ABOUT US
WHO WE ARE
Kenya Kids on Safari (KKOS) was established in 2008 by Todd Cromwell, with the organization’s
mission being “to nurture marginalized pastoral children growing up alongside wildlife reserves to
become pioneers of success in their communities.” The vision is nothing short of “creating a better life
for marginalized pastoral children by giving them a world-view of wildlife and environmental
conservation. This is achieved through photo safaris, interaction with safari tourists, life skills and
career mentor-ship further extending this vision into a ‘Safari for Life’. They become conservation
advocates in their communities finding local employment in skilled work that ensures the socio-
economic future of their villages and the wildlife reserves.
MILESTONES
2008 – Ewaso Lions plays a major role in starting KKOS
Todd started KKOS at the recommendation of Shivani Bhalla of Ewaso Lions 10 years ago, challenged by her remark that “even the warden’s kids hadn’t seen their wildlife from a world conservation perspective”, much less interviewed tourists to get their point of view, rather than viewing them as a rich anomaly.
2008 – KKOS gets underway at three camps
Shivani becomes KKOS Coordinator for Northern Kenya sharing 16 cameras and print stations among three Charter Member Camps – Samburu Intrepids, Samburu Intrepids and Sasaab Lodge.
2008 – KKOS demo-drive across Kenya
Todd spends one-month with Wilson Lolpapit, a well-known professional tourist guide, whose children volunteer to provide a demonstration of the program interacting with tourists at camps throughout the rest of Kenya, resulting in 12 Charter Members.
2009 – KKOS first tenting safari
Samburu Intrepids Safari Camp provides tremendous support to Kenyan Kids for the first tent camping and cookout experience for local children in the entire region. During the week-long event, the children won the hearts of hundreds of Intrepids’ tourists as well as the local staff with their singing around the camp-fire, proficiency with cameras and interaction with adults.
2010 – 2012 KKOS continues to grow
Masai Mara kids dominate the scene at Governor’s Camp. Colin Smit organizes several KKOS safaris. Shivani of Ewaso Lions continues to get great support from Sasaab particularly for kids near the Westgate Conservancy.
2013 – KKOS promotes Conservation & Co-existence Competition
Kenya’s Wildlife Reserve communities work hard to win the competition on Conservation and Co-existence sponsored by KKOS at three leading safari camps, Sarova Mara, Samburu Intrepids and Sasaab Westgate. KKOS helps found Ewaso Lion Kids Camp.
2014 to 2016 – KKOS reaches a new level of growth
The program starts building up to 50 to 100 kids a year participation with a more diverse group of Charter Member Camps, including Royal Mara in the Masai Mara North Conservancy.
2017 – KKOS starts “Put Me In My Picture” program
Held for two weeks in April and November at Sarova Mara, Samburu Intrepids and Save the Elephants tourists get to know the real kids of the African wildlife frontier who are learning to be the future leaders protecting the wildlife. They interview tourists on film and help them to maximize their safari experience.
2017 – KKOS produces its first major film
James Ntopai wins local and world-wide fame as commentator for KKOS film “What’s In Your Backyard?” partnered with Save The Elephants. Faith Mbaya volunteers as our new Kenyan leader. She is one of the local leaders in the safari sector of Kenya and adept at helping children reach their fullest potential.
2018 – KKOS produces its second major film
A KKOS documentary that features interviews many kids plus Todd, James, Mara intern Sonia along with Mara Chief Moses Kasoe and Anastasia – a legendary teacher and the newest addition to our staff in Samburu. The program ramps up to 150 kids participation in November.