The Samburu People
The Samburu practice a nomadic pastoral lifestyle that is thousands of years old. They are constantly on the move in search of water and pasture for their animals. Traditionally, the Samburu’s only source of food is their cows and goats, which provide milk, blood, and meat.
The Samburu region of Northern Kenya is semi-arid. Two periods of rain each year provide water for the Samburu’s goats and cows. In recent years, the rains have failed, and droughts have become more frequent and intense. During the current drought the Samburu have lost 80% of their cows and 60% of their goats. Some families have lost all of their animals.
Along with the droughts, other changes in the area are affecting the Samburu people’s lifestyle and traditional livelihood. For years, the Samburu in the Sereolipi area have been isolated from the rest of the country. With a new government committed to development and building new roads, the Samburu need to better equip themselves to communicate with the outside world. They need knowledge and education to do this.
Our goals come from the Samburu themselves. What we do and how we do it fits them and their culture. They want to offer their children a chance at a good education. We support their efforts to do that.