Journey from the Wilderness
Moses
Our fifth star, Moses, originally worked for Loisaba Conservancy until he started to work at Elewana as a Wildlife Guide. When the first lockdown struck, he was able to slip back into his old role(s) in a heartbeat and is currently covering a wide range of duties on behalf of the Conservancy. Moses, a Samburu, is a kind and gentle man, he seems to be able to fit in anywhere, and as we have already seen, animals seem to really like him. He is at his happiest when he is close to the wild animals and has an uncanny knack of finding even the most well-hidden creatures.
“I was born on the west side of Loisaba County but moved to the east of the county following tribal clashes amongst the pastoralist communities. I came to Loisaba as a young boy when I was at still at primary school in order to visit my elder sister, Pirian, who has worked for Loisaba for almost twenty years based at Jo and Tom’s house. I saw Loisaba as a place of hope and knew that I wanted to work there.”
“After finishing Secondary School I started to do some bead work – making bracelets, belts and so on – as part of a project that had been started by Jo Silvester. I pushed myself forward for any job that came up and in 2010, at the age of twenty-one, came to work at Loisaba as a gardener. Jo was a great teacher and I began to grow vegetables, plant trees, and did a bit of landscaping.”
“During my free time I offered to wash cars and this led to me being taught to drive around the Conservancy. In this way I became familiar with all of the departments within Loisaba and to understand the way that they worked. I made my mind up to be as flexible as possible at work so that I could turn my hand to most things. I started to take a keen interest in the animals, birds, trees and plants around me and to dream about becoming a Wildlife Guide. With the help of some great people I was able to study for my bronze test with the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association and passed it first time. As I gained confidence and continued to read, I set my sights on the silver level and passed that too.”
In 2017, Tom could tell that Moses’ heart was set on becoming a full-time Wildlife Guide, and although he would miss him as an employee of Loisaba, he encouraged Moses to seek employment with Elewana Collection, knowing that this would widen his experience. Moses joined the Apprenticeship Programme and was mentored by South African, Craig Macfalain, a guide and trainer.
“Once I had completed my apprenticeship, Elewana Collection took me on as a relief guide which meant that I was able to travel to all of the Elewana camps across Kenya including Amboseli and the Maasai Mara. I felt so privileged, and it was amazing to be exposed to so many new places and experiences. Throughout all of this, Tom and Jo have been my heroes and, thank goodness, when the first lockdown was imposed, they came to my rescue.”
“The first wave of the pandemic arrived in 2020 and staff from Elewana Collection were sent homeuntil further notice. I had been at home for about a month when I was called by Tom who asked me whether I would like to come back to work for Loisaba itself; it was like going back home to family.”
“At the moment I work for the Security Department, undertaking patrols with the other rangers and other logistical duties. I make regular trips to Nanyuki to drop things off – the camel milk to the dairy, items for the schools that we support – and to pick up supplies that are needed by the Conservancy.”
“I believe that there is no end to school, and I am looking forward to furthering my education in conservation.”
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