Haller and Milgis Trust: Driving Better Outcomes for Communities Across Kenya

Haller’s work would not be possible without partnership. Collaboration with other NGOs and charities helps scale the impact of our work and provides new perspectives on the challenges faced by communities across Kenya. 

The Milgis Trust was founded in 2004 to protect the wildlife, habitat, and communities in Kenya’s Northern Rangelands. Similarly to Haller, their focus is on restoring ecosystems while ensuring local populations' livelihoods are protected and enhanced. Their team in Kenya runs conservation projects, provides eco-education for young people, solar-powered water projects, and healthcare services.

Haller partnered with Milgis on the establishment and support of family planning operations within the Milgis ecosystem. Due to the remoteness of the rangelands, there has been very little access to family planning services and education in the region, which are vital in improving the livelihoods and future opportunities for women. 

Haller and Milgis worked to distribute family planning bracelets and reproduction rulers to women and girls in the region, coupled with education sessions on the importance of family planning for health and sustainability. The project was especially effective in reaching remote communities, where access to resources has been historically very limited.

Family planning bracelets (or cycle beads) were created by the Institute for Reproductive Health. They help women to keep track of menstrual cycles and fertile windows, allowing for more informed choices in connection to family planning. 

The initiative kick-started the “Ramat e Losho” movement – incorporating media and arts to improve the levels of family planning adoption across the region. Over three years, the program reached over 12,000 people across 36 communities and has positively impacted key livelihood indicators. 

Over the next year, Haller will be working with the Milgis Trust on water projects in Northern Kenya, enabled through funding from the Eagle Foundation. The Milgis Trust has established water projects across 14 different communities in Samburu and Marsabit counties. During periods of drought, these projects supply almost the only source of water for smallholder communities. 

Haller’s work with Milgis will focus on replacing essential mechanical components across the water projects, ensuring continued access to safe water. This includes upgrading plastic water tanks for galvanized steel replacements, which are sturdier and have a significantly longer life span. In addition, the project will encompass training for local communities to ensure they feel confident and equipped to maintain and care for the infrastructure over time. 

As the impacts of climate change become increasingly severe in East Africa, protecting and improving access to water is critical for smallholder communities. This project will serve to restore and sustain ecosystems in which both people and wildlife can thrive.