About Malachite Shield
Learn about our journey, our values, and the people driving our mission forward.
Our Story
Malachite Shield Kenya is a registered, community-driven non-governmental organization dedicated to addressing the complex and interconnected challenges of climate change through holistic, inclusive, and culturally grounded approaches. The organization works across mitigation, adaptation, conservation, and resilience-building, integrating environmental restoration, biodiversity protection, sustainable livelihoods, and climate-smart practices in arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya. Guided by indigenous knowledge systems, scientific innovation, and participatory development principles, Malachite Shield Kenya promotes ecosystem restoration through indigenous tree and plant seed harvesting, rangeland rehabilitation, water security initiatives, and human–wildlife coexistence strategies. The organization further leverages culture, sports, education, eco-tourism, and youth engagement as transformative tools for social cohesion, environmental stewardship, and economic empowerment.
Rooted in strong governance, equity, and sustainability values, Malachite Shield Kenya collaborates with communities, institutions, and partners to advance climate justice, protect natural heritage, and build resilient societies capable of thriving in a changing climate.
Our Journey
2021
The Vision
Malachite Shield was founded to address the urgent challenges of climate change impacting our communities and pastoralist traditions.
2022
First Reforestation Drive
Launched our flagship "Green Pastures" project, planting over 10,000 indigenous trees to restore grazing lands.
2023
Community Sports League
Established the "Maasai Warriors League" to promote conservation awareness and unity through sports.
2024
Expanding Our Shield
Partnered with local tour operators to launch eco-tourism initiatives that benefit the community directly.
Meet Our Team
CEO & Founder
Keloi Andrew is a Maasai conservationist and entrepreneur with over 9 years of experience in community-based conservation and sustainable development. As the founder of Malachite Shield Kenya, he has been instrumental in creating innovative solutions that empower local communities to protect their natural heritage while improving their livelihoods.
Women Empowerment Lead
Hellen Oketch leads our Women Empowerment Team, strengthening the economic independence, leadership, and resilience of women and girls in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid regions. Through entrepreneurship training, climate-smart livelihoods, mentorship, and inclusion in community decision-making, the team equips women to lead sustainable change within their families, ecosystems, and future generations.
Secretary General
Saruni Samuel is a seasoned conservationist and community development expert with over 7 years of experience working in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid regions. As Secretary General of Malachite Shield Kenya, Saruni oversees the organization’s operations, strategic planning, and program implementation, ensuring that our initiatives effectively empower local communities to protect their natural heritage while improving their livelihoods.
Moran Project Lead
Shuel Santarian leads our Moran Project, focusing on youth engagement, cultural preservation, and community development. With extensive experience in project management and community mobilization, Shuel ensures that our initiatives effectively empower young leaders and promote sustainable development.
Youth Engagement & Partnerships Lead
Charity Saningo leads our Youth Engagement & Partnerships Team, ensuring compliance, transparency, and strategic collaboration with county governments, donors, humanitarian actors, and private sector partners to scale sustainable climate solutions.