Since the introduction of planned grazing in Namarei, the transformation of the grazing lands has been remarkable. The once-degraded areas have shown impressive recovery, even reviving valuable grass species such as Lonoro—a strong, nutritious grass that significantly benefits livestock health. Mr. Harugura, our Grassland Champion, shared this story of a recent grazing plan blessing ceremony that took place with great pride.
In the past, although the land appeared green and full of vegetation, the grass species were not suitable for livestock. Despite the good land cover and abundant forage, the animals remained weak and unwell. This puzzled many elders and herders, who began to question why livestock were deteriorating in health despite the apparent availability of grass.
The elders reflected on past experiences and concluded that the land may have absorbed negative energy or grievances due to prior complaints and unresolved issues before it was reopened for grazing after the 2023 rains. With the arrival of the 2024 rains, they renewed traditional grazing practices with more determination. Key dry grazing blocks, particularly Ilkerei, were closed to allow for proper recovery, and the community committed to strictly following the grazing plan.
On January 28, 2025, a survey of the Ilkerei grazing block revealed the significant positive impacts of the enforced grazing plan. Elders were overjoyed to witness healthy grass regrowth—proof that their efforts were bearing fruit. The success of the survey served as an eye-opener and reinforced their belief in the value of traditional and planned grazing practices.
Following this realization, the elders decided to perform a traditional blessing ceremony to honor and protect the rejuvenated grazing lands, ensuring that both livestock and wildlife would continue to benefit. In keeping with their customs, they used honey, milk, and sacred tree bark to carry out the ritual. Milk and honey were mixed in a traditional Rendille milking container known as a kuul, then poured onto the soil and the bark of selected trees as a sign of blessing.
Two young herders from the Rongumo clan were invited to participate in the ceremony. They poured the milk and drank the remaining portion, symbolizing their connection to the land and the future of pastoral care. The elders were deeply moved and filled with gratitude, sincerely thanking the Grevy’s Zebra Trust for their continued support and acknowledging the vital role of their Grassland Champion, Mr. Harugura.
This grazing plan blessing ceremony marked not only a blessing of the land but also a renewed commitment to responsible land stewardship rooted in traditional knowledge and community cooperation.
