Dickson Kaelo - Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association (KWCA)

ACLN Cohort 1

Who is someone who's inspired your leadership, and why?

My father, the Late Joseph Kaelo, inspired my leadership, he dedicated his entire working life to rid community livestock from the disease causing ticks, as a para-veterinarian and cattle-dip supervisor, he diligently and with commitment mobilized the community to change mindset on dipping livestock, consistently ensured livestock were dipped on a weekly basis and brought fun to the act of dipping in his story telling, as a leader he took his work seriously, without supervision ensured Maasai livestock across the Narok County were healthy and ensured accountability in his management. In my upbringing he taught me and my siblings to be responsible, transparent and serve others expecting no rewards.

What motivates you to do your job?

My desire for justice for all, fairness and equity motivates me in my job, each day I go to work am motivated that doing one thing well is a step to my vision, compassion for disadvantaged persons and a desire for a clean and healthy environment drew me into conservancy work 24years ago, each day I do my part so that a future where a healthy child in the rural parts of Africa experience nature like I did, remains a reality.

What piece of advice would you give to an aspiring leader in African conservation?

Be passionate, train yourself on the needed skills, commit in the long term, persist even when progress seems unclear, at the right moment the change you expect will happen, your personal achievement in conserving a piece of Africa is an unmatched reward to self and service to humanity as God commanded.