Maasai conservationists under the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust (MWCT) received four electric trucks to help them in environmental conservancy efforts.
The trucks, estimated to cost Ksh8 million each, will be used for patrols in Chyulu Hills around the Tsavo-Amboseli Ecosystem following a partnership between the manufacturing company, Rivan, and the community-based conservancy group.
In particular, it was noted that electric vehicles will be used in carrying out successful anti-poaching patrols around Tsavo.
The partnership aims to enable the Maasai community to conserve wildlife and the environment in the area.
"The pilot project, beginning with four R1T electric adventure vehicles currently at work in the Chyulu Hills of Kenya, enables MWCT to carry out vital conservation work in the most efficient and environmentally friendly way possible.
"This includes quiet anti-poaching patrols, zero tailpipe-emissions transport for Maasai firefighters and critical on-and off-road rangers’ operations, to health and education programs," read the statement in part.
Rivian chief sustainability officer, Anisa Costa, on the other hand, stated that the partnership will go a long way in helping the Massai conservationists in undertaking the mandate even as more trucks are to be added.
“For Rivian, this partnership with the Maasai people is about extending our collective impact – taking extraordinary steps, even before selling a single vehicle outside the United States, to explore the unique opportunities for community-based social and environmental change our trucks and SUVs can help make possible.
"We feel honoured to be able to put our new tools and resources to work in the protection of some of Africa's most iconic and important land, wildlife and culture,” she stated.
According to the statement, the community will, later on, receive more R1S trucks, which go for Ksh9 million.
"The R1S, as well as Rivian charging infrastructure, will be added to MWCT’s ongoing operations.
"The use of all-electric, zero tailpipe-emissions adventure vehicles all recharged via a state-of-the-art photovoltaic system enables MWCT to operationalize our mission in a way that puts the planet first," read the statement in part.
