Alex Simiyu, Author at A Rocha Kenya

Empowering Minds and Conserving Nature: Highlights from the ASSETS Awareness Camp

25 April 2025

by Alex Simiyu with No Comment News

Empowering Minds and Conserving Nature: Highlights from the ASSETS Awareness Camp

A Week of Connection and Purpose

The familiar grounds stirred with a vibrant energy as the Assets Programme Awareness Camp unfolded over a week, becoming a rich and meaningful experience for students, their steadfast parents, and our dedicated team. This wasn’t just a series of days; it was an immersive journey, a time for deep reflection, the blossoming of new understanding, and the strengthening of the heartfelt connections within the Assets Programme family.

The day usually began with the registration of attendees, followed by introductions that allowed parents, students, teachers, and staff to become familiar with one another. To ease everyone into the day’s activities, a team-building exercise infused laughter and light-heartedness into the group. A short sermon followed, grounding us in A Rocha’s Christian values and reminding us of the deeper purpose behind our conservation and education work.

Once settled, the group received a refresher on the Assets programme’s terms and conditions to ensure that everyone remained aligned and aware of expectations. One of the most compelling moments came when a representative from the Muvera wa Assets shared insights into the initiative, passionately encouraging parents to take part and explaining how it can benefit families and communities alike. It was encouraging to see the interest and engagement that followed, especially from those who had little prior knowledge of the programme.

Tailored Journeys: Separate Explorations

To allow for more focused discussions, we then divided the participants into two groups—students and parents—so that each could explore topics most relevant to them. The students’ sessions revolved around three main areas: conservation, mental health, and academic mentorship.

During the conservation discussion, students were motivated to take responsibility for their woodlots (Woodlots are tree gardens that each student is encouraged to plant and care for at home throughout their four years in the Assets Programme) and to think critically about their part in environmental preservation. They discussed the importance of ecosystems, the benefits that nature offers, and how they can help promote a healthier planet.

In these dedicated spaces, the often-unseen landscapes of mental well-being were explored with remarkable honesty. Within a supportive environment, students shared their experiences, finding strength in shared vulnerabilities and gaining practical tools for resilience. It was clear that the safe and supportive space allowed them to reflect deeply and share openly.

Academic mentorship was another key component of the camp. Students had the opportunity to assess their personal performance, set new academic goals, and explore some of the obstacles they face in their studies. This session was particularly helpful in reminding them that their education is a journey, and that with the right mindset and support, they can overcome difficulties and thrive.

Converging Paths: Shared Understanding

To bring the day to a close, both groups came together once again for a final reflection session. It was a powerful moment. Participants shared comments, asked questions, and expressed appreciation for the time and space to engage in such meaningful dialogue.

One of the standout observations from the camp was the presence of former students and parents of previous Assets beneficiaries. Many of them expressed their continued commitment to conservation activities and pledged to remain involved in the wider community efforts. Their dedication was a testament to the lasting impact of the program.

It was also encouraging to witness how quickly parents embraced the Muvera wa ASSETS initiative, with many admitting they had little knowledge of it before the camp but now feeling informed and eager to take part. From the student side, it became evident that most had a solid understanding of environmental issues and how to contribute to conservation, and many felt more comfortable expressing themselves through writing than speaking.

Overall, the decision to split the sessions between students and parents proved to be effective. It created a space where students felt more free to open up and participate, and parents appreciated the chance to speak candidly about their role in their children’s education and conservation efforts.

A Week of Hope and Shared Purpose

The Assets Programme Awareness Camp, spanning the week, became a profound space for personal reflection and collective growth. We departed, not just with practical takeaways, but with a renewed sense of hope and a strengthened commitment to nurturing both individual potential and the precious environment that surrounds us. The seeds of understanding and connection had been gently watered, promising a brighter future for all.

LEPIDOPTERA at A Rocha Kenya

11 April 2025

by Alex Simiyu with No Comment News

Lepidoptera at A Rocha Kenya

”Last year, I was introduced to Lepidoptera studies when I started volunteering at A Rocha Kenya (Lepidoptera refers to an order of insects that comprises butterflies and moths). I was just fresh out of college, doing a diploma in Wildlife Management, and till then I did not know much about these insects. All I knew was butterflies were pretty and moths were annoying when they buzzed around your ear.

My introduction to butterflies was when I accompanied Anna, one of the staff members at A Rocha, to Dakatcha nature Reserve and she gave me a butterfly net. At that time Dakatcha had just received rains and it was green and lashious and butterflies were dancing around. They were dancing and I was chasing them, catching them and for the first time noticing the difference’s between them. I went for the big colourful ones, my interest in the smaller blues and coppers would come later as I got to know more about them. I pinned my first collection. It was a good job, not perfect but truly I can say that was the beginning of my interest in identifying them.

As for moths, one of my supervisor at ARK, Dr. Colin Jackson, showed me this worn down moth box infront of the office building that I had somehow failed to notice in my three moths of being at ARK. In all honesty I was bewildered when I first saw it and wondered how I would have never noticed it. Maybe it would have helped if it was decorated with some flowers. Little did i know that thing was going to be my best friend later, and I would use the phrase, ‘Needs a bit of love’, whenever visitors would come help with the identification. At the end of the year our facilities manager, Henry, did a wonderful job in fixing it.

As I look at the analysis of the data I collected last year, i see a lot of growth in my understanding of moths and butterflies. I carried out 19 butterfly surveys both in Dakatcha and Mwamba in Watamu. Out of this, I recorded a total of 176 individuals totalling to 60 species of butterflies.

In conclusion, looking at my 2025 data for the month of January, I can say that all the work I did on Lepidoptera in 2024 was worth while. It created a pilot study for the work I will be doing and helped shape my understanding. Through it I have developed protocols and structures for the surveys. I am still working on perfecting my data collection methods but I am motivated to become better and better that motivates me.”

Dakatcha – Threatened tree and habitat mapping

3 April 2025

by Alex Simiyu with No Comment News

Dakatcha, Threatened tree and habitat mapping

On the 3rd of March 2025; a bright Monday morning, that began quite on a high note as a team of four: Lennox Kirao, Cynthia Mwihaki, Humphrey Shume and Mwadime, prepared to leave for the Dakatcha Nature Reserve for what would turn out to be an extensive but exceptional data collection survey targeting some indigenous tree species currently considered threatened and the diverse habitat types that make up the general Dakacha Ecosystem. Traversing through the rich safari into the Cockroach Coffee campsite of the Dakacha reserve was phenomenal. Upon arrival, of course first things first, we pitched ”that” tent (food tent) before each of the team members went in search of their perfect spot in the bushes located in this Mirihi (Brachystegia spiciformis) dominated camp site.

Early the next day we all gathered to have breakfast and had a brief planning session before setting out. Having been joined with Samson Katisho and Werehi of the Dakacha team, we resolved to split the group into two: Lennox Kirao, Mwadime and Werehi in the first while Samson Katisho, Humphrey Shume and somedays Cynthia Mwihaki (working on butterflies and moths) in the second. The first day was purely a learning session having had to experience the full embrace of the sun; somedays going up to highs of 39C. We had to change our departure hours from the camp to an earlier time to maximize on the time before it got unbearably hot.

The teams traversed through the area as defined by a buffer zone and project grids, with the first days dedicated to the outermost regions of the defined study area, with two sessions per day. The morning sessions were dedicated to the far and outermost ends running from around 7am to 2:30pm while the evening session ran from around 4pm to 6:30pm and mostly on foot covering areas closer to the camp. The target data was the habitat and any changes in the dominant vegetation cover was recorded. With the guidance of a pre-established list of threatened tree species, the location, level of destruction and the dominance of these target species was recorded.

Major threats to the general ecosystem were observed to be both natural and anthropogenic in nature. Long drought spells have been a challenge for reforestation efforts. Anthropogenic factors on the other hand were observed to be the main threats to the indigenous species. These included timber and firewood harvesting, charcoal burning, uncontrolled farming and herding. Old and recent charcoal kilns were observed across the study area with most active sites being those outside the protected Dakatcha Natural Reserve by ARocha Kenya. The overexploitation of some trees for carvings was also evident with most of the affected species being Mhuhu (Brachylaena Huillensis). The invasion by nomadic pastoralists in search of water and pasture has posed a major challenge and mostly to the young and regenerating indigenous tree species across the land. The remaining blocks of Mfunda (Cynometra webberi) are diminishing at an alarming rate as the places they thrive well are targeted for their suitability in agricultural activities, specifically pineapple farming.

The area of study also had a number of spectacular wetlands that provided home for different bird species. Sighting of a number of wild mammals that inhabit the woods was breathtaking with the animals including the Dik-dik, elephant shrews and bush babies. Moreover, different snake species were observed during the study period.

The Dakacha Woodlands is a rich ecosystem that is home to countless varieties of flora and fauna in Kenya. Its composition of unique indigenous tree species has, for many years, stood out among the valuable ecosystems of the Kenyan coastal strip. However, this has made it a target in a struggle to meet the ever- growing demands on tree products. It has been noted that overexploitation of the indigenous trees has increasingly become unsustainable and has placed some of these species in a risk of extinction. This has consequently affected the natural habitat of some of the different fauna life. A Rocha Kenya, in an effort to counter these threats, has been conducting surveys and studies to§ understand the extent of the exploitation and the location of the different and critical habitats. These studies form the basis of decision making and guidance in execution of rehabilitation plans to protect this critical ecosystem.

Radical Anna – Anna Radkovics’ journey with A Rocha Kenya

18 March 2025

by Alex Simiyu with No Comment News

Radical Anna - Anna Radkovic's journey with ARK

Anna Radkovic, or as we like to call her, “Radical Anna,” is the Operations Manager at A Rocha Kenya. We sat down with Anna for her feature in the annual review to reflect on her journey with A Rocha and her deep commitment to conservation.

Anna’s first encounter with A Rocha Kenya was in 2003 while on a family vacation in Watamu. Her family heard about the Bible study group held on Sunday evenings at Mwamba and decided to join. That experience left a lasting impression, and when she was about 15, she returned to Watamu with friends—this time as a volunteer at Mwamba Field Study Centre. Over the course of two weeks, she participated in various conservation activities, including preparing nets for bird ringing on Thursday mornings and trying to catch the elusive Spotted Ground Thrush.

Her passion for the environment led her to pursue a degree in Environmental Science and Behavioural Ecology in Australia in 2014. Upon completing her studies, she returned to Watamu and became even more involved with A Rocha Kenya, working closely on bird surveys with Kirao and Albert.

Anna’s career in conservation spans over eight years, during which she has worked with various organizations, including Cottar’s Wildlife Conservation Trust and ElephantVoices. Her work has primarily focused on studying animal behavior and species identification. Additionally, she played a key role in establishing A Rocha Australia as a founding board member.

While in Australia, Anna worked with Cassinia, a conservation organization dedicated to surveying private conservation properties. Her work there aligned closely with A Rocha Kenya’s mission, particularly in relation to land acquisition efforts for the Dakatcha Nature Reserve. Now, as Operations Manager, she brings a wealth of experience and passion to A Rocha Kenya’s conservation initiatives, ensuring that the organization continues to make a meaningful impact.

Anna is particularly passionate about securing long-term funding for the Dakatcha Nature Reserve. “The Dakatcha team is incredible,” she says. “It’s not just a job for them—the scouts love the reserve.” She acknowledges the challenges they face, explaining, “Things are hard out there, but we can advocate on their behalf.” Anna urges a shift in mindset when it comes to conservation funding: “Valuing nature with our money, not just good vibes. Traditionally, we don’t like paying money to protect nature, but if we truly care, we must invest in it.”

She encourages everyone reading this to visit Dakatcha and see the work firsthand. “Come and learn more about the program,” she says. “Your support can make a real difference in protecting this special place for future generations.”

2025 WADER BIRD COUNT TANA RIVER

7 February 2025

by Alex Simiyu with No Comment News

Volunteers report - Tana river

The weekend of the 1st and 2nd of February, a team of five, Colin Jackson, Lennox Kirao, Albert Baya, Dan Kazungu and Jack Hodgson, set off from Watamu to the Tana River delta to take part in the 2025 National waterbird count. After collecting some special dawa (a cup of coffee) for Albert in Malindi we were on our way, stopping for two hours to do some bird atlassing in a place that Albert had been nine years previously.

Arriving at the mangroves, we carried all our kit and supplies across a very muddy lake to the local community’s boat jetty, where we were told a boat would be to take us to the lodge. However, upon arrival we found no boat, so to kill some time Colin brought out his fishing rod. The rest of the team set about to trying to catch some small mud fish to use as bait. Four mud fish were successfully caught, unfortunately the main goal of catching a fish for dinner was not as successful. The boat finally arrived and so after grabbing all our stuff we were soon on our way. We started the trip enjoying a nice cruise up the river to the abandoned lodge we would be camping at. Making it to the lodge and setting up camp we were blessed with a lovely sunset over the sand dunes. On the first night our main chef Kirao prepared us some lovely Ugali and Sukuma for dinner as well as surprising us with some fish he had stashed away. After the delicious meal, the Ugali made us very sleepy and so we all went off and got some sleep before our early start the next morning.

It was an early start on Sunday with a long day of counting ahead of us, we were greeted with a beautiful sunrise as we set off into the delta. On our way to the start of the river section we spotted a lone Topi and found our path blocked by a bridge. Fortunately, another boat was waiting on the other side that would take us straight to the river as the original dam separating the fresh and saltwater sections had been eroded through. This meant to Colin and Kirao’s surprise this year we didn’t have to set about heaving and shoving the boat through the mudflats to get to the river. The day consisted of traveling from section to section around the Tana delta stopping at points to get out to count the birds in the area. During the other times we cruised about the delta with Colin and Albert counting the right-hand side and Kirao and Dan the left-hand side. At one point our path had been blocked yet again but this time by a herd of hippos stopping us from heading down our intended channel. We were forced to climb out of the boat and wait for them to move, but to our surprise we watched as our two boat captains went speeding towards the hippos with their arms flailing and managed to clear them from our path.

We continued counting the vast plains filled with birds from the small Common Sandpipers and Little Stints to the large Goliath Herons and Fish Eagles that patrolled the skies above. We stopped for lunch sheltering from the sun under a tree that was filled with Carmine Beaters and a Malindi Pipit, were also surrounded by cattle who were ever curious about what food we had for our picnic. Once our energy supplies had been replenished with some sweet potatoes and peanut butter sandwiches, we set off again. Coming towards the end of the floodplains filled with thousands of Cattle Egrets and Spur–Winged Plovers, the scenery changed, and the riverbanks became bush and trees where we spotted the occasional Straited Heron and Pied Kingfisher in low bushes and four Fish Eagles perched up at the top of trees. We passed mango trees filled with the juiciest looking mangos and were finally able to sit down and enjoy the cruise as we meandered through the wide channels.

Upon finally making it back to our initial boat, the tide had now retreated and so we had high muddy riverbank to climb. It was at this point we cut into a juicy watermelon and felt very refreshed by its watery deliciousness. Soon we were off again, heading back to camp and now being dwarfed by the high banks of the mudflats. We saw the Topi again as well as seeing huge footprints sunk into the mud from a supposed Elephant. Now being towards the end of the long day of counting, Albert was in desperate need of some more special dawa, which was the first order of business when we eventually arrived back to camp 12 hours later, with another gorgeous sun set behind us. It was soon dinner time which was an incredible meal of rice and prawns. We all went to bed rather tired after a long day, but this time we didn’t have an early start. gorgeous sun set behind us. It was soon dinner time which was an incredible meal of rice and prawns. We all went to bed rather tired after a long day, but this time we didn’t have an early start.

After a relaxed morning Colin, Albert, Dan and I (Jack) left Kirao at the camp to go and complete a small count of birds at the river mouth. It was here that we spotted the highlight of the trip which was a solitary Pomarine Skua which is known as a fierce pirate of the sea due to it often bullying smaller birds and stealing other birds’ fish. Upon our return to camp, we found yet another amazing meal Kirao had prepared us. But obviously a bit annoyed that he had missed highlight of trip, after finishing our lunch and packing up camp, Kirao set off to go and see the bird for himself. Luckily the bird had not flown away and so Kirao was able to return with a successful sighting. Colin later told us that it was around the 15th time an Artic Skua had ever been spotted and recorded in Kenya so quite a significant moment to finish our amazing weekend off. In total over the one and a half days of counts we had recorded 18,880 water birds.

Using citizen science data to learn about long-term changes in Kenyan birds’ range

7 January 2025

by Alex Simiyu with No Comment News

12 years ago, the Kenya Bird Map set out to map the distribution and status of all Kenyan birds to compare data with the historical atlas data collected in the 1970s. Today, this vision has come true with the Kenya Bird Trends, a new platform visualizing changes in bird distribution patterns across the last 50 years.

Illustration of the distribution range change of African Palm Swift over the last 50 years. Photo credit: African Palm Swift © Ian Davies / Macaulay Library

Why study changes in bird distribution?

A lot has changed in Kenya since 1970: the total population quintupled and is increasingly urban, temperatures have warmed, forest cover has dropped from 10 to less than 2%, grasslands and wetlands have shrunk while agriculture has spread. All these changes directly modify the environment and the biodiversity living in it – but how?

Assessing how biodiversity has evolved in the last 50 years is a complex task: ranked among the top 10 most biodiverse nations in the world, Kenya counts over 35 000 living species, spread across thousands of kilometers!

Birds are known to be good indicators of the health of an ecosystem at large as they rely on a diversity of habitats and food, so studying how birds have changed can be a first step to understand how and to what extent biodiversity has been impacted.

How did we do it?

Kenya can boast one of the earliest and most comprehensive bird atlases on the continent. Collected between 1970 and 1984 by over 200 volunteers, this national scale endeavor mapped all 1 088 bird species in Kenya. This work provides a baseline against which to measure how birds are doing today.

Volunteer efforts by citizen scientists are key to monitoring bird populations.

More recently, thousands of citizen scientists are sharing bird observations on a daily basis – centralized on two main platforms: the Kenya Bird Map and eBird. Thanks to all these volunteers, we now have access to a wealth of information which we can use to compare with the historical atlas and draw out the changes that occurred in the past half-century: that’s the power of citizen science!

For the first time, all this data can be visualized by anyone in an easy, accessible format on the Kenya Bird Trends platform. You can browse data in various ways – either focusing on a specific species and visualizing how its distribution has changed on a map, or zooming in to a specific area to see which species have appeared, remained, and disappeared since 1970. Watch the short video below to learn about the platform:

What did we find?

Initial analyses have already highlighted several significant trends: all six vulture species, as well as the iconic Bateleur, have experienced drastic losses in their range. The White-headed Vulture’s range tragically shrunk by almost half of its historical range. Conservation measures are already in place to protect and reintroduce these vitally important birds for our ecosystem, chiefly led by the Kenya Bird of Prey Trust.

Long-distance migrants also did not fare well, and typically lost more range than resident birds (that remain in the country throughout the year). This sadly echoes the reported losses of migrant birds globally, so does not come as a surprise. Indeed, migrant birds tend to be more vulnerable to change as they rely on a lot of different habitats to refuel during their migration journey. Strategically positioned on major migratory flyways, Kenya has an important role to play in providing healthy habitats for the hundreds of thousands of migrant birds that fly over the country twice a year.

Conversely, introduced species, which typically thrive on urban habitats, have vastly expanded – which comes as little surprise given how much cities have expanded in the last decades. This, however, is not always good news, as is the case of the House Crow, a species introduced to the coast of Kenya in the 1970s and now disturbing both local fauna as well as tourism and agriculture industries. This is why A Rocha Kenya is currently leading a crow control campaign on the coast of Kenya – learn more here.

Over to you!

This platform can be used to directly inform conservation measures across the country, showcasing that data you submit to citizen science platforms has a real impact on protecting birds today! Want to join the Kenya Bird Map initiative? Register here today.

Already a birder/citizen scientist?

Use the platform to find out which bird species to look for in your area: Go to Grid view, download a list for your area, and be particularly attentive to the species marked as “Lost” – you may help correct a trend!
Go birding in areas where we’re still missing data! This is all areas with no circles on the map.

Want to learn more? Check the dedicated scientific publication!

This project was brought to life thanks to a collaboration between A Rocha Kenya, the Tropical Biology Association, the National Museums of Kenya, and the Kenya Bird of Prey Trust, with financial support from the UK Government through Darwin Initiative.

Assets corner- Hussein Ali

18 September 2024

by Alex Simiyu with No Comment News

Story time

Are you ready for an amazing experience? Do you have your favorite cup of coffee to enjoy? How about some calming background music? Find your cozy spot and get ready for an exciting storytime! As we have a sit-down with Hussein, one of the first beneficiaries of the Assets programme.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Hussein Ali Mdata. I was among the first students to benefit from the Assets programme, joining in 2003 and leaving in 2006. I am now working with the National Treasury as an accountant. While on leave, I have been helping A Rocha Kenya with data entry for the past month.

How was life before Assets?

Honestly, I don’t know how I would have turned out if it weren’t for Assets. If it had not been for assets, I wouldn’t have managed to join high school. After completing my primary education, I passed with flying colours. I was the best student in Mida that year and was called to Malindi High School.

However, since a single stepmother raised me, there was no money to take me to school, and I was forced to stay at home for the first month of school. The only option then was to carry out a fundraising ceremony, which was both challenging and far-fetched. One day, while we were returning home from another not-so-promising lead, my mother sat next to an older man who would later change the direction of my life.

They were making small talk, chatting about the usual things. My mom told him how difficult it was to make ends meet for my school fees. Casually, the older man told my mother about the new Assets programme that A Rocha Kenya had started. Excited and out of options, we visited the Assets offices, then at Gede, and dropped my documents; fingers crossed that I would hear back from them. And I sure did; a week later, A Rocha Kenya came knocking. Finally, there was some hope!

How did Assets change things?

Though I had been called to a more expensive boarding school, the Assets team advised me to switch schools and attend a day school instead since it was more affordable. For all four years of high school, Assets paid 75% of my school fees, and since it was a school just nearby, my mother could clear out the rest of the school fees. She also managed to join Muvera wa Assets (Thank you Assets), a parent group of supported students. Here, she was involved in many conservation activities like tree planting.

It was also through Assets that I learned the importance of conservation. From the Assets camps organized every holiday, I realized why there was an urgent need to look after the environment actively, why careless tree cutting was detrimental, and why planting more trees was necessary. This helped me develop an attitude that would later lead me to establish conservation groups and CBOs (Community-Based Organizations).

How then was life in campus?

Hard!

I didn’t manage to secure the government support to study my campus life. Since I needed to be close to Ksh 75,000/=, which I couldn’t afford, I had to defer the first year and report the following year. It was the strong attitude that I had gained over the years that kept me moving and hoping. I figured there was someone out there who would once again hold my hand and help me take this next step in my life. I knew that Assets only supported people through their high school, but I had no one else to turn to, so I reached out to them again!

The Assets leadership, led by Stanley, did come through for me again. Even though there was no budget in the Assets kit to support me, together, they organized a fundraising ceremony that raised enough funds to send me to school.

By the second year, things got tough again, and the government sponsorship was still nowhere to be seen. I had to defer for another year, and Stanley, the head of Assets, had to stand with me again personally! I got government support after I reported back, which made my remaining time on campus smoother. At least I didn’t have to defer again.

Were things better after campus?

Much better!

After graduation, I joined the Assets-graduates internship and training programme- where the Assets’s leadership helped us look for internship opportunities. Through this programme, I was privileged to volunteer with Turtle Bay Beach Club for three months. From there, I volunteered with the A Rocha Kenya accounts department for another three months. A Rocha Kenya helped me secure my first job and put me on the right track that I am on today.

At a personal level, I founded the Mida Marine Conservation Initiative- a CBO that focuses on alternative livelihoods, conservation, and conservation-based agriculture.

What then, would be your closing remarks?

The Assets scheme works! It is necessary, and it changes lives! I am an example. Now, more than ever, we need Assets. The economy is even worse than during my time. There are people like me who still need help and will be lost without Assets.

I implore even more people to rally behind Assets. If Assets had enough resources, supporting tertiary education wouldn’t be that hard. At the Form Four level, children are still far from obtaining any relevant skills that can help them; they still need Assets. Real empowerment comes from the institutions that come after high school.

Protecting Dakatcha Nature Reserve: The Unsung Heroes of Conservation

30 July 2024

by Alex Simiyu with No Comment News

At A Rocha Kenya, the Dakatcha Nature Reserve stands as a testament to our commitment to conservation and biodiversity. However, behind the scenes of this thriving sanctuary are our dedicated scouts—unsung heroes whose relentless efforts play a pivotal role in preserving the reserve’s natural splendor. Let’s dive into the crucial work they do and how it shapes the future of Dakatcha Nature Reserve.

The Role of Our Scouts

Each day, our scouts embark on rigorous patrols across the woodlands of Dakatcha Nature Reserve. Their primary mission is to prevent illegal activities that threaten the area’s delicate ecosystems. Whether it’s stopping poachers in their tracks or monitoring for unauthorized logging, these scouts are the vigilant guardians of our natural heritage.

Their duties also extend to promptly repairing damages and conducting meticulous documentation of the reserve’s rich biodiversity. Every tree, every plant, every creature is cataloged with precision, ensuring that no detail is overlooked in our conservation efforts.

Advanced Training and Tools

Our scouts are equipped with training in SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool), a cutting-edge software designed to enhance real-time monitoring and evaluation. This advanced technology allows them to track various aspects of the reserve’s health and address conservation challenges efficiently.

The SMART system facilitates real-time reporting and data analysis, which is crucial for making informed decisions about conservation strategies. This technology empowers our scouts to manage and protect the reserve with unprecedented accuracy and effectiveness.

Tailored Program for Dakatcha

In our ongoing effort to refine our conservation strategies, we’ve developed a tailored program specifically for Dakatcha Nature Reserve. Central to this program is a specialized app that integrates data collection in English, Swahili, and Giriama—the local language.

This innovative app provides a comprehensive platform for receiving detailed reports on a variety of critical issues:

Illegal Poaching Incidents: Immediate notifications help us respond swiftly to any threats.
Road Maintenance Needs: Regular updates ensure that infrastructure within the reserve remains in top condition.
Noteworthy Observations: Our scouts report on significant findings, such as the nesting habits of the endangered Golden-rumped Sengi.

The Golden-rumped Sengi: A Symbol of Conservation

The Golden-rumped Sengi, a unique and endangered species, symbolizes our conservation efforts. This small, elusive mammal is not only a focal point of our research but also a poignant reminder of why our work matters. Protecting the habitat of the Golden-rumped Sengi is a testament to our broader goal of safeguarding all the diverse life forms that call Dakatcha home.

The Impact of Our Scouts

The dedication and proactive engagement of our scouts are truly commendable. Their tireless efforts significantly contribute to the preservation of the reserve’s natural integrity. Through their vigilance, they embody the spirit of stewardship and care that defines A Rocha Kenya’s mission.

Their work ensures that Dakatcha Nature Reserve remains a sanctuary for biodiversity—a place where flora and fauna thrive, and where the local community and our organization can take pride in the conservation achievements.

Conclusion

The Dakatcha Nature Reserve’s vibrant ecosystems and endangered species owe much of their protection to the unwavering commitment of our scouts. Their daily patrols, advanced training, and use of cutting-edge technology play a crucial role in maintaining the reserve’s health and integrity. At A Rocha Kenya, we celebrate their dedication and recognize the profound impact they have on our conservation efforts. Their work not only safeguards the present but also secures a future where Dakatcha continues to be a beacon of biodiversity and environmental stewardship.

The caring hands of A Rocha Kenya

15 July 2024

by Alex Simiyu with No Comment News

Creation Care encompasses all

Creation Care is one aspect of our work that cuts through everything that we do. It is the base on which everything stands and the foundation on which we have built everything we do. That means, whether it is the science team going out for bird monitoring, the Environmental Education team welcoming students at our Centre, the finance team balancing accounts, or the Communications team sitting behind a keyboard and writing about it, we are all motivated and linked by one thing, Creation Care!

Creation Care is such a broad term, one that involves many things, done in many different ways. But at its heart, Creation Care is simply man living up to his God-given mandate. Whether that is in their personal life, professional life, or during their vacation days. Conservation is part of Creation Care, which makes us as an organization, solely and deeply rooted in Creation Care.

A sit-down with Stanley

Earlier last week I had a chance to sit with Stanley, our Head of Department for Community Conservation, who has been working with A Rocha Kenya (specifically with the community department) for over 20 years.
Of course, the first question I asked him was what he understood by Creation Care, and his response was simple, ” Creation Care is our God-given responsibility to rule over creation.” Rule? I thought, is such a unique word, and can mean very different things, depending on how it is interpreted. So naturally, I asked him to elaborate a bit on what he meant by “rule over creation”. This is what he had to say, ” By rule, I mean stewardship of God’s creation. It is a responsibility as stipulated in Genesis. Rule in this context means to take care of, not misuse or ignore.“

I found that really intriguing. Many people misinterpret the meaning of God giving us dominion over the earth. They see it as permission to misuse and destroy the earth. Read more about that here.
The other group, and perhaps the most dangerous, is made up of those who feel indifferent about the whole thing. They don’t actively pollute the world, but they also don’t care about what is going on. As long as everything is okay in their lives, then all is good with the world. The elephants can go extinct tomorrow and they wouldn’t mind, because such a thing, doesn’t directly impact them. But from Genesis, we learn, whether it is the Amazon being scorched, the ice caps melting or plastic pollution in the oceans, whatever negatively impacts nature is our business because nature is our business!

For it is written...

Stanley continued expounding his point. ” Man was created specifically for this reason. The privilege of being created in God’s image comes with a responsibility of ruling over creation.”

At this point, he stopped and quoted Genesis 1:26-27 which says, “Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”

Creation Care in A Rocha Kenya

” The Creation Care project was aimed at arousing that sense of responsibility in the community members. The Dakatcha Woodland was being cleared at an alarming rate for sisal farming and charcoal burning. Besides being an Important Bird Area as declared by IUCN, Dakatcha Woodland is a beautiful part of God’s creation, and it was dying. People were exploiting the resources in an unsustainable way. All this, we believed, was as a result of lack of knowledge. Creation Care was necessary to bring about education and perhaps a change in attitude.”

He continued, ” The truth is that Dakatcha is a hard and dry place. We didn’t blame the community members, they needed to make ends meet. Living in such a place where it is dry, with little rain which can be so unpredictable, presents you with very limited options for survival. That is why, more than just providing knowledge, the question now was how do we help them make ends meet while looking after creation. That is how we introduced Farming God’s Way as an alternative mode of farming and source of livelihood. It enabled the community to look after creation whilst reaping enough to sustain them. “

What then shall we conclude?

With that, I sighed with relief as I nodded my head in agreement. And then, came his closing remarks, ” There is a deep interdependence between man and creation that is so deep and impossible to overlook. A thriving ecosystem leads to a thriving community. Pollinators (like bees) need a variety of foods to survive and exist, which they get from our gardens and natural plants that haven’t been destroyed. In return, they pollinate our plants and give us food. “

The reality that we often choose to ignore is that nature (creation) can survive without us. But there is no world or frame of existence, where man can survive without nature!

Inspiring young conservationists to fight for nature

21 June 2024

by Alex Simiyu with No Comment News

Young minds in conservation

In an age where environmental concerns are at the forefront of global discourse, engaging youngsters in conservation practices is paramount for the preservation of our planet’s biodiversity. Among these practices, bird ringing every Thursday at A Rocha Kenya stands out as a powerful tool for both education and scientific research. Lennox Kirao and Colin Jackson lead this excellent activity.

Bird ringing, a unique practice also known as bird banding in some regions, involves attaching small, uniquely numbered metal or plastic rings to birds’ legs. These rings serve as individual identifiers, a fascinating concept that allows researchers to track birds’ movements, behaviors, and life histories over time. While the scientific insights gained from bird ringing are invaluable, its impact extends far beyond the realm of academia.

Fosters strong connection to nature

Engaging youngsters in bird ringing offers them a unique opportunity to foster a profound connection with nature from an early age. It provides them with hands-on experience in conservation efforts, a rewarding and tangible way to contribute to scientific knowledge. By participating in bird-ringing activities, young people not only learn about the environment but also develop a sense of environmental stewardship and a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of ecosystems.
One of the most significant benefits of involving youngsters in bird ringing is the opportunity for experiential learning. Instead of merely reading about conservation principles in textbooks, participants actively observe and interact with the natural world. They learn about avian biology, migration patterns, and the interconnectedness of habitats firsthand, instilling a sense of wonder and curiosity that can ignite a lifelong passion for conservation.

Furthermore, bird ringing is not just an individual activity, but a catalyst for collaboration and community engagement. Whether working with local conservation organizations, schools, or youth groups, young bird ringers become part of a larger network of like-minded individuals dedicated to protecting our planet’s avian inhabitants. Through shared experiences and collective action, they develop essential skills in teamwork, communication, and leadership, forging a strong sense of community and shared purpose, laying the foundation for future environmental advocacy.
Beyond its educational and scientific merits, bird ringing also offers a platform for fostering cultural appreciation and environmental stewardship. Many indigenous cultures have rich traditions centered around birds, viewing them as symbols of wisdom, spirituality, and ecological balance. By incorporating indigenous knowledge and perspectives into bird-ringing activities, we can promote cultural diversity and respect for traditional environmental knowledge while advancing conservation goals.

Today's students, tomorrow's leaders

In today’s rapidly changing world, engaging youngsters in conservation practices like bird ringing is more critical than ever. By empowering the next generation with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration to become environmental leaders, we can ensure a brighter future for both people and wildlife. Through their efforts, young bird ringers not only contribute to scientific research but also embody the spirit of conservation, proving that small actions can have a big impact on the preservation of our natural heritage. This empowerment of the next generation is a beacon of hope for the future of conservation.

In conclusion, the importance of engaging youngsters in conservation practices like bird ringing cannot be overstated. By nurturing their curiosity, fostering a sense of responsibility, and providing opportunities for meaningful participation, we empower young people to become ambassadors for environmental stewardship. Together, we can inspire a new generation of conservationists who will safeguard our planet for generations to come.