A few questions for Richard Vigne, CEO of the Ol Pejeta Conservancy:
1) Where were you born? Kericho, Kenya
2) Where did you go to school? Ampleforth College in England, Newcastle and Cranfield Universities in England – Zoology and an MBA
3) How long have you been the CEO of the Ol Pejeta Conservancy? 20 years
4) Why do you believe the conservancy is important? Humans depend upon a healthy environment for their existence; wildlife can provide a platform for social development and upliftment.
5) How does PA-MOJA help the conservancy? the community? By working through OPC to support the community surrounding the Conservancy, PA-MOJA attaches importance to wildlife conservation.
6) What is your general philosophy regarding non-profits in Kenya? What do they do well? What mistakes do they make? Difficult to answer – most need to operate in a more business like fashion, providing proper financial accountability and involving themselves for the long term in meaningful support work.
7) What are the greatest challenges facing your community? Poor governance, poor infrastructure, low rainfall – actually the list is endless
8 ) Is there a person whose work has informed you? Ian Craig – he made me understand that conservation is actually a social enterprise and MUST benefit people to succeed.
9) What are the biggest changes you have seen in Kenya over the past 10 years ? I’ve seen an emerging and strengthening democracy that is gradually holding its politicians to account.
10) Do you think it’s important for donors to visit Kenya? Yes – but as partners and supporters, not simply to throw money at projects.
11) What do you love about Kenya? It’s a great country – ethnically diverse, beautiful, challenging and on the cusp of something rather great!
