The Fran Duthie African Elephant Conservation Scholarship
Building a Kenyan Legacy
The Fran Duthie African Elephant Conservation Scholarship, a vital partnership between Elephanatics and the Mara Elephant Project (MEP), is designed to build local capacity in Kenya. This initiative provides financial support and practical experience to the next generation of Kenyan conservation leaders, ensuring a thriving future for elephants and their habitats.
Scholarship Details and Impact
This scholarship provides financial support to Kenyan nationals pursuing a technical certificate, undergraduate, or postgraduate degree in a conservation-related field. Scholars also gain valuable hands-on experience through a required one-month internship with a Kenyan conservation organization.
See the Impact
Since its launch, this scholarship has already changed lives:
- Inaugural Recipient: Janeth Jepkemboi is currently completing her Master’s thesis with a research internship at the Mara Elephant Project (MEP).
- Current Scholars: We proudly support amazing students like Leshan, Mark, Mary, and Sumaiyah, who are all making a tangible impact in the field.
Meet the New Recipients: September 2025
Mara Elephant Project is thrilled to welcome four incredible young conservation champions into the 2025 Fran Duthie (Elephanatics) African Elephant Conservation Scholarship herd. These individuals were chosen for their passion, drive, and commitment to the communities MEP partners with to protect wildlife:
- Faith Leuka: A passionate forestry student (Kenya Forestry College) and community leader from Narok, committed to sustainable land use and empowering women in conservation.
- Amos Baari: A climate advocate and pastoralist champion (Master’s in Climate Change, University of Nairobi) working to bridge pastoralist livelihoods and biodiversity protection.
- Robert Muli: A resilient wildlife conservation student (University of Eldoret) with a dream to strengthen community-based conservation and wildlife management.
- Sarah Loiman: A dedicated Environmental Science student (Kenyatta University) from Narok, determined to give back through education, outreach, and wildlife protection.
Updates from Current Scholars
Our scholars continue to demonstrate excellence in the field:
- Leshan: Proactively utilized independent online studies and peer discussions to advance his coursework.
- Mark: Participated in the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research event at the United Nations in Nairobi, engaging in global discussions on climate resilience and biodiversity.
- Mary: Connected with impactful women working in conservation and beyond at the International Women’s Day Celebration in Nairobi.
- Sumaiyah: Supported the draft report for a wildlife census hosted by the Athi Kapiti Wildlife Conservancies Association.
Support the Scholarship Today
Please consider supporting these amazing Kenyan students and their work. Your contribution directly funds their education, helping to ensure a thriving future for elephants, wildlife, and their habitats.
- Application dates will be determined by Mara Elephant Project. Contact them for more information at: maraelephantproject.org
- Please consider making a donation today (Note in the comments: “scholarship”) to support Kenyans preparing for a career in conservation.