Women defy culture to rule the rough waters of Lake Turkana

Julie Samal (left) and her counterpart Ajudo Achia in a boat at Lake Turkana. They trained as coxswains leading rescue and safety missions in Turkana waters roles previously considered as the preserve of men. [Fred Kibor/Standard]

Julie Samal briskly instructs her passengers to wear their life-saving jackets before issuing safety tips should the boat encounter rough waters or capsize midstream.

After a few minutes, the boat roars to life ready to start its voyage through the waters of Lake Turkana to Central Island for a fishing expedition.