The Maestro of Maasai Mara’s Harmonious Symphony.

Beyond the cinematic allure of the renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve, lies a narrative woven by the Maasai people—a narrative often overshadowed by sensationalism and misrepresentation. Despite this, Mayian Kitipan Joel emerges as a guiding force, steering the course towards a harmonious coexistence between humanity and the wild. As we delve into the life and vision of this remarkable individual, a tale unfolds—one of advocacy, resilience, and a deep-rooted connection to the land that has shaped his journey.

Rolling hills, sprawling savannahs, dramatic river crossings, and more wildlife and adventure than any film could ever portray. Welcome to the Maasai Mara—home to the big five, the residence of the great wildebeest migration, and some of the most luxurious lodges on Earth. This national reserve is named after the Maasai people, the area’s native inhabitants. “Today, the government owns the reserve. What many people do not know is that the land was willingly surrendered to the wildlife by the Maasai community in the early seventies as they struggled to coexist,” Mayian reveals.

I have long admired Mayian’s work, and finally, I had a chance, my day, to sit down with him and understand how he has achieved so much in a community still perceived as marginalized. Curiosity led me to ask about his experience with foreign journalists during our first encounter. That sparked our conversation.

“It has become the norm. I was born and raised in Maasai Mara. We have our lived experiences, but day in and day out, we see documentaries, some of which portray Maasai communities as poachers. Narratives and cultural norms that we admit used to happen, but are no longer being practiced. However, that is what many journalists, especially international journalists, want to report on,” he tells me, his tone a mix of resilience and frustration.

Over the years, the Maasai Mara ecosystem has drawn many tourists eager to witness the wildebeest migration. However, the large number of livestock and climate change pose significant challenges to this precious gem and the livelihoods that depend on it.

Born and raised at Olopito, just a few kilometres from Maasai Mara, Mayian has lived with wild animals his entire life.

Early Life

“I grew up in a manyatta like any other Maasai child. In our culture, we highly value our livestock and are always reminded to protect them at all costs. I started herding at a very young age and would hear stories of how young men encountered wild animals that threatened or even killed their livestock. It all seemed like a surreal experience until the day I came face to face with an elephant. I was overcome with fear and stood completely still.

“The elephant and I exchanged glances, but I did not move an inch. After a few minutes of tension, the elephant walked away without attacking me. That was the genesis of my journey advocating for peaceful coexistence with wildlife. They are our greatest source of revenue, not just as a community but also as a country,” he narrates nostalgically.

Mayian’s recounting of his encounter with the elephant is a testament to the deep connection between the Maasai people and their natural surroundings. It is a connection that goes beyond economic considerations to a shared history and understanding of the land they call home.

In July 2012, Mayian, together with a group of Maasai students from the University of Nairobi (where he schooled), took to the streets in protest. They gathered outside the offices of the Ministry of Environment and Wildlife, expressing their discontent with the perceived complacency of the Kenya Wildlife Service in preventing and compensating victims of human-wildlife conflicts. Their impassioned voices echoed as they marched to the office of the Prime Minister, delivering a petition that outlined their concerns.

Advocacy

“Key among our demands was for the Kenyan Parliament to pass a bill allowing for Kshs 5 million compensation for every person killed by wild animals and Kshs 500,000 for livestock killed by wildlife. The successful passage of this bill, now part of the Kenya Wildlife Act, stands as a milestone in mitigating human-wildlife conflicts in Kenya,” he says proudly.

In his final year at the university, Mayian was a radio host, regularly conducting radio shows in his native language. These broadcasts delved into the richness of his culture and explored sustainable livelihoods for communities residing around national parks and reserves. The passion for conservation that had always burned within him continued to guide his path.

Today, Mayian proudly boasts about his organization, Conserve Maasai Mara, which champions a harmonious coexistence between wildlife and the local community in the Maasai Mara Ecosystem. Their conservation approach revolves around community empowerment through education and advocacy for sustainable livelihoods and practices, ensuring a positive impact on nature and wildlife.

In September 2023, Mayian graced The Perfect World Foundation (TPWF) Award Gala in Gothenburg, Sweden. The award is given annually to an individual who has significantly contributed to preserving the planet’s wildlife and nature, as well as raising global awareness. He was invited, not as a nominee but as a speaker. “It was one of my proudest moments, standing on a global platform to talk about what we do back home. Many a time, we have people coming to talk to us, yet we are the ones with the experience. I wished for more of such opportunities,” he says.

“My current goal is to establish a community resource centre in the heart of Maasai Mara and leverage my photography skills. I sustain the organization by selling my photos online, capturing the essence of the Mara wildlife. Recently, I initiated a program for empowering school-going children by teaching them the art of filming and basic photography through our empowerment program. My cameras are my greatest tools, and I never leave them behind,” he says as he reaches for a camera to show me.

Encountering this talented and brilliant young man proved to be a blessing in disguise. Amidst the heart-breaking realization of how stories are packaged, Mayian’s profound narrative unfolded—a powerful narrative overlooked by many. As he passionately shared his vision and determination, it became evident that his commitment to building a brighter future for both people and wildlife is unwavering. His journey is a testament to the transformative impact that one individual, driven by passion and purpose, can have on a landscape teeming with life and stories, waiting to be heard.