Former Maasai Guide Raises Sh46 Million in the US for a Kenya-Based Non-Profit

The Olalashe Foundation, a Kenyan non-profit organization, works tirelessly to improve the lives of underprivileged communities in the country.

Established in 2022 by a group of friends passionate about rural Africa and the Maasai people, the foundation prioritizes providing access to clean water and educational opportunities. Co-founder and former Maasai guide William Ngigiro Twala recently achieved a remarkable feat. During his first visit to the United States, he successfully raised Sh46 million (USD350,000) through an overnight fundraising event held in Palm Beach County. These funds will be used to construct pipelines for clean water distribution and build new schools in remote Maasai communities.

The event, held at a local restaurant, was spearheaded by Becky Conway, another co-founder of the Olalashe Foundation. The foundation's creation originated from a chance encounter in 2015. Dris Ramdane, an American citizen vacationing in Kenya, was struck by the hardships faced by the Maasai community in securing basic needs. This experience ignited a deep friendship with Twala, and together they envisioned a way to offer more substantial support than just tourist safaris and photography. Their shared passion for the region culminated in the formation of the Olalashe Foundation in 2022.

Since its inception, the foundation has demonstrably improved the lives of countless Maasai people. Their achievements include distributing 700 textbooks, 134 desks, and a staggering 77,000 meals to those affected by drought. Additionally, they have facilitated access to clean water for 11,000 individuals by distributing 225,000 litres. Furthermore, their efforts have directly supported the education of 1,300 students and the construction of 46 permanent structures within the community.

Twala's initial visa application to the US was denied. However, his friends helped him secure the backing of Delaware Senator Chris Coons. Senator Coons' prior experience in relief work during the 1980s proved instrumental in facilitating Twala's visa approval, paving the way for a successful fundraising event.