Hidden from the outside world by the Abyssinian mountains to the north and the Kenyan highlands to the south, lies a land distinguished by vast arid plains of scrub and desert, interspersed by isolated volcanic mountain ranges, deep canyons and boulder strewn plateaus.

At its heart lies the largest desert lake in the world, the formidable Lake Turkana, an integral feature of the Great Rift Valley. It is a truelly dramatic landscape which has witnessed over the centuries many an unfolding drama manifest in the endless toing and throwing of tribes as they battle over sparse grazing lands in what is an altogether unforgiving environment. Here, little compromise exists between man and nature and only those of a strong constitution survive, the weaklings perish.

The main players in this unfolding drama; the Turkana, Samburu and Rendille are large pastoralist tribes whose respective territories have expanded and contracted according to these dictates of nature. Until recently, independance from outside interference,(be it government, church, N.G.O. or other such 'agents of virtue'), has helped preserve routines and customs developed patiently over many centuries for the maintenance of life in these harsh lands. In fact this very harshness and isolation is both intrinsic and vital in propogating their unique systems of survival.

To this day the government authorities exercise little control in the region (attempts to police or administer areas beyond the confines of the larger settlements are invariably met with hostility), however there appears to be increasing efforts from other quarters to enforce 'development projects' on the people.

To date such projects (irrigation schemes, commercial fish farming etc) have all proved unsustainable and ineffective. The net result is that instead of assisting the people, they merely promote the breakdown of their inherent systems and consequently destabilise their communities. Hopefully a better understanding of the nomad's way of life and a greater willingness to learn from them (as opposed to adopting a 'we know best' agenda) will maybe in the future persuade such agencies to spend their dollars elsewhere.