Welcome to Samburu Maasai Wales Aid. Established by John and Margaret Walters in 1998, Samburu Maasai Wales Aid has been raising funds and public awareness of the plight of the Samburu Maasai People of Africa.
Help Us



Samburu Maasai Wales Aid 

 

Background

 

Samburu District lies in the Rift valley province of Northern Kenya. The district is the homeland of the Samburu - pastoralist tribes people. They are a very proud, dignified and colourful people with a rich culture. They live in manyatta's built with sticks and cow dung amongst the wildlife in the bush.

 

Current situation

 

During recent severe droughts in 2006/2007. The carcases of cattle, sheep, goats, elephants and other wildlife were strewn across the countryside.with little grass and water, animals struggle to survive. Without FOOD AID many more people will struggle and surely die.

 

Our involvement

 

John and Margaret Walters of Pontrhydyfen, South Wales attended a Samburu Maasai tribal wedding in June 2000. Friendships developed which led to them assisting 40 Samburu visitors to come to their home in Wales over the next 7 years. These cultural exchanges have led to a large number of school and community links.

 

Key Outcomes

 

1.      The Walter's have now visited the Samburu twice yearly and have got progressively more involved in assisting the communities for 6 to 10 weeks each visit. Over the last 7 years they have provided:

2.      An ambulance and other medical aid - including incubators, ultra sound equipment and 20 hospital beds, cataract operations for Elders, assistance for children with special needs/orphans, 40 wheelchairs, uniforms and teaching aids.

3.      A workshop, a caretaker, repaired 2 water pumps and provided parts, generator, electricity, fenced and    cultivated land, vegetable crops, a vet and poultry

4.      A cultural exchange between Wales and Kenya. Samburu visiting 40 schools giving Welsh school children in particular, an insight into Samburu culture.

5.      Vehicles: 2 Nissans, cabstar truck and urvan van. 1 Peugeot van, Ambulance, and use of their personal Land rover, sports kits, latrines, washroom.

6.      Formed a community based organisation, Samburu Wales Aid, working in 8 communities and expanding.

7.      Pastoralists taught farming skills resulting in awareness, respect and support from Government officials, chiefs, warriors, elders, women and children alike.

 

The Future

 

Kaseti Lelesengei as chairman of Sambura Wales Aid has been asked to stand for the local council, and the Walters have been approached to lease the camel Safari camp site and manage it for the benefit of Samburu District Communities.

Their aim is to help safeguard the livelihoods and cultural activities of the Samburu people by facilitating the development of alternative employment by:

1.      Buying a tractor to cultivate an acre of land for each homestead. (Providing a borehole to irrigate and supply homes.)

2.      Building a home for the elderly and a hospital ward.

3.      Purchasing an army tour truck vehicle for the security of tourists and school children, enabling wildlife tours, coastal exchanges with Mombassa children and visits to this diverse countryside.

They will continue to work closely and network with other project workers and officials in this frontier town of Maralal. Also British Council Kenya I U.K

 

Help required

 

  • Help with grant applications, fundraising etc to ensure a regular income.
  • Advice on formalising the organisation, governance etc.
  • Support from our government, e.g.: Army, Hospitals and Education.
  • Recruitment/retention of supporters

 

Key challenges

  • Sustainability
  • Community involvement in a multi cultural tribal district - this has to be handled sensitively as each tribe has a very different culture although most are pastoralists and sociable. All are in desperate need of water, food, health and education.