Program Overview

Justice, Agency, and Culture in Kenya is a three-credit course where students explore the relationship between community, culture, and social justice in Kenya. The course will focus primarily on learning from organizations that are engaged in rights for women and girls, and others engaged in land conservation/land rights. Where possible, we will participate in community-engaged learning opportunities with some of these organizations. We conclude this course by living in the Maasai Mara region, learning about Maasai culture and their deep connections to justice for the land and for their community. 

Location Overview

Over the course of three weeks, we will explore Nairobi and the Maasai Mara region. This will include visiting organizations and significant historical sites that emphasize Kenya's people and history, particularly in terms of de-colonization. We will deepen our understanding of the connection between the environment and its people by engaging with organizations like The Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies (The Green Belt Movement), the Brackenhurst Indigenous Forest, and the Centre for Ecosystem Restoration-Kenya. We will also spend time with organizations that focus on women's and girl's rights. In the Maasai Mara, we will go  on safari and learn more about Maasai culture.

Apply here: https://goabroad.umbc.edu/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=50131

Application deadline: February 16, 2026