The Inspiration

Kristen Kosinski conceived of The Samburu Project while she traveled through Kenya in the summer of 2005. One evening Kristen struck up a conversation with local young people and discovered she was camping on the property of Umoja, the only women's village in the Samburu District. Kristen's new friends brought her to meet Rebecca Lolosoli, Umoja's founder. Once Rebecca realized that Kristen was not interested in a safari experience like most tourists, she showed Kristen what daily life is like for Samburu women.

Kristen learned that Umoja was formed as a refuge for women discarded by surrounding villages. Many are survivors of rape by British soldiers, and thus discarded by their husbands as tarnished. Some are are widows without property rights and no way to survive. Others are survivors of severe yet socially acceptable domestic violence who found the courage to flee.

Rebecca brought Kristen to women's meetings, which members attend in the bush despite risk of beatings. When the two were taken in by a local chief for "political organizing", Kristen learned first-hand the daily struggle women face in the Samburu culture. She also realized the extent of Rebecca's courage and determination in forming and maintaining a women's village. This courage inspired Kristen to form the Samburu Project.