Conservation Leadership Program scholarship beneficiaries on industrial attachment
Written by Gloria Kosgey
Over the past two years, a remarkable group of young Kenyans has been journeying through the halls of the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI), pursuing diplomas in Environmental and Wildlife Management. These students, supported through our scholarship programme, represent the next generation of homegrown conservationists; driven by passion, grounded in science, and prepared for the challenges ahead.
As part of their final leg of study, the beneficiaries were placed on a 3-month industrial attachment, a critical component of their diploma course. This hands-on training connects classroom learning to real-world conservation work, offering students a chance to gain practical skills, professional exposure, and insights into Kenya’s diverse ecosystems and conservation challenges.
Where they were placed
Our beneficiaries were attached to various organizations and field stations across the country, from national parks and community conservancies to research centres and wildlife sanctuaries. These placements spanned Kenya. Each trainee brought their curiosity and energy into the field, learning through direct engagement with wildlife monitoring, habitat restoration, human-wildlife conflict mitigation, and data collection.
- Name
- Kidoku Parashina
- Dalmas Ntimama
- Patita Ole Kupai
- James Lalampaa
- Yvonne Lekuraiyo
- Claudia Ntilari
- Lerantileni Ltunganae
- Lilian Saasa
- Eunice Parsalau
- Christopher Saruni
- Isaiah Parmuya
- Florence Leporole
- Natally Peninah
- Jackline Sayianka
- Nelson Eyoyo
- Sarah Kilouwa
- Jonah Lelanga
- Home Area
- Amboseli
- Masai Mara
- Masai Mara
- Samburu
- Samburu
- Samburu
- Samburu
- Amboseli
- Amboseli
- Amboseli
- Amboseli
- Samburu
- Samburu
- Amboseli
- Samburu
- Amboseli
- Samburu
- Organization placed in
- Amboseli National Park
- Eselenkei Conservancy
- Eselenkei Conservancy
- Grevy’s Zebra Trust
- Reteti Elephant Sanctuary
- Mount Kenya Conservancy
- Grevy’s Zebra Trust
- Big Life Foundation
- Ol Kinyei Conservancy
- Tsavo East National Park
- NEMA Naivasha sub-county
- Grevy’s Zebra Trust
- Grevy’s Zebra Trust
- Naivasha sub-county dept. of environment, energy, natural resources, and climate change
- Amboseli National Park
- Eselenkei Conservancy
- Samburu National Park
My attachment has been such a rewarding journey. I’ve learned so much about conservation, especially the monitoring of the critically endangered mountain bongo, which is central to the rewilding programme. I had the chance to rotate through all departments at Mount Kenya Conservancy, guiding visitors at the orphanage, supporting research and mobilization efforts, and even feeding primates and carnivores with carefully calculated food ratios.
The staff were incredibly supportive, and my supervisor was especially kind and encouraging. I’ve gained practical skills in my field and felt genuinely appreciated throughout. This experience has strengthened my passion for conservation.
My attachment has been a meaningful, fulfilling, and truly invaluable experience. I’m especially grateful for the insightful mentorship I received in the education and research departments at Eselenkei Conservancy. The hands-on learning through community project initiatives gave me the chance to both contribute and grow.
Being able to make a real impact while gaining practical knowledge has been one of the most rewarding parts of my training.
During my attachment at Grevy’s Zebra Trust, I had the chance to be part of a conservancy-wide survey at Melibae and Westgate, where I interacted with community members and contributed to rangeland management efforts. I also joined the Nkirreten Initiative, which supports local schools with sanitary pads and promotes sanitation awareness among indigenous women.
One of the most memorable parts was monitoring the endangered Grevy’s zebra; observing them in their natural habitat, studying their behavior, movements, and population dynamics, and feeding that data into the Trust’s conservation database. I also received training in using SMART and EarthRanger – powerful tools in wildlife monitoring. It’s been a transformative learning experience.
I’ve really had an incredible time during my attachment at Samburu National Park! From helping dig water points for wildlife after the Ewaso North River dried up to engaging with communities on conservation and conflict mitigation, every day has been meaningful. I’ve been part of teams responding to hyena-human conflict cases, setting up camera traps to monitor nocturnal species, and even got to explore Intrepids Samburu Lodge.
I’ve also had more time to enjoy my favorite hobby – bird watching. This experience has deepened my love for wildlife and strengthened my skills in the field.
Beyond the Classroom
Camps that Cultivate Leaders
Throughout their academic journey, we’ve hosted 2 annual Mentorship and Leadership Camps to equip students with the soft skills they need to thrive – both during industrial attachment and in the world beyond school. The camps focused on readiness for industrial attachment, workplace ethics, communication, personal leadership, and career development.
These gatherings have become a core part of our strategic approach, ensuring that our support goes beyond fees, uniforms, and accommodation to the very heart of student empowerment. They’ve helped transform shy first-year students into confident young conservation ambassadors, ready to take their place in the field, as evidenced by their field stories.
Join us and support the mission
The success of these students is proof that with the right support, we can raise a new generation of conservation leaders, rooted in local communities, trained in science, and committed to protecting our shared natural heritage.
We invite you to be part of this mission. Your support, whether through donations, internship opportunities, or mentorship, makes a lasting impact.
Together, we’re not just funding education.
We’re cultivating purpose. We’re growing ‘wild’ leaders.
© Fernando Facile/Governors'