Brief on Maasai Transformation Organization (MATRO)

The target area of our programs is Rombo-Loitokitok, Kenya where we work among Maasai community which has lagged behind in development due to its cultural practices, nomadic way of live and other environmental challenges such as drought and deforestation. This area is in the southern part of Kenya bordered by Tanzania. It is inhabited by indigenous Maasai people who are nomadic pastoralists, formerly known for the intertribal fights for grazing land and cattle raiding. Their unique cultural life has been described by some as a symbol of what is unique about African traditional culture, as they remain to be one of the few African people who have retained their traditional heritage amidst the forces of modernism. However, their superiority attitude against other nations prevented them from accepting modern culture; a threat to their cultural heritage and survival. They are a people solidly attached to its way of life, its structures and traditional values, opposed to any form of intrusion from outside their culture such as formal education. Their hostility and warrior hood prevented modern civilization in Maasailand and that is why they were described by early missionaries as “backward,” “barbaric,” and “uncivilized.”

Impelled by a conviction that community development should be transformational and sustainable in all dimensions of human life, we act as a catalyst for positive socio-cultural change by challenging customary practices, laws and systems which threaten human survival. Anything which prevents people from fulfilling their potentials by violating their fundamental principles of gender equality, human rights, respect and dignity, justice and peace is what we are against. We believe that every human being is born with inalienable rights and dignity irrespective of his or her cultural background. Our ultimate goal therefore is a holistic approach of transforming lives as a way of building the basis for longer-term and sustainable community resilience.