Building sustainable livelihoods and local inclusion

Community Empowerment

Empowered communities are the foundation of sustainable progress.

The Lazizi Welfare Foundation is dedicated to uplifting livelihoods and fostering inclusive growth across Kenya. Our Community Empowerment Pillar promotes education, employment, gender equality, and entrepreneurship ensuring every individual has the opportunity to thrive. Through purposeful collaborations and local partnerships, we champion self-reliance, cultural preservation, and long-term social resilience.

Impact & Vision

Our community empowerment efforts demonstrate how business and purpose can coexist to create meaningful, lasting impact. By providing employment, advancing women’s participation, and strengthening local economies, The Lazizi Welfare Foundation together with The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara and JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge is shaping a future where opportunity, dignity, and environmental stewardship thrive in harmony.

United in purpose, we are nurturing communities that lead with resilience, pride, and a shared commitment to sustainable progress.

Key Challenges

Across many rural regions, communities face ongoing challenges that limit their potential:

Limited access to stable employment and skills training, particularly among youth and women.
Gender inequality, which restricts opportunities for leadership and representation.
Economic vulnerability due to reliance on seasonal or informal income streams.

Our Approach & Strategic Initiatives

Employment & Skills Development: From the earliest stages of development, our initiatives have created meaningful employment and learning opportunities.

During the construction of The Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara, over 700 youth were employed for an eight-month period, contributing to local economic growth and upskilling. Today, 70% of their staff referred to as Ladies and Gentlemen are drawn from the local Maasai community, with the remaining talent sourced from across Kenya, reflecting our commitment to decent work and national capacity building.

Apprenticeship and Internships: Through our partners, we provide linkages to Apprenticeship Programs that continue to nurture future professionals by offering hands-on training across hospitality and conservation disciplines. This initiative empowers young people, especially women to gain valuable technical and leadership skills, preparing them for sustainable careers within Kenya’s tourism and conservation sectors.

Cultural Preservation & Community Enterprise: In addition to training and professional development, we empower women from nearby communities by integrating them into guest bead-making sessions at the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge. These interactive experiences celebrate Maasai craftsmanship and create meaningful cultural connections between guests and artisans. The initiative not only preserves traditional artistry but also provides women with sustainable income, a platform for storytelling, and a sense of shared pride and empowerment.

Community Infrastructure & Partnership: We continue to invest in essential community infrastructure; clean water access, electrification, and local road improvements in Talek area, creating a foundation for shared prosperity and connectivity. These partnerships reinforce our belief that lasting progress begins within the communities we serve.

Women Empowerment & Leadership: : We actively promote gender equality through equal employment opportunities in every department of the Safari Camp and the Foundation Committee and mentorship programs that foster growth for women in leadership roles. Through our planned Female Ranger Initiative, we would like to support women in wildlife protection, training and employing local rangers to monitor biodiversity, guide guests, and serve as conservation ambassadors within their communities.