Stephen Madaraka was born and raised in Jumba, Mtwapa, where his fascination with the ocean began at an early age through fishing and swimming.
After completing his primary education, he pursued small-scale business and trained as a veterinary assistant, providing care for animals. This experience strengthened his appreciation for wildlife and reinforced his commitment to animal welfare.
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Steven joined the Jumba Turtle Patrol project as a Community Sea Turtle Monitor, protecting nesting sea turtles along Jumba Beach.
Since then, he has developed practical experience in sea turtle nest monitoring, nest relocation, egg handling, hatchling releases, and turtle tagging. A significant achievement came when he rescued a stranded sea turtle that had been reported on the nearby Kanamai beach, by working together with members of the local community. He believes that effective sea turtle conservation extends beyond beach patrols and that community involvement as well as awareness are essential for the long-term protection of sea turtles.
When Olive Ridley Project – Kenya took over management of the Jumba Turtle Patrol project in 2026, Stephen continued in his role as a Community Sea Turtle Monitor, protecting sea turtles and helping ORP maintain a strong presence on ground.
In his free time, Stephen enjoys playing football, his favourite sport.
