TOBY STORIE-PUGH

In 2012, I founded the Kenyan Everest Expedition, an attempt to get the first Kenyan climber to the summit of Mount Everest. Steve Obbayi beat 300 applicants and was selected.

In March 2014, we headed to Nepal for our first attempt. Following the tragic avalanche of 18 April, the expedition was cancelled. We returned for a second attempt in March 2015. After the earthquake of 25 April, the expedition was once again cancelled. Steve and I will be making a further attempt in 2017.

For more information see the expedition website here.

My goals when starting the expedition were twofold. Firstly, I wanted to give Steve a platform that would allow him to act as an inspiration within Kenya.

The incredible send-off we received in March 2014 before our first attempt seemed to prove that he had indeed struck a chord with his fellow Kenyans. Had he summited, I have no doubt he would have returned as a national hero - and quite rightly so.

The second goal was to provide a visceral example of the kind of character that is so common in Kenya, but seems rarely to be showcased abroad. I hoped that it could act as a counterbalance to the often negative stance taken in the international press when reporting on the country. 

Situated squarely in front of the Khumbu Icefall, our expedition mess tent proudly displays the Kenyan flag. With satellite phones, a wi-fi hub and unlimited bandwidth provided by Thuraya, our communications capacity was the envy of the mountain and meant that we could report on the team's progress with relative ease.

In both 2014 and 2015, before all climbing on Everest was cancelled, the team progressed well on their acclimatisation program in Nepal. We flew from Kathmandu into the mountain airstrip at Lukla and began the 10-day hike into Base Camp. 

Once the gear got unpacked at Base Camp, we headed to a nearby mountain, Lobuche, for our first acclimatisation climb. This went smoothly and we began to prepare for our first foray onto Everest itself.  Read my reflections on the 2014 expedition here.

A photo for 2014 lead sponsor Chase Bank Kenya after a training session at the foot of the icefall. With Steve and me is good friend Mike Chambers.

An early start heading from Camp 1 (6000m)  to Camp 2 (6400m)

Steve making his way - with typical flair! - thru the Khumbu Icefall during his second attempt.