Lioness on patrol: Kajiado’s youngest female sergeant on leading in the wild

Thirty minutes later, she dressed in her jungle-green uniform, hat, and brown boots, a walkie-talkie strapped neatly to her waist. Before setting out on patrol, she radios her superiors to inform them they’ve left camp.

Their patrol routes stretch anywhere from 18 to 25 kilometres, depending on the direction.

OCWR is unique. It’s the only all-female ranger camp in the region, popularly known as Team Lioness. Sharon has served as a sergeant here since she was just 22.

Now, BDLife meets her as she reflects on her journey, challenges, and what leadership means to her.

How did your journey as a ranger begin?

I joined OCWR in 2019 among eight female rangers from different Maasai clans. I went above and beyond during training, motivating my fellow rangers and asking many questions about the work. I also volunteered for morning and evening call-ups and led patrols.

During training competitions, I won three trophies — in academics, best drill (among the 40 of us), and best all-round. Before we got leadership roles, all our leaders were men, but in November 2022, three of us were called to headquarters for a meeting.

We thought we had done something wrong, but it turned out to be about our promotions and what was expected of us.

Did you expect your promotion at 22?

No. I wondered why I was chosen for that role among the 17 female rangers. I even questioned whether I could lead.

So, how did you overcome those doubts?

By attending numerous trainings and seminars for women in security. They showed me I could succeed in this field as a woman. I also drew inspiration from seeing young male counterparts take up senior positions, like a friend of mine who is about 26 and is a senior sergeant.

What were your first thoughts when you realised people would be looking to you for direction?

I had mixed feelings. Would I be able to lead? Would my weaknesses be used against me? Would older rangers respect my commands? I decided to focus my energy on how to excel as their leader.

Who was the first person you called after your promotion?

My mom. She has always been supportive and proud of me, from my interview to becoming a ranger. Even when I faced dangerous situations, like the time we encountered a buffalo without prior training ,she encouraged me.

That day, I had to lie on thorns that pricked me, and I contemplated quitting, but she encouraged me to stay.

Have you faced resistance or doubt from others?

Yes. There are different personalities in the camp, and some people test you to see if you’ll give up. Here, if you fight, you’re fired or demoted, so sometimes people will provoke you.

What is the hardest leadership decision you've made?

To punish someone. We all have duties to perform, and when one ranger refused for two consecutive days, I had to take action.

How do you handle mistakes both yours and your team's?

We dialogue as a group so everyone can share their opinions. If it’s an individual mistake, I talk to her privately and give a warning. If it happens repeatedly, I hand her over to my seniors.

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Would you say dialogue is your leadership style?

Yes. Even when I make a mistake, I allow my team to correct me. Similarly, if there is any issue, we discuss it over dinner or lunch and resolve it as a team.

How do you balance being authoritative with being approachable?

I'm naturally social and talk to everyone, joking when we're off duty. But when on patrol or when guests arrive, I toughen up. My team knows the difference.

Is there a moment that made you feel deeply respected as a leader?

Every morning, when they greet me by folding their fists and straightening their hands, it warms my heart not just because it's the rule, but because it shows they respect me as their leader.

What have you had to sacrifice to lead?

I often sacrifice my own rest. If a ranger is sick, on leave, has sick children, or faces an emergency, I take her patrol shift. Some weeks, I've gone on patrol every single day to avoid leaving a gap.

What keeps you steady during overwhelming times?

My salary. I love knowing that when I enjoy my pay, I've truly earned it. Also, during my one week off, I meet Maasai elders in my community and I seek advice from them.

What leadership lesson have you learned the hard way?

It doesn't matter your age...what matters is respect. I command rangers who are as old as my parents, but I do it respectfully, and they reciprocate.

Also, leadership is about knowledge. As we Maasai say, mee lebotorr lee ng’en (It's not about being old or young but about having wisdom).

As the youngest sergeant, what do you hope to be remembered for?

I want my fellow rangers to remember me as kind, selfless, and fair - someone who led them well.

What advice would you give a ranger who wants to rise through the ranks like you?

Work hard and believe in yourself that there is still a chance to become who you really want.

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