Samburu Trust takes its name from the place and people it helps. Situated in Laikipia, the North Eastern province of Kenya, it is set in the heart of Samburuland. It tackles issues of wildlife conservation, drought, medical care and education; working tirelessly to provide solutions to the problems faced by the Samburu tribe’s people.

The foundation has gone from strength-to-strength since its origin in 2000 by founder Julia Francombe. In 2006 Francombe received a humanitarian award, this reflects the outstanding success the trust has achieved in the region.

It developed initially as the ‘Beads for Food Program’, due to a harsh drought in the region in 2000. ‘Beads for Food’ provided beads for the Samburu ‘mammas’ to work together on designs. This helped the foundation fundraise, consequently reducing the pressure of drought on the ‘mammas’ and their families.

Beading ‘mammas’ live a tough life, even outside periods of draught. The voluntary programme is one that has been continued by the trust, allowing these Samburu women to live as they chose. Additionally, painting programmes for children have been introduced and the money raised from these exhibitions have been hugely beneficial to the community.

The trust relies on donations from the Ol Malo Lodge guests and the money raised from the beading and painting programs. Using these resources the Samburu Trust has raised an outstanding amount for varying causes. The foundation has implemented a school system that is compatible with the Samburu way of life, empowered the people to protect their wildlife and ecosystem and improved community health with eye surgery and medevac. Their recent projects include expanding the Nomad School and developing a new method for building reservoirs that can be shared by everyone and everything in Samburuland – efficiently and without transmitting disease. All funds donated to the Samburu Trust ensure that they continue to help and protect Samburu people. 

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