The persistent heat and dry air of the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary welcomed the KenGen Foundation team on 4^th September during day one of a four-day team-building excursion. Checking in at the Sarova Salt Lick Lodge, we eagerly receive glasses of chilled juices to quench our thirsts. Immediately, our attention is drawn to the herds of animals lazing around the nearby waterhole. Several zebras, buffalo, gazelles, and antelopes have strings of water dripping from their snouts, each facing a different direction as if anticipating a lion attack (we hoped!). Thrilled, we head for a much-needed siesta.

Later in the evening, we were rested enough to marvel at our surroundings during the 2-hour game drive. Herds of elephants, eland antelopes, and impalas fascinate us, with a few giraffes and ostriches capping the day. Still no lions! But at least, we got to enjoy a specular view of the fiery orange sun setting in the evening. The sanctuary is located in the vicinity of a World War I battle between the British and the German’s from neighboring Tanganyika, our driver-guide informs us.

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After an early morning game drive around the sanctuary on day 2, the team settles down for business and we set the ground rules. The Acting Managing Trustee took us through the Foundation’s Strategic Plan and set the theme and agenda for the team building.

The team went ahead to explore various strategies of sustainably expanding the Foundation’s CSI projects, and streamlining its operations and engagements with stakeholders for greater impacts. After a brief question – and – answer session, and goal setting concludes the first part of the team building.

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In the afternoon, we split into two teams for some grueling tasks aimed at building communication and teamwork. The Foundation ladies prove to be quite resilient, more often than not outperforming their male counterparts!

The next day we leave Taita Hills and take the SGR to Mombasa for Phase II of the team building. In the evening, we go out to dinner at the Tamarind Dhow, a traditional Arabic trading sailboat converted into a floating restaurant.

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Measuring 23 by 8 meters with a 14-meter mast, the dhow is decked with an assortment of sizzling seafood and nyamachoma. The huge boat took us around the channel under a semi-clear grey sky, with the captain Omar allowing some of us to try our hands in steering the craft. A truly humbling experience.

Day 3 found us at Wild Waters for the last round of physical activities. After a brief stretching session the team splits (yet again) into two and challenge each other on several activities. We wind up the day with a surprise birthday cake for our Admin. Officer Lydia Mbaka!

The invigorated Foundation’s staff returned to Nairobi with fond memories of the retreat and better understanding of each other.

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–Ernest Nyamasyo, Communication Officer