The Samburu is a nomadic tribe; their economy is based upon cattle-raising. They consider agriculture a profane activity and thus their habitat has remained intact for a long time. They live in manyatas, huts made of clay and branches, in small communities scattered throughout the mountains. This isolated area is more than two hours away by car from the next hospital in Maralal which is reached driving on winding unpaved dirt tracks. A complication with a birth or a wound caused by an elephant could mean death due to the lack of sanitary resources.