Leakey Journeys and Expeditions (LJE) is on a mission to deepen our understanding of humanity’s origins and help safeguard our shared legacy, through educational outreach, research and journeys through time.LJE was founded in 2022 by Louise Leakey, a third-generation Kenyan paleoanthropologist, on the belief that understanding and valuing our shared past will inspire collective stewardship of our common future. As the poet and author, Maya Angelou, said, "You can't really know where you're going until you know where you have been."

Inspiring the next generation

We are transforming science education in Kenyan schools through educational outreach with a unique paleoscience comic book series called, “The Mystery of Bones”, translated into 10 local languages. LJE is inspiring the next generation to explore the wonders of our shared African origins. Jeniffer Kamoya is Head of Education and Outreach and daughter of famed fossil hunter Kamoya Kimeu. She is passionate about educating children on their country’s rich prehistory.

Leakey Journeys & Expeditions

The continued expeditions of our long-established Koobi Fora Research Project in northern Kenya, are key to advancing paleontological research. With support from our long-term partners, National Geographic, Simons Foundation TBI Research Fund and the National Museums of Kenya, we are training the next generation of fossil hunters- 15 young women and men from surrounding communities- in field research and laboratory techniques. We leverage technology, like drones for mapping, and foster innovation among researchers in the Global South, to drive discoveries and contribute valuable knowledge to the global scientific community.

3,500

schoolchildren in Kenya reached through educational storytelling

300

days in the field uncovered 3 new hominin specimens

trainees (including 8 women) joined our field team 25 lectures on prehistory delivered around the world