Wildlife veterinarian Dr. Stephen Chege joins Boots on the Ground host Dibblex Lesalon to trace his path from rural livestock-keeping in central Kenya to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). He explains how early experiences, setbacks, practical work with farming communities, and a near-fatal encounter during a black rhino translocation shaped his career.

key topics

• Growing up in central Kenya, Chege cared for livestock and rabbits, and early experiences sparked his interest in animals and their welfare.
• He first pursued veterinary medicine alongside interests in forestry and agriculture, then saw a leopard being sedated during a university visit to a conservancy.
• After Kenya Wildlife Service could not offer him an attachment, he worked in other veterinary roles rather than abandoning his wildlife ambition.
• In Kiambu, he approached a dairy-farming women’s group and developed practical training around productivity; he cited improving milk yields from three litres to five as an example.
• His experience with farmers and poultry helped him secure a role at Kenchic before he joined Kenya Wildlife Service in 2004.
• In 2006, Chege became the first veterinarian assigned to the northern landscape, serving the area for nearly four years with limited access to remote guidance.
• During a project to move 34 black rhinos to support genetic diversity and reduce inbreeding, a rhino charged at him at close range; he escaped by dropping flat and climbing an acacia tree.
• The team completed the 34-rhino translocation in 16 days, despite the dangerous start.
• Chege credits his mother, wife, and children with believing in and supporting him.

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Faustina Mwololo shares her journey from growing up in Kibra to leading youth-driven environmental initiatives and influencing global conservation efforts. This episode highlights the power of local action, youth participation, and indigenous knowledge in creating a sustainable future for Africa.

key topics

• Faustina's background and early environmental awareness
• The creation of briquettes from paper waste in high school
• Formation and impact of Kijani World organization
• Challenges and opportunities for youth in environmental advocacy
• The role of indigenous knowledge in climate solutions
• Faustina's experience as a Youth Ambassador and advisor
• The importance of youth participation in decision-making
• Connecting local issues in Kibra to global climate debates
• Lessons learned from grassroots innovation and collaboration
• Future hopes and advice for young environmental leaders

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summary

Immaculee Namahirwe shares her journey from understanding conservation as simply protecting trees and wildlife to recognizing the interconnectedness of people and nature. She discusses her work empowering marginalized women in Rwanda through climate action and sustainable livelihoods, including planting grafted avocado trees to address nutrition and climate challenges.

key topics

✔️The shift in understanding conservation from wildlife to interconnectedness with people

✔️Immaculee's experience growing up in Rwanda and her motivation to support her community

✔️The founding of Green Rwanda to empower marginalized women

✔️Planting grafted avocado trees to improve nutrition and combat climate change

✔️The role of community-led climate action in addressing water scarcity and flooding

✔️The importance of sustainable livelihoods in conservation efforts

Enjoy and be inspired💚🎙️