Wildlife conservation in Kenya is a big deal and for Humphrey Gichungo, the current chair of Strathmore Business Club (SBC) and a student of Bachelor of Commerce (BCOM) at Strathmore School of Management and Commerce, has turned his passion for wildlife into a business. “I grew up in Naivasha, it’s a village and we would graze cattle and sheep and interact with wild animals.” Humphrey’s childhood was full of constant reminders of nature’s beauty and encounters with wild animals.

In high school Humphrey’s passion for wild life grew significantly. He recalls being elected as the chairperson of the Wildlife Club while at Ndururumo High School in form three. “This was because the students felt my passion for wild animals.” During this time Humphrey nostalgically describes a school organised trip to Ol Pejeta as the wildlife club. This was the first time he encountered Poco the Chimpanzee, a charismatic world famous icon of animal protection and for the SBC chair, a true celebrity.

“Before joining Strathmore I really wanted to join the Kenya Wildlife Services, as a game ranger.” An ambition that was not actualised. His next option was to move to the city to study BCOM at Strathmore University. Humphrey thoughtfully strategized ways of matching his new path with his old passion. A move that reignited a budding business idea that he pursued right after high school.

“I heard about Strathmore Business Club and realised this is the place I wanted to be. It has moulded me into what I am now.” He describes how SBC has helped him develop important skills that have made his business “Marsh Pride Safaris” develop from a small-time trip organising idea to something much more professional.

“My business is called Marsh Pride Safaris. It is a tour and travels company where we organise tailor-made budget trips for students, families and birthday parties for a bush experience.” Humphrey identified that domestic tourism suffers because there is common perception that adventure seeking in the woods is an impossible affair to finance.

Humphrey says that being a part of SBC has helped him understand the practical side of entrepreneurship and it has also boosted his confidence through important gained experience.

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