Protect 

Mara Predator Conservation Programme (MPCP) 

We are grateful for the strengthening partnership that we have developed with MPCP. An element of our support of their programme is the provision of complimentary flights in our Governors’ Aviation aircraft. These allow their dedicated team to focus on what matters most: scientific research and community engagement, leading to stronger protection for the various predators of the Mara. 

We recently flew Dr. Craig Packer, a distinguished McKnight professor, founder of the world’s first lion research centre, and scientific advisor for MPCP. His work is invaluable for understanding and safeguarding these iconic predators. 

Our contribution of 70 flights to date represents USD 10,500 in savings for The Kenya Wildlife Trust (the parent organisation of MPCP).  

Dr. Craig Packer arrives in the Masai Mara on Governors’ Aviation – photo credit Sam Whitton

In appreciation of these flights, their team occasionally offer presentations about their work to interested guests staying in our Masai Mara Camps. One such presentation was given at the end of the month by Mr Kasaine Sankan, Senior Programme Researcher for MPCP and was enjoyed by many of our guests staying at Little Governors’ Camp. These initiatives are part of our ongoing commitment to conservation in the Masai Mara. 

Kasaine Sankan gives a presenation on the work of MPCP to interested guests staying at Little Governors’ Camp.

The Kenya Bird of Prey Trust 

Each month, we provide the funding necessary to purchase enough high-quality meat to feed the 60-70 rescued birds of prey. To date, we have paid for 9.5 tons of food. Each of the vultures consumes roughly 5kg per week.

Shiv Kapila, KBoPT Director, introduces a rescued Verreaux’s eagle-owl named Phil to a young visitor at the centre – photo credit Alisa Karstad

We always encourage our guests staying at Loldia House to visit the Naivasha Raptor Center, where they can appreciate the size and beauty of these unique animals up close.  

A lappet-faced vulture called Narina – photo credit Jess Savage

Mugie Bloodhound Unit 

Rangers patrol Mugie Conservancy 24/7 to ensure the safety of all wildlife, livestock, and people living inside the conservancy. The ranger teams and National Police Reserves are based at various perimeter and internal stations, allowing comprehensive conservancy coverage. In June, the ranger teams covered 6,291 kilometres on foot.  

To support the rangers on the ground in their operations, Mugie also has a K9 team composed of three dogs and three handlers. The unit plays a crucial role in tracking down suspects, and over the years, it has helped Mugie solve several wildlife crime incidents and petty crimes in the nearby villages.  

 Mugie’s newest member of the K9 team is seven-month-old Radi, who is half Spaniel and half Bloodhound! Governors’ Mugie guests can visit the dogs and enjoy a mock tracking demonstration. 

Radi, the newest Mugi Conservancy recruit – photo credit Sam Whitton

Reforestation Efforts 

As part of our long-term commitment to being an environmentally aware company, we are always keen to increase our tree-planting efforts.  

Many mature trees growing in and around our camps have been lost over the last few decades due to a combination of factors, including tree rot and erosion of their unique riverine habitat.  

Our passionate gardener, Fred, collects the seeds and young saplings of various indigenous tree species within our campgrounds and transfers them into upcycled milk cartons. They are placed in our tree nursery, where he carefully nurtures them until they are ready to be planted back in the wild.  

Here, they continue to require protection, or else they will certainly be enjoyed by a host of herbivores. We use metal tree protectors that afford the seedlings more time to grow without the constant threat of herbivory.  

We offer our guests the chance to plant a tree while staying with us. This is a beautiful way to mark an anniversary, birthday, or any other important milestone in life! 

Fred with his seedlings at Governors’ Camp – photo credit Alisa Karstad

Educate 

Children In The Wilderness 

This month, our newly appointed CITW Community Coordinator, Sharon Muthoni, began her new role. She dived straight in, visiting the various schools that we support and offering her help in creating and running the CITW curriculum EcoClubs. The students have all received new Kenya EcoClub-branded t-shirts and have really taken to the various activities.  

The Suguta Mugie Primary School  EcoClub – photo credit Sharon Muthoni

Suguta Mugie Primary School EcoClub members completing their CHEAKS Test – photo credit Sharon Muthoni

TAFA Community Center EcoClub 

National Read-Aloud Event 

In partnership with Start a Library Trust, we were proud to engage children across Kenya in attempting to Break the World Record for the Most People Reading Aloud from the same text at the same time in Multiple locations.  

National Read Aloud Event at the TAFA Community Center – photo Credit Sam Whitton

Between 08:30 and 09:00 a.m. on July 12, 300,000 learners from 3,000 schools nationwide and 6,000 dedicated Reading Ambassadors read an excerpt from Dr Hamisi Babusa’s Kiswahili fiction storybook Kijiji Cha Ukame.  

National Read Aloud Event at Suguta Mugie Primary School

The event marked the Inaugural National Reading Day, as the President, H.E Dr William Samoei Ruto, declared. It aimed to leverage the transformative power of reading to amplify the powerful voices of African children in the fight against climate change.  

National Read Aloud Event at Mara Rianda Primary School

PadMad Reusable Sanitary Pad Donation  

In an effort to promote menstrual health and hygiene, we sponsored a health awareness session at Suguta Mixed Secondary School. The session, led by Liz from PadMad Kenya, provided 212 students with valuable information about the menstrual cycle, hygiene practices, and the importance of reducing menstruation stigma.

Suguta Mugie, Mixed Secondary School girls, listen to a talk from Liz Kamau of PadMad – photo credit Sharon Muthoni

As part of the initiative, we donated 100 reusable sanitary pad kits to the girls, empowering them to manage their menstrual health with confidence and dignity. The session also emphasised the environmental benefits of reusable pads, aligning with our commitment to sustainable practices. We sincerely thank Liz and our partners at Mugie Conservancy for their invaluable contributions to this impactful event. 

Suguta Mugie, Mixed Secondary School girls, receive reusable sanitary pads – photo credit Sharon Muthoni

TAFA Community Center 

Each month, we sponsor the provision of uji (finger-millet porridge) to  140-180 TAFA community children. Most of these children come from humble backgrounds, where a meal each day is not something they can count on. Our guests are welcome to visit the TAFA Community Center, meet some kids, play soccer with them and help in distributing the porridge.

Helping to ration out cups of uji – photo credit Jess Savage

Donations to TAFA are very much needed and go a long way in helping these children. Please contact us if you would be interested in supporting a child through school; making an in-kind donation or contributing towards the feeding program.  

TAFA kids ask for their photo to be taken – photo credit Jess Savage

Empower 

Moyo Foundation 

In a continued effort to support the health and wellness of our local communities, Mugie Conservancy, in partnership with various local stakeholders, conducted two successful medical outreaches this month. 

The first was conducted at the Logorate Community Health Centre in Samburu on July 3rd, and the second was held at Kanampio Nursery School on July 19th. Vital healthcare services were provided to 158 and 102 residents, respectively. 

Charles Vaati, Mugie’s Clinical Officer – photo credit Sam Whitton

Each addressed various health concerns, such as respiratory infections, skin conditions, and minor injuries. The services offered to patients ranged from general consultations and medications to wound management, immunisations, and prenatal care. Recognising the importance of preventive care, deworming treatments were also administered to the young students.  

Governors’ Camp Collection provided the financial support to run these two clinics. Such outreaches not only improve immediate health outcomes but also strengthen our ongoing commitment to the health and well-being of our community neighbours in Laikipia. We look forward to continuing to support this vital work. 

Preparing for a medical outreach – photo credit Sam Whitton

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

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