One Health Community Clubs in Amboseli

Community-Driven One Health Clubs Take Root in Amboseli under Project MOSAIC

Communities in the Amboseli ecosystem have taken an important step toward addressing shared health challenges affecting people, animals and the environment through the establishment of One Health Community Clubs under Project MOSAIC. The initiative adapts the One Health club concept to a locally driven model rooted in pastoral landscapes and cross-border realities.

The Amboseli approach places communities at the centre of the One Health framework. Each club brings together representatives from local households, veterinary officers, community health promoters, environmental experts among others, creating a platform for regular dialogue and joint action. This structure reflects the interconnected nature of livelihoods in the ecosystem, where livestock health, wildlife interactions and human well-being are closely linked. The clubs aim to promote awareness of the One Health approach and encourage practical solutions to emerging challenges affecting the region.

The establishment meeting held on 18th March 2026 brought together participants from across the Amboseli ecosystem, including representatives from northern Tanzania. Their participation underscored the transboundary nature of many issues affecting the landscape, such as seasonal livestock movements, shared grazing areas, wildlife migration and effects of extreme events such as droughts and the current flooding.

During the meeting, training sessions on standardized data sampling methods and dissemination through an interactive ecosystem information point portal were conducted to support coordinated monitoring and reporting across the Kenya Tanzania border. Participants practiced documenting indicators related to livestock health, pasture conditions, water sources and community environmental diaries.

A community health promoter takes the participants through the formation of local community one health clubs in Amboseli.

Participants from Enduimet CWMA in Northern Tanzania get introduced during the meeting in Amboseli.

Project MOSAIC has recently started supporting integrated monitoring and community engagement across the ecosystem, and the introduction of community One Health Clubs strengthens this effort by providing local platforms for knowledge exchange. Through these clubs, communities will discuss emerging risks, share environmental observations and disseminate findings generated through project activities. The clubs are also expected to support early identification of potential zoonotic disease threats, promote sustainable rangeland restoration and enhance communication between technical experts and local households.

The initiative emphasizes local ownership and long-term sustainability. Members will convene regularly to review observations, discuss cross-border challenges and plan outreach activities within their communities. The clubs will also serve as channels for communicating research findings back to the grassroots level, ensuring that information collected informs local decision-making.

The formation of One Health Community Clubs in Amboseli marks a significant milestone for Project MOSAIC in promoting the approach which highlights the importance of linking human health, animal health and environmental stewardship while recognizing that many challenges extend beyond national boundaries.

The ongoing rains in Amboseli are weaving a green mosaic across the plains, with grasses and herbs re-emerging to reclaim the bare ground left behind by the last dry season.

Contact Us

Amboseli Conservation Program
P.O Box 15289-00509 or 62844-00200
Nairobi, Kenya.

Tel/Fax: +254 20 891360 / 891751
Email: [email protected]

Our Team

Mr. Sakimba
Kimiti

Assistant Researcher

Sakimba is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Lyon 2 in France. He previously worked as an Assistant Researcher for the Amboseli Conservation Program.

He holds a Bachelor of Science (Wildlife Management and Conservation) degree from the University of Nairobi and  a Master of Science degree in Range Management from the same University.

Prior to joining the ACP, he worked as an Ecological Assistant at South Rift Land Owners Association. At ACP, he is involved in projects dealing with the Dynamics of Predation on Spatial -temporal Basis and in Human Ecology.

His other interests include: GIS, remote sensing, satellite imagery, ecological monitoring, land use change and ecosystem vulnerability.

Our Team

Mr. Sakimba
Kimiti

Assistant Researcher

Sakimba is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Lyon 2 in France. He previously worked as an Assistant Researcher for the Amboseli Conservation Program.

He holds a Bachelor of Science (Wildlife Management and Conservation) degree from the University of Nairobi and  a Master of Science degree in Range Management from the same University.

Prior to joining the ACP, he worked as an Ecological Assistant at South Rift Land Owners Association. At ACP, he is involved in projects dealing with the Dynamics of Predation on Spatial -temporal Basis and in Human Ecology.

His other interests include: GIS, remote sensing, satellite imagery, ecological monitoring, land use change and ecosystem vulnerability.

Our Team

Ms. Winfridah
Kemunto

Database Administrator

Winfridah  is the  Amboseli Conservation Program’s database Administrator. She has a certificate from Pitman Training Institute and vast experience in working with big data that involve database management,  basic analysis, digital library, data mining and  data visualization.

Her interests include spatial data mining and presentation.  Before Joining ACP, she worked  as a data clerk at South Rift Land Owners Association (SORALO).

Our Team

Ms. Winfridah
Kemunto

Database Administrator

Winfridah  is the  Amboseli Conservation Program’s database Administrator. She has a certificate from Pitman Training Institute and vast experience in working with big data that involve database management,  basic analysis, digital library, data mining and  data visualization.

Her interests include spatial data mining and presentation.  Before Joining ACP, she worked  as a data clerk at South Rift Land Owners Association (SORALO).

Our Team

Mr. David
Maitumo

Field Officer/ Data Collector

David has been working in Amboseli as the ACP field officer since 1977. As a member of the local Maasai community in the Amboseli area, David brings a unique perspective to the program.

His rich understanding of the interaction of people, livestock, and wildlife, and the challenges facing conservation in human landscapes, enriches his key roles in the design of field experiments and long term data collection and monitoring.

Our Team

Mr. David
Maitumo

Field Officer/ Data Collector

David has been working in Amboseli as the ACP field officer since 1977. As a member of the local Maasai community in the Amboseli area, David brings a unique perspective to the program.

His rich understanding of the interaction of people, livestock, and wildlife, and the challenges facing conservation in human landscapes, enriches his key roles in the design of field experiments and long term data collection and monitoring.

Our Team

Dr. David
Western

Founder & Chairman

Dr. David Western, known as Jonah, began research into savannas ecosystems at Amboseli in 1967, looking at the interactions of humans and wildlife.

His work, unbroken since then, has served as a barometer of changes in the savannas and test of conservation solutions based on the continued coexistence of people and wildlife.

Jonah is currently chairman of the African Conservation Centre, Nairobi. He directed Wildlife Conservation Society programs internationally, established Kenya’s Wildlife Planning Unit, chaired the World Conservation Union’s African Elephant and Rhino Specialist Group, and was founding president of The International Ecotourism Society, chairman of the Wildlife Clubs of Kenya, director of Kenya Wildlife Service, and founder of the African Conservation Centre in Nairobi.

He is an adjunct professor in Biology at the University of California, San Diego.

Western’s publications include;

Conservation for the Twenty-first Century (OUP, 1989), Natural Connections: Perspectives in Community-based Conservation (Island Press, 1994) and In the Dust of Kilimanjaro (Shearwater, 2001).

He is presently conducting a study on climate change in the Kenya-Tanzania borderlands in collaboration with University of California San Diego, University of York, Missouri Botanical Gardens, and African Conservation Centre.

Our Team

Dr. David
Western

Founder & Chairman

Dr. David Western, known as Jonah, began research into savannas ecosystems at Amboseli in 1967, looking at the interactions of humans and wildlife.

His work, unbroken since then, has served as a barometer of changes in the savannas and test of conservation solutions based on the continued coexistence of people and wildlife.

Jonah is currently chairman of the African Conservation Centre, Nairobi. He directed Wildlife Conservation Society programs internationally, established Kenya’s Wildlife Planning Unit, chaired the World Conservation Union’s African Elephant and Rhino Specialist Group, and was founding president of The International Ecotourism Society, chairman of the Wildlife Clubs of Kenya, director of Kenya Wildlife Service, and founder of the African Conservation Centre in Nairobi.

He is an adjunct professor in Biology at the University of California, San Diego.

Western’s publications include;

Conservation for the Twenty-first Century (OUP, 1989), Natural Connections: Perspectives in Community-based Conservation (Island Press, 1994) and In the Dust of Kilimanjaro (Shearwater, 2001).

He is presently conducting a study on climate change in the Kenya-Tanzania borderlands in collaboration with University of California San Diego, University of York, Missouri Botanical Gardens, and African Conservation Centre.

Our Team

Dr. Victor N.
Mose

Deputy Director & Head of Bio-statistical Services

Dr. Victor N. Mose is the Deputy Director and Head of Biostatistical Services. He was awarded a PhD in Biomathematics by the University of Pierre and Marie Curie (UPMC), Paris VI, France in 2013.

He has a Masters in bio-statistics from the University of Nairobi, Kenya and a Bachelors degree in Mathematics from the same University.

He also holds a financial mathematics qualification from the Institute of Actuaries, London, UK.

Victor is experienced in ecological modeling, bio-informatics, and geographical information systems (GIS).

His research interests include Population dynamics, migration modelling, Bayesian spatial analysis, ecosystem services and economics modelling, together with biodiversity mapping.

Victor’s publications include;

Mose, V.N., Nguyen-Huu, T., Auger, P., Western, D. 2012. Modelling herbivore population dynamics in the Amboseli National Park, Kenya: Application of spatial aggregation of variables to derive a master model. Ecological Complexity, 10, 42-51.

Our Team

Dr. Victor N.
Mose

Deputy Director & Head of Bio-statistical Services

Dr. Victor N. Mose is the Deputy Director and Head of Biostatistical Services. He was awarded a PhD in Biomathematics by the University of Pierre and Marie Curie (UPMC), Paris VI, France in 2013.

He has a Masters in bio-statistics from the University of Nairobi, Kenya and a Bachelors degree in Mathematics from the same University.

He also holds a financial mathematics qualification from the Institute of Actuaries, London, UK.

Victor is experienced in ecological modeling, bio-informatics, and geographical information systems (GIS).

His research interests include Population dynamics, migration modelling, Bayesian spatial analysis, ecosystem services and economics modelling, together with biodiversity mapping.

Victor’s publications include;

Mose, V.N., Nguyen-Huu, T., Auger, P., Western, D. 2012. Modelling herbivore population dynamics in the Amboseli National Park, Kenya: Application of spatial aggregation of variables to derive a master model. Ecological Complexity, 10, 42-51.

Follow Us

One Health Community Clubs in Amboseli

At ICoSS, we believe that those who live closest to the land are best positioned to observe and respond to environmental changes. Our community monitoring initiatives train and support local individuals—pastoralists, farmers, youth, and women—to systematically collect and interpret data on key environmental indicators. This participatory approach ensures that conservation efforts are grounded in local knowledge and responsive to real-time conditions.

Pasture condition maps help herders agree on grazing rotations.

How Community Monitoring Works

1. Community-Centric Data Collection

We train local community members to systematically collect data on key environmental indicators such as rainfall, vegetation cover, and wildlife populations. This participatory approach ensures that data is grounded in local context and relevance.

2. Accessible Information Platforms

Collected data is processed and shared through user-friendly platforms, including mobile applications and community notice boards, ensuring that information is accessible to all stakeholders.

3. Collaborative Learning Forums

Regular workshops and forums bring together community members, scientists, and policymakers to discuss findings, share experiences, and co-develop strategies for sustainable land management.

Interactive Data Visualization

An interactive dashboard allows users to explore real-time data collected by community monitors. Users can filter information by region, time period, and specific indicators to gain insights into environmental trends.

  • Rainfall Patterns: Visualize monthly rainfall data across different regions.
  • Vegetation Cover: Assess changes in vegetation density over time.
  • Wildlife Sightings: Track the frequency and distribution of key wildlife species.

Interactive Data Visualization

A gallery showcasing stories from the field, highlighting the impact of knowledge sharing on community resilience and ecosystem health.
  • “Reviving Traditional Practices”: How communities are integrating indigenous knowledge with modern monitoring techniques.
  • “Youth in Conservation”: Engaging the younger generation in ecosystem stewardship through education and technology.

Empowering Communities Through Shared Knowledge and Collaboration

At ICoSS, we believe that sustainable ecosystem management thrives on the collective wisdom of communities, researchers, and policymakers. Our collaborative networks facilitate the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and data, enabling communities to make informed decisions and adapt to environmental changes effectively.

Our Approach to Knowledge Sharing

1. Community-Centric Data Collection

We train local community members to systematically collect data on key environmental indicators such as rainfall, vegetation cover, and wildlife populations. This participatory approach ensures that data is grounded in local context and relevance.

2. Accessible Information Platforms

Collected data is processed and shared through user-friendly platforms, including mobile applications and community notice boards, ensuring that information is accessible to all stakeholders.

3. Collaborative Learning Forums

Regular workshops and forums bring together community members, scientists, and policymakers to discuss findings, share experiences, and co-develop strategies for sustainable land management.

Interactive Data Visualization

An interactive dashboard allows users to explore real-time data collected by community monitors. Users can filter information by region, time period, and specific indicators to gain insights into environmental trends.

  • Rainfall Patterns: Visualize monthly rainfall data across different regions.
  • Vegetation Cover: Assess changes in vegetation density over time.
  • Wildlife Sightings: Track the frequency and distribution of key wildlife species.

Interactive Data Visualization

A gallery showcasing stories from the field, highlighting the impact of knowledge sharing on community resilience and ecosystem health.
  • “Reviving Traditional Practices”: How communities are integrating indigenous knowledge with modern monitoring techniques.
  • “Youth in Conservation”: Engaging the younger generation in ecosystem stewardship through education and technology.