Read about National Museums of Kenya, a featured case study in our 2024-2025 Annual Report.
The 1.5-million-year-old Ileret Footprints are crucial to the study of early human morphology as they provide a tantalising glimpse into some of our earliest ancestors’ interaction with their environment. Located near Lake Turkana, along the Ileret seasonal river, the footprints have suffered from increased erosion due to high winds and heavier rainfall caused by climate change.
Led by National Museums Kenya, this project has been working to protect the site and develop and promote it as both an educational and tourist destination that benefits the local community.
In January 2025, the site was handed over to the Marsabit County Government who will be responsible for the administration of the site and enable the local community to have an active say in how the site is managed, promoted and protected.
National Museums Kenya, with support from the British Council's Cultural Protection Fund, has successfully delivered:
- Installation of protective measures i.e. gabions and drainage pits to prevent sediment erosion and absorb flood waters and a canopy to safeguard the site from rain and drought.
- A new Interpretation Centre with an exhibition that provides employment for local people as site custodians.
- An awareness campaign with workshops that have improved the understanding of the site’s global importance and diversified its visitors.
- Training for Ileret local women and young people in heritage crafts and entrepreneurship so that they can make and sell these crafts in Ileret.
A key outcome of the project is the improved relations and mutual understanding between National Museums Kenya, local Marsabit County officials and the Dassenach community who live and work in the area, which will ensure a strong future for the Ileret Footprints.
Discover more from our latest annual report.
