Empowering Communities Through Knowledge and Action
A Community Sustainability Resource Center where local communities, grassroots actors, and partners can access training, research, tools, and support to advance health, environmental conservation, and sustainable development. The HERI Hub serves as a catalyst for innovation, learning, and collaborative problem-solving.
Trees & Clean-Ups
Tree Planting & Clean-Up Activities
HERI mobilizes local communities, schools, and volunteers to participate in ongoing tree planting and coastal clean-up initiatives. These activities not only restore natural habitats and reduce pollution but also unite people in collective action to combat climate change and preserve Diani’s unique ecosystems. Through these efforts, HERI strengthens environmental resilience while creating cleaner, greener, and healthier spaces for both people and wildlife.
The Plastic Planet Sea Change
HERI Internship Program
This program provides students with hands-on experience in health, environmental conservation, and community development. By engaging interns in fieldwork and mentorship, HERI nurtures the next generation of leaders dedicated to advancing sustainable development goals.
Gender Leadership for Our World
HERI-Kenya's Co-founder Professor Desireee LaBeaud, Stanford's Associate Dean of Global Health, was selected for the prestigious WomenLift Health North Americam leadership journey. As part of this program, she satrted the GLOW (Gender Leadershipfor Our World) an intiative that uplifts women leaders across differenr sectors in Kenya by providing mentorship and opportunities to drive change in health & environmental spaces
HERI Ambassadors & Sustainability Champions
A global network of advocates and supporters committed to raising awareness, influencing policy, and mobilizing resources for HERI’s mission. This program empowers individuals from diverse backgrounds to champion sustainability efforts, ensuring local communities benefit from global solidarity and action.