With nearly two decades of experience in the conservation of wildlife, Dickson ole Kaelo is a true advocate of biodiversity. As part of his extensive experience, he has walked side by side with communities and landowners to foster better conservation practices.  

Developing a Heart for Animals 

Dickson’s knack for taking responsibility for the world around him was a trait he picked up primarily from his father. As a child brought up in the Lemek group ranch Mara, his worldview was informed by pastoralist-wildlife systems. He was inspired by his father taking charge of ensuring the end of disease among community cattle. He watched as he moved to encourage the people of Narok to dip their livestock weekly. Through entertaining storytelling and unfailing diligence, Dickson’s father made certain that cattle remained healthy, and in the process, instilled in his children the importance of service to others. 

When the time came to go to university, Dickson chose to study Livestock and Wildlife Management and subsequently began his career in government as an Animal Production Extension Officer. Here, he took after his father by training farmers about the best livestock practices for dairy farming. 

His interest in livestock turned into research and data collection when he joined the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). By 1998, Dickson had developed a passion for speaking out on behalf of the community he had grown up in. He advocated against the privatisation of land that posed a threat to the livestock and wildlife of his home in Lemek. As a result, he was even invited by the area’s elders to become a manager of the Koiyaki Lemek Wildlife Trust.  

Setting up Conservancies 

The majority of Dickson’s work has revolved around the Maasai Mara where human-wildlife conflict has been rife. Over 14 years, Dickson ensured that four conservancies were set up in the area. Namely, Olare Orok, Motorogi, Mara North and Naboisho Conservancies were implemented. These conservancies ensure the shared and proper use of resources like water for the benefit of both people and wildlife. 

Dickson’s conservation work soon grew to impact Kenya nationally. He took on the position of CEO at Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association. Here, he became even more intentional about making sure that communities had a seat at the table when decision-making about conservancies took place.  

Though his contributions have been felt in the wildlife habitats he has lent a helping hand to, Dickson has also been intentional about raising his voice through writing and speaking. He has written extensively about natural resource management. His efforts have also included penning informative articles about the importance of conservancies for retaining wetlands and topsoil to ward off drought.  

Dickson’s dedication to the protection of habitats has earned him the title of Kenya Wildlife Service Honorary Warden. He was also awarded the Sustainability Science Award from the Ecological Society of America.  

Dickson ole Kaelo continues to cast his mind upon the child growing up in a rural part of Kenya. Ultimately, he hopes his work ensures these children can enjoy the great outdoors just as he did growing up. 

#OurGoalGetters