Rhino Scholarships: 150 Future Conservationists

In the communities bordering Ol Pejeta, talent is everywhere—but opportunity can be scarce. For families relying on pastoralism and farming, the dream of a secondary education is often sidelined by the reality of school costs.

Because of your generosity, we aren’t just keeping students in school; we are raising the next generation of conservation leaders. Here is how your investment has come to life over the last few months:

The Daraja Mentorship

In December 2025, students participated in our intensive mentorship programs. We believe that to lead a community, a student needs more than just high marks—they need resilience and integrity.

• The "Man I Am" Program: Focused on 21st-century competencies, redefining masculinity, and emotional wellness for boys.

• The "WISH" Program: Empowered girls through leadership training, personal agency, and reproductive health education.

• A Shared Vision: Both groups focused on peacebuilding and career pathways, ensuring they return to their communities as advocates for progress.

This January, the Rhino Scholarship program officially expanded. We are proud to announce the selection of 20 new Grade 10 students.

These students now have a clear four-year path ahead of them, covering tuition, uniforms, and supplies—removing the drop-out risk that hinders so many bright minds in rural Laikipia.

The ultimate goal of this project is to create a local connection to conservation. Look no further than Sarah Mbeneka and Peter Wamutitu. This February, both spent their pre-university break as apprentices at the Conservancy.

By seeing the tangible benefits of conservation firsthand, they aren't just students anymore—they are the "Conservation Leaders of Tomorrow" we promised to foster.

"Through scholarships, we are opening doors for students who would otherwise be left behind. Education gives them the power to shape their own future." — Kelvin Gitau, Senior Education Officer

Their stories are a powerful reminder that education does not only change individual lives. It strengthens families, builds resilience and creates opportunities for entire communities.

Thank you for protecting both the wildlife and the people of Laikipia.

We want to take a moment to express our deep gratitude and share an exciting update about the tangible impact of your generosity. Your commitment to education is directly enabling students with remarkable potential to pursue their dreams. Today, we are thrilled to introduce you to one of the dedicated young scholars you are supporting: Stephen Mwangi.

Born in 2008, Stephen is the third born of his family of six, which includes his parents and three siblings. As the third born, he takes on various family responsibilities, including herding cows and goats, in addition to other household chores.  Stephen is an active member of the Kibubungi Community.

During school holidays, he assists community members with herding their livestock, and in the afternoons, he joins others to help prepare the land for cultivation. This work ethic underscores his early commitment to agriculture.

Stephen’s clear career aspiration is to become a veterinary officer, driven by his deep affection for animals. He is keen on ensuring their well-being and preventing illnesses. While tending to livestock, he proactively identifies sick animals and informs their owners so they can seek professional treatment. Witnessing this care process only deepens his admiration for the profession and the animals he hopes to protect.

Unsurprisingly, Agriculture and Biology are his favorite subjects. Both fields, with their focus on animal life and farming practices, captivate his interest and directly support his career goal.

This passion is complemented by his primary hobby: reading. Stephen loves diving into storybooks about animals, a habit his teachers encouraged from the age of five by emphasising that the stories are both factual and enjoyable. He spends his free time engrossed in these books, continuously expanding his knowledge of animals and farming—activities he is passionate about thanks to his mother’s encouragement.

Thank you once again for empowering Stephen to pursue his academic path and ultimately achieve his goal of serving his community as a veterinary officer. 

Ol Pejeta Conservancy