2023 Annual Report
We would like to share some key project updates and milestones from the year. The first half of the year started off well, with the country experiencing an excellent rainy season after such a prolonged drought that had affected the ecosystem, wildlife, livestock, and people living in Laikipia County. The ZEITZ foundation’s team spent countless hours on our ecosystem restoration initiative in a bid to ensure that reforestation efforts could maximize the season. We also initiated the construction of a large water dam essential for the future survival of the area’s forests and wildlife. We are happy to report that this is progressing well and we look forward to its completion in early 2024. A brief update on this and other projects is highlighted below:
The ‘Tree of Life’ Reforestation Initiative
- To date, the Foundation has restored 305 ha of land (the equivalent of 153 football fields) with 889,476 Acacia trees since the project’s inception in 2020.
- Out of this, 452,529 tree seedlings were planted in 2023 – highest number yet! An additional tractor was also purchased to support these efforts at scale.
- Over 30 women from the local communities have given their incredible support in the watering and maintenance exercises in the nurseries and in the field.
- During the planting seasons, over 65 men and women are contracted to support these efforts thus increasing knowledge and income at household level within the area.
- We would also like to acknowledge the support of the Centre for Ecosystem Restoration – Kenya (CER-K), that provided some technical training on seed selection and germination protocols to 10 community members and staff.
The Segera Rhino Sanctuary
- The ZEITZ foundation is launching its most ambitious project yet. In collaboration with the Kenya Wildlife Service, we plan to return the critically endangered rhino to one of its ancestral natural habitats.
- To date, 50 kilometers of road have been upgraded, 23 kilometers of fence have been installed, and 15 rangers have also been trained on the use of EarthRanger, an incredibly effective software solution for monitoring and studying wildlife movement.
- An additional ten rangers received specialized Ranger training from the Kenya Police Reserve thus equipping them with the required skills to protect this highly endangered species.
- A patrol vehicle was also purchased to improve patrols and more security stations were established in readiness to conserve and protect the landscape, wildlife and people.
Go to segerarhino.com for more information
Anti-Poaching Ranger Academy
- As plans are underway to establish a Rhino population, strengthening the Anti-Poaching Ranger Unit has been a priority.
- 7 rangers (Male 5; Female 2) attached to the Canine Unit had a three-day assessment on dog handling skills, tracking, kennel hygiene and basic dog care.
- 6 male rangers completed a three-month Community Rangers’ Course at Kenya Wildlife Service Law Enforcement Academy.
- In collaboration with Space for Giants, an organization that works to protect large animals and their habitats, 15 rangers (Male 9: Female 6) had a refresher training session on the use of the EarthRanger, a software solution that aids protected area personnel in making more informed operational decisions for wildlife conservation.
- Within the year, 52 rangers received their required uniforms and operational support, boosting their confidence and morale to carry out their duties.
The Segera Water Dam
- Recognizing the challenges that the landscape has faced and continues to face from intermittent rainfall, we began construction of a large water storage dam along the Segera River with a potential capacity of 603,107 cubic metres, making it possibly the largest in East Africa.
- Significant progress has been made in the core trench of the dam, with excavation completed and reinforcement works in progress. Despite the magnitude of the project, we expect to complete construction in early 2024, once two silt traps and associated infrastructure are completed.
- We believe the dam will secure the future of the rhino population, other wildlife and the ecosystem.
Bursaries for Students
- Under the ZEITZ foundation’s bursary program, a total of 24 students received support to cover their four-year high school education in 2023.
- Out of these, 11 students (8 male: 3 female) joined the program in 2023.
- To enhance the program, we partnered with the Leo Project and Pathways Institute, to provide targeted mentorship sessions during their school holidays. The mentorship sessions are expected to empower the students to make informed decisions about their future careers, personal development, and academic pursuits as well as sexual and reproductive health, with an aim to ensure the students are not only able to handle any challenges they face, but also perform well in their studies.
- At the end of the year four students (1 male: 3 female) took their final secondary examinations with three attaining the required grades to join tertiary institutions. We wish our graduating students all the best in their future endeavors!
Equpping & Developing Schools
- In the past year, we have donated 5 bookshelves, 220 sets of desks and chairs. We also provided age-appropriate furniture (8 tables and 40 chairs) for preschoolers. We also provided 360 sets of school uniforms and 142 pairs of shoes to children from underprivileged homes. Beyond this, we strive to ensure that the welfare of the teaching staff is not forgotten, with suitable furniture, teaching guides, and new class materials provided.
- We also worked with the Roger Federer Foundation to train and equip eight teachers drawn from four schools – SATUBO Learning Centre, Uaso Nyiro, Kisergei and Segera Mission. This training focused on monitoring and implementing school-preparedness strategies for early learning education learners using digital devices that were generously donated.
- We constructed one additional classroom for a school that required decongestion and built a suitable kitchen and dining area at the kindergarten. The kindergarten’s kitchen and dining area is a welcome addition as we prepare to launch a feeding program for the young developing minds that require it for growth and concentration.
Mobile Medical Camps
- We collaborated with the Leo Project to address the issue of some communities’ lack of access to basic healthcare. According to a rapid needs assessment, one community must travel more than 50 kilometres to the nearest health facility.
- Given this, we organized a very successful mobile health care camp at the Sugutan Community, which is located near Segera’s northern boundary. The initiative was well received and appreciated, with over 40 people receiving health services and medication, including infants.
- We are currently planning a quarterly mobile medical camp in two communities that do not have access to facilities. We also hope to establish a small medical unit pilot program at one of these sites. We look forward to partnerships that will actualise this vision.
Laikipia Learning Centre
- In our quest to increase access to education, knowledge, and awareness on Conservation, Community, Culture, and Commerce (the 4Cs), we have expanded the scope of the Vocational Training Academy for Permaculture to a bigger vision – now referred to as the to as the Laikipia Learning Centre.
- This multipurpose facility will serve as an education centre for both adults and children from Segera’s local communities. Plans for this center are still in development, with a local eco-conscious design firm hired to complete the architectural plans. This multipurpose facility, housed in a repurposed airplane hangar, will provide training in a wide range of topics such as conservation, culture, and sustainable commerce.
- We are excited to see the final plans, which will be based on green building standards and will be an ode to our philosophy. We are actively raising funds for the Centre’s construction, which we hope will be a hub of empowerment for all!