Samburu Tribe in Kenya

What is the service project?

School supply drive for the Samburu Tribe, who live north of the equator in Northern Kenya, primarily in Samburu County. They are semi-nomadic pastoralists who are dependent on their livestock herds - made up of cattle, goats, sheep and even camels - for food and income.  78% of this unique and beautiful people live below the poverty level.

The Samburu face numerous challenges. Climate change and deterioration of their land deeply threaten their pastoral way of life. Conflicts over scarce resources, limited access to education and healthcare adds to these difficulties. Their traditional way of life hinders community development and they relocate about every two weeks in order for their herds to find fresh grazing grounds. Traditionally the women are responsible for gathering vegetables

and roots, caring for children and collecting water.  The Samburu men look after their herds and are responsible for the overall safety of the tribe.  Jobs are scarce to non-existent and the men often leave the village to find work.  Many times they are poorly paid or not paid at all for the work they do.  Corruption is common and the economic system struggles.

The Samburu children often walk long distances to and from their school locations. Most families cannot afford the cost of a reputable school. So many are forced to put children in disreputable schools with poorly trained teacher who may or may not show up in the classroom. School supplies are rare but highly valued.

What is our stake connection to the Samburu Tribe people?

Blake and Kelly Jensen (6th Ward) have a friend, Lark, who has spent the past 10 years in Kenya with the Sadahana Forest organization. Lark showed up with a tent, and has now lived among the villagers for many years. She teaches the villagers sustainability and employs some to help with the projects. Lark could see a tremendous need for the village children to attend school, but so many cannot because of their extreme poverty and lack of reputable schools. She started sharing individual children on her Facebook page that were in need of funding. The Jensens chose a young girl by the name of  Caroline and funded her education through high school and university studies. She graduated in December 2024 and the Jensens went to Kenya to attend the graduation. They met and fell in love with all the people of this tribe.

What other projects has Lark helped to develop for the tribe?

She organized the digging of a very deep well.  During a 3-year drought, the only water available to the people was what Lark’s group, in a big watering truck, would deliver to them. The villagers would wait by the road with the big buckets to have drinkable water!

How can I donate?

You can bring the following items to the donation box at Party in the Park:

• mostly solid color backpacks

• pens

• pencils

• warm beanie type hats

• underwear(boys and girls sizes 4-17)

• venmo available at Party in the Park to support shipping or help purchase additional supplies

How will the goods be delivered?
The Jensens will deliver the supplies at a tbd time.  They are working out logistics and flight plans, but hope to have the goods in Kenya before the end of the 2024 year.