Research Summary
Samburu-Laikipia Region, Kenya – This East African nation is known for its abundant wildlife and inviting savannah landscapes, vast regions of sun-soaked earth and grass with mountains looming on the horizon. The Samburu people, traditionally nomadic, have coexisted with a diversity of wildlife for hundreds of years, but growing human populations and changing lifestyles put both people and wildlife at risk.
Facing the challenge of preserving natural resources while building stronger economies, Kenyans possess rich cultural traditions and emerging scientific expertise. You can help the Samburu people use these traditions as well as the latest research to benefit both human and wildlife communities.
“We enjoyed every bit of the time we spent in the field. It is an experience that will forever remain fresh in our minds. We have so much to share with colleagues, families and our organizations.”—John Abugbilla Parker Atingah
Meet the Scientists
Dr. Nicholas O. Oguge
Field Director, Earthwatch Institute
Dr. Oguge, Field Director, Samburu Field Center, Earthwatch Institute. In 2003, Dr. Oguge was a Fulbright Fellow at Duke University, but a call from Earthwatch provided him with an opportunity to return to his homeland of Kenya. Dr. Oguge was born in 1960 in Nairobi, Kenya and was educated at the University of Nairobi. He received his Ph.D. in eco-physiology from Lincoln University in New Zealand and was Chair of the Zoology Department at Kenyatta University prior to his appointment at Duke University.
Dr. Callistus K.P.O. Ogol
Kenyatta University
Dr. Ogol, 46, B.Ed., M.Sc., University of Nairobi; Ph.D., University of Alberta. Dr. Ogol has served as a Research Assistant for the International Center of Insect Physiology and Ecology at Kenyatta University and is currently Senior Lecturer in the university's Department of Biological Sciences. He speaks English, Kiswahili and Luo.
Dr. Paul Okemo
Kenyatta University
Dr. Okemo, 53, B.Sc, M.Sc., University of Wyoming; Ph.D., Kenyatta University. Dr. Okemo has worked with Delmonte, the Kenya Bureau of Standards and Stirling Health, and is currently an Associate Professor in Kenyatta University's Department of Biological Sciences. He speaks English, Kiswahili and Luo.
Dr. Isaiah Ndiege
Kenyatta University
Dr. Ndiege, 47, B.Sc., University of Nairobi; PhD, Cambridge University. Dr. Ndiege has served as a Research Scientist for the International Center of Insect Physiology and Ecology and is currently an Associate Professor in Kenyatta University's Department of Chemistry. He speaks English, Kiswahili and Luo.