On September 13, 2012, the Ol Pejeta Conservancy played host to a delegation of local leaders from Laikipia West and Laikipia Central districts during our annual Leaders' Open Day. Over 70 Government officials from various ministries and institutions were in attendance at Sweetwaters Tented Camp – one of Ol Pejeta’s five lodges.

This day is aimed at appealing to officers from various government departments about the Conservancy and on projects that have been initiated for the neighbouring communities. This was done through presentation by our Chief Executive Officer, Richard Vigne and the Community Programmes Manager, Paul Leringato. In addition to the presentation the leaders also had a chance of touring some of the educational areas found on Ol Pejeta which included the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary and the Morani Information Center. For most, it was their maiden visit to the Conservancy and an opportunity to learn of the numerous projects being undertaken to improve the livelihoods of local people.

Community Programmes Manager, Paul Leringato, with local leaders at the Morani Information Centre where they visited four of the last seven northern white rhinos	Leaders from Laikipia Central and East at the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary having a chat with Dr. George Paul on nutrition and care of chimpanzees

Farming is one of the main activities that the Community Development Programme Department seeks to support. With the help and support of its agricultural extension officers – Josphat Kiama and Bernard Mwangi – Ol Pejeta provided drop kits and upgraded the breeding stock for 30 community members. This was seen as an invaluable contribution and a project that could be duplicated amongst cattle farmers in Rumuruti – a district not far from Ol Pejeta.

In addition the officials also requested to be notified of the grazing grants that were extended to livestock breeders during the drought periods. They sighted that such initiatives would be assist farmers from losing their cattle.

We are proud of working with leaders from the Laikipia districts by making interventions that sustain the livelihoods of many bordering the Conservancy. Moreover open days like this one also serve as a platform to generate ideas and seek possible opportunities for development with the aim of supplementing government efforts.