Sharrif was born and raised in the Western part of Kenya, in Kakamega County, far from the ocean. Despite growing up landlocked, he was always drawn to exploring new places and experiences.
A defining moment came for Sharrif in 2016, when a visit to Mombasa introduced him to Kenya’s coastline and the communities whose lives are intertwined with the ocean. That experience inspired him to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Marine Resource Management at the Technical University of Mombasa, graduating in 2022.
His professional journey began as a Student Volunteer with WWF Kenya, after which he joined Kenya Conservation of Aquatic Resources (KCAR) as a Research Intern. Sharrif later worked as a Marine Research and Conservation Assistant with Africa Climate and Environment Foundation (ACEF), supporting sea turtle monitoring and anti-illegal take efforts, and as an Environmental Awareness Trainer with ERACOMA, delivering environmental education to schools across Kilifi County.
In 2025, he served as a Field Scientist with the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), contributing to coastal socio-ecological research across the Western Indian Ocean. Alongside these roles, he has also worked as a Scientific and Communication Writer for Blue Life Hub Magazine and facilitated UN Ocean Decade-endorsed Ocean Climate Literacy sessions in Swahili across Kenya, Tanzania, and Zanzibar.
Through his journey, he has also represented Kenyan and African youth at global forums including UNEA-6, UNEA-7 and COP29. An Africa Blue Food Festival Fellow, Sharrif’s work has been featured by Blue Radio, People Daily, and Blue Life Hub Magazine.
Sharrif joined Olive Ridley Project – Kenya in July 2026, as the Education Outreach Assistant, where he works to bring ocean conservation closer to local communities and schools.
When he is not out in the field or behind a laptop, you will usually find Sharrif curled up watching wildlife documentaries, still chasing that same curiosity that got him to where he is now.
