The Foundation’s Team spirit grew ten-fold even as the members’ muscles were stretched to the limit during a 4-day team building session held in Mount Kenya region from 12 to 16 June. Apart from evaluating the organization’s goals and objectives and their alignment with the Company’s overall long-term strategy, the session gave the team a great time to bond outside the office atmosphere.

A puncture on the first day on their way to Wanji Power Station for a courtesy call and a ride on the ‘good old winch’ only added to the excitement as the team later rode up and down the antique carriage before speeding to their first night destination, the Outspan Hotel.

After a morning meeting of deliberations on the Foundation’s strategy on the second day, the team headed out to explore the magnificent Tafaria Castle & Country Lodge, whose elegant architecture seems to be the only sign of civilization in the otherwise remote area.

As the story goes, the castle owner, George Tafaria Waititu quit his lucrative job at an international research company to develop the tourism facility and reverse the negative trend of rural-urban migration facing the area. Indeed, his efforts have paid off as the 29-room castle, with over 10,200 trees, stands out as a successful model of sustainable development.

A chilly morning on the third day found the team driving through fresh and broken bamboo towards the moorlands at Aberdare National Park while on a full-day game drive in search of game and adventure. After minutes of unbridled expectation, the team chanced upon a lone male buffalo that was just as startled as it disappeared into the nearby bush, a good sign of more sightings later in the day.

The 766-km2 Aberdare National Park forms part of the Aberdare Mountain Ranges and is famous as a safari, bird watching, and fishing paradise. The team hiked to the famous Karuru Waterfalls, the highest waterfall in the world above sea level, before proceeding to have their packed lunch at Queen’s (Elizabeth) Cave, rumored to be one of the many Mau Mau hideouts next to Malula falls.

The afternoon was well spent exploring the jungle and looking out for game and the Foundation team was not disappointed! Herds of buffaloes, elephants, waterbuck, and a plethora of birdlife wowed and impressed at every turning, with a visit to The Ark rounding off the day’s activities.

 

  

Interestingly, KenGen is a major donor towards the 450 km Aberdare electric fence that was put up around the park in alliance with other corporate organizations to manage human-wildlife conflict in the area.

The team adorned their sportswear for a series of grueling adrenalin-filled team building activities at the famous Chaka Ranch on the fifth day where their physical strength was put to the ultimate test.

 

Starting with a full cardio stretch, the team then headed to the obstacle challenge to get their blood pumping and test their endurance before going through the basketball and football shootout ranges.

The giant slide proved the most exhilarating part of the day’s events as each individual seemingly conquered his fear to slide down 50 meters at speeds close to 50 km per hour with only an air mattress at the bottom to cushion the landing. It must be noted that this activity is not for the faint hearted; however the entire Foundation team, including the Managing Trustee (who ended with an injury) were able to slide more than once!

 

The team spent the night at Treetops, Kenya’s oldest safari lodge built in 1932 and where Princess Elizabeth learnt of the death of her father while she was staying in a treetop cabin there on an official visit in 1952. A true journey into the country’s colonial past.

The Foundation team is back in Nairobi, revitalized, but with minor bruises, great memories of the retreat, and a better understanding of each other.

For those visiting Nyeri for their teambuilding, the Foundation’s advice is that you must do a full day game drive and engage in activities at Chaka Ranch. It’s worth every dime!

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–Ernest Nyamasyo, Communication Officer