About Us
The Tsavo East Community Development Initiative (TECDI) is a Community Based Organization founded in Kasaala Location and registered with the Government of Kenya in 2005. It launched its activities just 10 KM from northern part of Tsavo East National Park, the largest protected area in Kenya. The northern part (Ithumba) of this park is completely wild and teeming with wildlife such as the ‘big five’ including the largest number of Elephant Loxodonta Africana (more than 10,000) in Kenya; Buffalos, Zebras, Giraffes, Lions, Cheetahs, Rhinos, Oryxes, many other large mammals and more than 500 bird species. Among the most memorable sights of Tsavo East are amazing sunsets and sunrises, clear blue skies and nights full of stars and bright moons and majestic Baobab trees (Adansonia digitata) known to live more than 500 years and producing fruits which have a high percentage of vitamin C. Being inhabited by peaceful Kamba people the area features a seasonal River Tiva with beautiful clean sand, lovely rolling hills and landscapes such as the extensive Yatta Plateau, the world’s longest lava flow.
However, a 2003 survey indicated that 74% of inhabitants residing next to the northern part of the park live below poverty line. This situation is caused by dry and semi-arid conditions of the area; characterised by frequent prolonged droughts, severe famines and acute water shortage that are exacerbated by the recent effects of climate change. Poaching of wildlife species in the Tsavo East National Park has been also been a serious problem since the park was established in 1948, which has created conflict between park residents, wildlife and park authorities. Read more about Tsavo East National Park, its wildlife and natural habitat in ‘Tsavo Trilogy Stories’by Nina G. Woodley and ‘What I tell you three times is true’ by Ian Parker and also visit the websites of The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org and Kenya Wildlife Service http://www.kws.org/parks/parks_reserves/TENP.html.
However, a 2003 survey indicated that 74% of inhabitants residing next to the northern part of the park live below poverty line. This situation is caused by dry and semi-arid conditions of the area; characterised by frequent prolonged droughts, severe famines and acute water shortage that are exacerbated by the recent effects of climate change. Poaching of wildlife species in the Tsavo East National Park has been also been a serious problem since the park was established in 1948, which has created conflict between park residents, wildlife and park authorities. Read more about Tsavo East National Park, its wildlife and natural habitat in ‘Tsavo Trilogy Stories’by Nina G. Woodley and ‘What I tell you three times is true’ by Ian Parker and also visit the websites of The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org and Kenya Wildlife Service http://www.kws.org/parks/parks_reserves/TENP.html.
TECDI is a registered Kenyan Community Based Organization Reg. No. 16331