This archive report was first published on 22 September 2019.
On a historic day in Laikipia North, 12 women rangers graduated from a six-month training program at Segera Conservancy, marking a significant milestone in Kenya's wildlife sector. The team, comprising women from the Maasai community, is the first all-female rangers team in Kenya and East Africa.
Traditionally, Maasai women have been excluded from professional jobs in the wildlife sector, but these women have defied cultural odds to pursue careers in conservation. The training program, which took place in different wildlife reserves, equipped the women with the skills and knowledge necessary to protect and conserve wildlife.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala praised the women for their determination and resilience. “It’s clear that even women can protect wildlife just as men. They can handle guns in the forest and they just need support and opportunity,” he said.
One of the graduates, Ann Momina, shared her personal story of overcoming cultural barriers to pursue her dreams. “I grew up knowing Maasai women should only graze and take care of children at home. My parents refused to educate me since I could not help them,” she said.
The graduation ceremony was attended by women and men from the Maasai, Samburu, and Turkana communities, who gathered to witness and celebrate the success of the former housewives. The Segera Ranch and Zeitz Foundation Programme Manager, Benaiah Odhiambo, announced plans to train women from the neighboring community yearly, as a way of empowering them and promoting education for girls.
