The Journey from Herding to Healing
For Moses Wakile and Solomon Eligoi, two of our elephant scholars, the journey into veterinary medicine is more than just personal ambition, it’s a story about leaving home to change home.
Moses and Solomon during their graduation
Moses and Solomon grew up in northern Kenya, where livestock and elephants are woven into the fabric of everyday life. Moses was raised in the village of Ewaso, nestled along the Ewaso Nyiro River beside an elephant corridor. As a young boy herding his father’s cattle, he often came across injured wild animals.
“I vividly recall spotting a zebra with its skin torn and muscles exposed, yet still walking strong,” he says.
Those early experiences shaped Moses’ path. While in high school, he met Dr. Michael Njoroge, a Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) veterinarian, during a visit to our research camp in Samburu. Watching Dr. Njoroge at work sparked a profound curiosity in him, and he knew then that he wanted to follow in his footsteps. He moved a step closer to this dream by enrolling at the University of Nairobi, where he’s now graduated with a degree in Veterinary Medicine.
Moses helping treat an injured lion in the wild
As he continues to build experience in this field, Moses is committed to improving animal health and welfare in pastoralist communities, spending most of his days educating livestock keepers on the responsible use of veterinary drugs and the benefits of proper animal care.
Solomon, who also graduated from the University of Nairobi, shares a similar passion.
“I saw the struggles my family faced when our livestock fell sick, and this inspired me to become a veterinarian, to help both livestock and wildlife,” he says.
His journey was far from easy. In 2019, just months before he sat for his national exams, his mother passed on. Despite this major setback, he remained focused, excelling in his exams and securing a place at the university. While studying at the university, medical challenges kept him in hospital sometimes for extended periods, causing him to miss important classes and assessments, but he did not give up, taking special examinations and persevering against the odds.
“With resilience, faith, and determination, it’s possible to rise from herding cattle to becoming a professional who makes a difference,” he reflects, smiling as he tosses his graduation cap.
Solomon marks a milestone with his proud community by his side
With a bright future ahead of them, these gentlemen represent the power of resilience, purpose, and a deep commitment to giving back to their communities. Their journey proves that humble beginnings are no barrier to remarkable achievement. Hongera, Moses and Solomon for demonstrating that success isn’t defined by where you start, but by the determination and character you show along the way!