Meet Kalamon Leogusa
Having worked across every organisation in the Sarara umbrella, from Reteti, to the Sarara Foundation, as a guide and as a radio operator, Kalamon is the swiss-army knife of Sarara - there’s nothing he can’t do!
What is your name and surname?
Kalamon Leogusa
Where were you born and where did you grow up?
I was born in 1979 and grew up in Sere-Olipi, a town near Sarara.
What is your current role at The Sarara Foundation?
I have been lucky to have been able to work across various departments here. My very first position was as an elephant keeper at Reteti Elephant Sanctuary. I then had the opportunity to work with the team of Rangers as a radio operator. There were some exciting moments - especially when we successfully caught poachers in the conservancy! From there, became a guide at Sarara Camps. This fuelled my love for education, people and sharing about wildlife and our culture.
More recently, I was part of the Nomadic Healthcare team for about 2.5 years where I was a driver, supported the outreaches and also administered the educational talks we give to community members. After two and a half years with the Dorcas and the Healthcare team, I was called back to Camps and am guiding again. Whenever I have an off day when I don’t have guests, I like to still go and support the Health Team.
When did you join the Sarara Foundation?
I joined in June 2020, about two and a half years ago.
Kalamon and Meschak, a boy who received surgery through The Sarara Foundation
What have been some of the most rewarding aspects of your work?
During 2021 we supported numerous children in the conservancy with cleft palates to receive surgery. This has had an enormous impact on the children themselves who can now smile and play with other kids, but also their families. It’s been very rewarding to witness.
On the other hand, what specific challenges have you encountered while working in Namunyak Conservancy?
The Nomadic Healthcare team spends a lot of time on the road, driving to different manyattas (homesteads) across the conservancy. Because of this, our biggest challenges are from time spent on the road. During rainy season, which we unfortunately haven’t had much of, the dirt roads we use get destroyed and become completely unusable.
Also, because of all the time spent driving on these bumpy roads, we often run into mechanical issues with the vehicle, and these can happen in far off locations, where there’s no communication.
What do you think, or hope, the results of the Nomadic Healthcare Program will be? What do you hope to see in the future?
I firmly believe that it will improve conservation through the conservancy - because of the benefit that the community is receiving though the programs. The community is now starting to understand the benefit that wildlife has in terms of tourism, employment, upliftment and financially for the conservancy. So, people are becoming more accepting towards wildlife and creating space for wildlife… This creates a peaceful environment, which in turn leads to an increase in wildlife numbers.
What’s the one thing you think that people don’t know about the Samburu Culture?
I have a few facts, if that’s okay :)
The Samburu are butterfly people. The name comes from the bright colours and beading that we wear!
When you’re invited into a manyatta, it is taboo to refuse food or drinks offered by your host.
Our elders play a very important role in governing our community. If there is ever a dispute or a misunderstanding in a manyatta the elders step in to settle dispute
The Samburu people are pastoralist who move from one place to another moving with there livestock’s looking for green pastures.
Quick Fire with Kalamon
When you are not working, what do you enjoy doing?
I have a deep passion for people and education. If I’m not working, I’m educating community members about conservation and the benefits they are getting through the wildlife in the community area.
Do you have a favourite animal?
Yes, the elephant!
How many languages do you speak?
I speak three languages! Samburu, Swahili and English
Do you have a family of your own?
Yes, I have 5 children of my own.
