Koibatek Ogiek Women & Youth Network

Climate Justice. Food Sovereignty. Our Future.

Our Vision

To create an enabling environment for the Indigenous Ogiek People to thrive.

Our Mission

Promoting the realization, respect, and protection of Ogiek People’s fundamental human rights through socio-economic empowerment, advocacy, and biodiversity & cultural preservation.

About Us

Keepers of the Mau Forest

Ogiek are the few remaining hunter-gatherer indigenous peoples of East Africa. In 2024, International Land Coalition estimates 55,000 Ogiek living in Kenya.

KOWYN is a registered community-based organization based in the heart of Koibatek region, Eldama Ravine Sub-County in Baringo County, Kenya.

The network aims to empower women and youth while advocating for the repatriation of the Ogiek to their original forest home.

Our Programs

What We Are Doing

Landscape & Biodiversity Restoration

Implementing initiatives for the restoration and conservation of degraded ecosystems, including forests, rivers, and agricultural lands, through agroforestry techniques in Baringo County.

Restorative and Healing Justice

Offering mental health support to victims of displacement and forceful evictions. This seeks their healing, reparation, and the non-repetition of the events they suffered.

Agroecology

Promoting sustainable farming methods prioritizing ecological balance and climate adaptability to ensure food security and sustainable livelihood of the Ogiek people.

Capacity Building & Empowerment

Providing education, training, and resources to women and youth in the Ogiek community, enabling them to actively participate in decision-making processes and become agents of change.

Culture & Language Revitalization

Preserving and promoting the cultural heritage and indigenous knowledge of the Ogiek people to ensure a clear cut difference with neighbouring ethnic groups.

School Greening

Through fruit tree planting, civic education, environmental forums, and sustainability campaigns, we empower students to become climate change champions.

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Ongoing Impact

TREES PLANTED

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FARMERS GROUPS TRAINED

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POLICY ENGAGEMENTS

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SCHOOLS VISITED

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Leave no Ogiek Behind

Committed to Sustainable Development

Gender Equality (SDG 5)

Women produce half of the world's food but have much less access to land. Ogiek women have to get permission from their husbands to till farm land.

Zero Hunger (SDG 2)

We produce food for everyone yet almost 800 million go hungry. This threat exist in the ogiek community due to climate change.

Climate Action (SDG 13)

Agriculture is key in responding to climate change. But the forceful evictions of the Ogiek people by the authorities has resulted to less land for farming.

Life on Land (SDG 15)

Forest contain over 80% of the world's terrestial biodiversity. Without access to the Mau forest, Ogiek people are unble to access indigenous tree species necessary for bee keeping.