Colin Edward Church OBE
Mara Elephant Project is sad to announce the passing of conservation giant Colin Church on the 16th of March. Up until his death Colin was the chairman of MEP and a founding member of the organization. Colin was a pillar, mentor, and gentleman who did so much for so many.
Colin’s passion for wildlife conservation came to the fore in the Aberdare National Park when he led the Rhino Ark with the enormous task of fencing and protecting the Water Tower and the endangered species living there. Colin brought new skills to the conservation space from his business career in public relations. Colin’s contributions to conservation, the environment and the community in Kenya, was recognized when Her Majesty the Queen honored him with the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2017.
When the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), responsible for all wildlife and national parks in Kenya, asked Colin to be their chairman he accepted and implemented new and innovative programs by developing interagency partnerships and developing communication and marketing strategies bringing wildlife conservation into the national limelight. Colin’s other accomplishments include chairmanship of the prestigious Muthaiga Country Club, founder of Eburru Rafiki, founder Church Orr PR Consultancy, published author, and key advisor to Big Life Foundation and the Bongo Surveillance Project.
Colin’s leadership at MEP championed the next generation of conservationists the rangers who work on the front line. Colin guided our board, mentored management staff, and pride glowed on the faces of MEP rangers when Colin would visit and congratulate them for their work. To work with, be mentored by, and learn from Colin’s gentle, decent, and steadfast resolve has been an honor.
Alongside being a national treasure Colin was the loving leader of the “Kanisa Clan”. From every ranger and staff member at MEP we send our condolences to Nicole, Marcus, Tanya, Julie, Antonia, and his many grandchildren and relatives.
Best Wishes,
Marc Goss
CEO Mara Elephant Project
