From Maasai Roots to Climate Leadership: Dorcas Naishorua's Journey

Most grassroots voices are ignored in global climate politics — until now. Dorcas Naishorua, Miss Climate Kenya 2023-2025 and fierce advocate from Kajiado County, shares how her lived experiences as a Maasai woman are reshaping climate leadership from the ground up. Growing up as a pastoralist girl facing drought, water scarcity, and cultural barriers, Dorcas reveals how her personal journey ignited her passionfor community-driven change. She breaks down the false priorities of international conferences, exposing how billions are spent without real impact—unless indigenous voices lead the way. Through her story, you'll discover her unconventional path from fetching water as a child to becoming Kenya’s first Miss Climate, harnessing beauty and leadership as tools for disruption. Enjoy and be Inspired💚🎙️

In this inspiring episode, 13-year-old Alana Chelangat from Kenya discusses her journey into climate activism, her projects, and her vision for a sustainable future. Gain insights into how youth are shaping the climate conversation and learn how storytelling, education, and resilience can lead to impactful change.Main Topics:Alana’s early motivation and first encounter with climate issues in TurkanaHer leadership roles in school environmental clubs and community projectsThe meaning behind Dunia Endelevu: sustainable development platforms for youthKey projects, including tree planting and seed law advocacyChallenges faced by young climate leaders, including underestimation and access to decision-makingClimate awareness podcasts and making science relatable to childrenLessons learned from climate discussions with experts like Greenpeace and Greenpeace AfricaHer experience at COP28 and COP29, and reflections on youth participationThe concept of climate justice explained through a school project analogyFuture aspirations: expanding impact, mentoring youth, and local storytellingInspirational figures: Wangari Maathai and Howard SchultzWords of encouragement for young changemakers around the worldEnjoy and be inspired💚🎙️

Join us as we explore the impactful work of Laikipia Wildlife Forum with Program Officer Peter Mathenge Mwangi. Discover their conservation strategies, community engagement, and innovative projects that protect Kenya's wildlife and landscapes. EnjoyEnjoy💚🎙️

Welcome back to Boots on the Ground, the podcast where we spotlight the voices shaping the future of conservation from the frontlines.Today’s episode features an extraordinary leader whose work is redefining what conservation looks like across Africa.At just 33, Peter Fredrick Moll — also known by his Maa name Saitoti, meaning “the one who takes care of others” — is helping lead a powerful shift toward a more inclusive, community-driven model of conservation.For over a decade, Peter has worked at the intersection of wildlife protection, youth leadership, and community empowerment, championing a simple but transformative idea: that conservation succeeds best when the people closest to the land are at the center of its stewardship.He is the founder of Stand Up Shout Out — a movement he started at just 20 years old — which has grown into a continent-wide platform mobilizing thousands of young changemakers across Kenya and more than 20 African countries.But beyond the titles and achievements, Peter is building something deeper — a generation of leaders rooted in purpose, dignity, and action.In this conversation, Dibblex sits down with Peter to explore what it really means to lead from the ground up, the future of African conservation, and how empowering communities is the key to protecting our planet.This is Boots on the Ground — and this is a story of people, purpose, and the power of local leadership. EnjoyEnjoy💚

From the heart of the Maasai Mara, where the wild still writes its own stories, comes a voice shaped by survival, tradition, and the spirit of the land.Meet Saito Mike — born Mike Saitoti ole Morijoi — a boy who once wandered lost in the wilderness for five days… and lived to tell a story protected by a lioness. Raised herding cattle across the open savannah, his journey grew into something extraordinary.Today, he is not only the author of “Boy and the Lion”, but also a seasoned safari guide who has walked the landscapes of the Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and beyond — sharing untold stories through guided walks, bird calls, and the stars above.This is not just conservation. This is lived experience. This is storytelling from the ground itself. Enjoy💚🎙️

In this episode of the Boots on the Ground podcast, Rosebell Abwonji shares her journey from a city girl in Nairobi to a prominent figure in conservation. She discusses her unexpected entry into the field, the importance of storytelling in conservation, and the need for gender inclusion and community engagement. Rosebell emphasizes the significance of understanding cultural dynamics and the power of women in conservation. She also reflects on her educational experiences and offers advice to young people, particularly women, on how to navigate their careers and make a difference in the world. Enjoy and be Inspired💚🎙️

The conversation focuses on the importance of community involvement in wildlife conservation, emphasizing that areas with active community participation, such as patrolling, show higher wildlife diversity and abundance. It discusses the need for policies that empower communities to own and benefit from wildlife, which in turn promotes sustainable management and coexistence with these species.

In this conversation, Alex Lekishon shares his journey from the hospitality industry to conservation, emphasizing the vital connection between tourism and conservation. He discusses the importance of effective communication in documenting impact and engaging communities, as well as the challenges and successes he has faced in his role. Lekishon highlights the need for inclusivity in conservation efforts, the significance of donor relationships, and the future of conservation communications, advocating for community empowerment and storytelling. Enjoy and be Inspired💚🎙️

In this episode of the Boots on the Ground podcast, Erika Tavares shares her inspiring journey from a young girl in Angola to a passionate advocate for environmental conservation. She discusses her motivations for pursuing a career in environmental biology, the founding of Eco Angola, and the innovative projects aimed at educating the youth and promoting sustainability. Erika emphasizes the importance of building partnerships with government, NGOs, and local communities to achieve long-term environmental goals. She also addresses the unique challenges faced by women in conservation and offers valuable advice for young environmentalists. With a hopeful vision for Angola's environmental future, Erika calls on listeners to take meaningful action in their communities. Enjoy and be Inspired💚🎙️

In this episode of the Boots on the Ground podcast, Ambrose Letoluai shares his inspiring journey from a small village in Northern Kenya to becoming a renowned conservationist and leopard researcher. He discusses the importance of indigenous knowledge in conservation, the challenges of human-wildlife conflict, and the empowerment of local communities, especially women, in conservation efforts. Ambrose emphasizes the need for coexistence between wildlife and people, the role of education in fostering future conservation leaders, and the impact of visual storytelling in changing narratives around conservation. He envisions a future where communities are at the forefront of conservation efforts, benefiting from the wildlife with which they coexist, and leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. Enjoy and be Inspired🎙️💚