This month, we celebrated wins at the EcoWarrior Awards, provided essential resources for the Kenya Bird of Prey Trust and helped to provide medical care to the Lodabo community in Laikipia. We continued our commitment to education through our Children in the Wilderness program. As always, we strive to make a positive impact on the people, wildlife, and landscapes around us.
These awards are prestigious recognitions for those who have made significant contributions to conservation in Kenya. The ceremony celebrated much of the incredible work being done across the country to protect our natural heritage. It was a night filled with inspiring stories, passionate individuals, and a shared commitment to safeguarding Kenya’s biodiversity.
Governors’ Camp Collection was honoured to receive two awards at the ceremony this year. First Place went to Governors’ Mugie, and First Runner Up went to Little Governors’ Camp in the category “Leading Accommodation Facility in Conservation of Terrestrial Ecosystems”.
Operations Manager Ali Kibwana and Impact Manager Alisa Karstad – photo credit EcoTourism Kenya
This award category aimed to highlight the vital role that tourism can play in conservation. Our wins were a testament to our continued efforts to preserve the delicate ecosystems in which we operate.
We donated two nights for two at Loldia House towards the evening’s fundraiser raffle. Congratulations to Mr. Samson Kinyaga, the lucky winner!
Congratulations to all of the winners and runners-up – photo credit EcoTourism Kenya
Since we believe that sustainable tourism should also benefit local communities, we sponsor a medical outreach clinic for rural communities around Mugie Conservancy every second month. This month, one such outreach took place in the Lodabo Community. Here, 264 community members received vital medical care, including consultations, treatments, and deworming. They also received education on respiratory health and the importance of clean living environments.
A recent medical outreach clinic – photo credit Dan Palmer
Headed by Mr Lomur Alunyei, this initiative aimed to tackle a serious issue head-on: drug abuse amongst the youth. With limited education and employment opportunities, many young people in Kasarani find themselves vulnerable to the allure of drugs and alcohol. Tusare Noma means “No to Drugs” in Kiswahili.
TAFA kids play football – photo credit Harry Blakey
Lomur’s story demonstrates the power of hard work. A top student at Loldia Primary School, he worked during the holidays to fund his education at a catering school. His dedication landed him an apprenticeship at the renowned Giraffe Manor in Nairobi. He’s the Head Chef at a high-end safari camp in the Masai Mara today. He is now using his success to give back to his community.
The Tusare Noma tournament – photo credit Lomur Alunyei
He organised this tournament on Mashujaa (Heroes) Day weekend to inspire the next generation to think of sport instead of drugs. A doctor from the Naivasha Hospital Mental Health Department spoke to the players about the dangers of drugs and violence. We were pleased to support this important initiative, which is creating a positive change in the mindsets of the youth of Kasarani.
We recently partnered with The Maa Trust, an organisation doing incredible community development work. To support their efforts, Governors’ Aviation kindly provides complimentary flights between the Masai Mara and Nairobi for their team, ensuring they can travel efficiently for work.
Dr Crystal Mogensen with pilot Willis of Governors’ Aviation – photo credit Crystal Mogensen
This partnership reflects our commitment to ensuring that local communities benefit from conservation efforts. Dr. Crystal Mogensen stated, “The support and partnership are vital in advancing our mission to ensure that communities benefit from the protection of wildlife and habitat through evidence-based community development.”
We support The Kenya Bird of Prey Trust, an organisation dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating raptors and owls. Each month, we contribute to the upkeep of 60-70 rescued birds at their two centres, providing essential care and nourishment. We’ve donated over 11 tons of high-quality meat to ensure these birds receive the vital nutrients they need to recover and thrive. With each vulture consuming around 5 kilos of meat per week at a cost of around USD2 per kilo and all of the other birds with various and unique dietary requirements, this ongoing support is essential to the Trust’s vital work in protecting Kenya’s birds of prey.
A Rüppell’s vulture is fed at the Naivasha Raptor Center – photo credit Alisa Karstad.
We were pleased to support the Talek Mara Youth Association’s Mara Clean Up Day on October 26th. This fantastic initiative brought together young volunteers to tackle litter and raise awareness about the importance of preserving the Masai Mara’s pristine environment.
Governors’ Camp provided transportation to the cleanup sites within the reserve, and our Interning Impact Officer, David Pesi, joined the effort, demonstrating our commitment to environmental stewardship. By supporting events like this, we hope to inspire future generations to take ownership of their natural heritage and participate actively in conservation.
Mara Clean Up Day – photo credit David Pesi
We recognise the invaluable role teachers play in shaping the future. We’re proud to fully support the salaries of seven dedicated teachers in the Masai Mara, Great Rift Valley, and Laikipia and provide monthly stipends to three coaches at the TAFA Community Center in Naivasha.
Teacher Peter Nyamweya of Mara Rianda Primary School – photo credit Dan Palmer
Thank you to all the educators who inspire, empower and make a difference every day!
Teacher Nick Suru of Mara Rianda Primary School- photo credit Governors’ Camp Collection
As mentioned previously, Kasarani Village is a vibrant community facing many challenges. As economic migrants, primarily youth, seek new opportunities, we are witnessing a rise in environmental pressures, such as illegal fishing and poaching, which threaten the delicate balance of nature.
Despite these challenges, there is still hope. A bustling Community-Based Organisation, the TAFA Community Center is committed to protecting its environment and building a brighter future for its youth.
We support 140-180 community children daily through a cup of afternoon porridge. This makes all the difference to many of these children, who may not have another opportunity to receive regular meals at home.
Daily porridge at TAFA – photo credit Harry Blakey
The centre is always looking for support for their cause. Funding for the porridge program costs just USD 10 per day. Donations can be made via this link.
This annual event celebrates and showcases the achievements of the Wildlife Clubs supported by the Mara Predator Conservation Program (MPCP) in 18 primary schools and two secondary schools in the Mara region.
Wildlife Club Open Day- photos credit Kenya Wildlife Trust/ MPCP
Mara Rianda Primary School Wildlife Club members attended this year’s event on 1 October 2024 at St. Margarete Kenyatta Olkurroto School. The day was filled with engaging and educational activities, including club members’ performances that highlighted conservation’s significance.
Mara Rianda Wildlife Club members – photo credit Kenya Wildlife Trust/ MPCP
Through the performances, community members and club members learned about critical topics such as the importance of enforcing fences around livestock bomas, the need to avoid herding in conservation areas, the role of MPCP in reducing Human-Wildlife Conflict, and the importance of co-existing with wildlife.
Wildlife Open Day – photo credit Kenya Wildlife Trust/ MPCP
Julius Karia, Sharon Muthoni, and David Pesi represented the Governors at the Open Day. Photo credit: Kenya Wildlife Trust/ MPCP.
October was a short month in the school calendar, marked by end-of-term exams and national assessments. Despite this, we successfully organised lots of activities with our CITW EcoClub members.
Mara Rianda Primary School EcoClub members participated in a tree-planting activity on October 10th to mark Mazingira (Environment) Day. This day encourages all Kenyans to participate in environmental conservation initiatives. Each member was assigned specific duties for the saplings to foster environmental stewardship, such as watering and monitoring their growth.
Mara Rianda EcoClub members credit Dan Palmer
During this activity, they were reminded of the vital importance of planting trees and their numerous benefits to our ecosystem.
Tree planting at Mara Rianda Primary School- photo credit David Pesi.
At the TAFA Community Center in the Great Rift Valley, our EcoClub children enjoyed a lesson about living and nonliving things. They learnt their characteristics, classifications, and how to recognise them. Through such efforts, we hope to reduce illegal activities, protect our natural resources, and build a thriving community.
The Suguta Mugie Primary School EcoClub in Laikipia also celebrated Mazingira Day by actively engaging in an environmental debate. This fun and interactive session fostered a better understanding and awareness of the environment among the members.
Suguta Mugie Primary School EcoClub holds a debate- photo credit Dan Palmer.
Thanks to our recently launched Children in the Wilderness Programme, over ninety young Kenyans, are now discovering the power of conservation. Through their EcoClubs, they learn about sustainable practices, explore alternative livelihoods, and become stewards of their environment.
Governors’ Mugie guide Nicholas leads a debate during an EcoClub session- photo credit Dan Palmer.
We’re dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of our community neighbours and protecting and conserving our ecosystems and wildlife. Your stay with us directly contributes to these efforts, positively impacting the people and the land.
By Alisa Karstad, Impact Manager for Governors’ Camp Collection.
If you would like to learn more about any of our Community and Conservation efforts, you can reach out to us via email at info@governorscamp.com
If you’d like to support our work, you can use our secure online payment platform, linked below.
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