For many years Stephen has tried to balance his passion for birds with his love for the culture of his tribe, family, and community.
As a child and young man, Stephen lived within the wilderness and bushland of Karare and Marsabit National Park. Learning from his elders he would navigate herds of elephant to pick berries, take animals to the waterhole as well as find shortcuts to school and returning home in good time for football.
Fiercely proud of his status within the Samburu tribe, Stephen participated in ceremonies steeped in tradition and culture to facilitate the circumcision of hundreds of young men as they transition from boys to warriors. Part of that ceremony included the killing of birds to demonstrate their individual skill and strength. During any one ceremony tens of thousands of birds would be killed.
Stephen’s studies through Cornell University taught him ornithological conservation and a greater understanding of the ecology of birds in the wild and identifying the key threats and ways of enhancing the survival of species.
His unique knowledge and insight into traditions and culture of the Samburu tribe allows him to understand societal and environmental threats to many species. Through careful negotiation with tribal elders and leaders, alongside interventions to protect the erosion of trees from manufacture of charcoal Lenaa Birds Conservation has established a programme of awareness and education which reduces the threat to birds and vegetation whilst continuing to respect and value tradition and culture.
