At the Koibatek Ogiek Women and Youth Network (KOWYN), we operate on a simple but profound truth: the health of our forests is inextricably linked to the well-being of our people. As Indigenous custodians of our ancestral lands in Koibatek, Baringo County, we hold a deep, ancestral understanding of the forest’s rhythms—and we know when those rhythms are out of […]
At the Koibatek Ogiek Women and Youth Network (KOWYN), we view farming as far more than a way to produce food. It is an act of resistance, a celebration of heritage, and a practical solution to the climate crisis. Recently, in collaboration with the inspiring Tachasis Ogiek Women Group, we gathered in Mumberes Block Four for a transformative day of […]
At the Koibatek Ogiek Women and Youth Network (KOWYN), World Bee Day is more than just an entry on the calendar—it is a celebration of our identity. As Ogiek people, our very name means “caretaker of all flora and fauna,” and for centuries, the bee has been central to that identity. This World Bee Day, we joined forces with the […]
At the Koibatek Ogiek Women and Youth Network (KOWYN), we believe that the most powerful solutions to global challenges like food insecurity are often found right in our own communities. On May 14, 2025, that belief took center stage during the visit of First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto to Koibatek, Baringo County, for the launch of the National Kitchen Gardens […]
At the Koibatek Ogiek Women and Youth Network (KOWYN), we recognize that the Ogiek people have a centuries-old, sacred connection to the forest and its creatures. Among these, the bee holds a position of profound importance. To celebrate this heritage and foster economic independence, we recently hosted an intensive beekeeping training program for the Siloi Ogiek women’s group. This initiative […]
At the Koibatek Ogiek Women and Youth Network (KOWYN), our greatest joy is witnessing the transition from potential to reality. Today, we are incredibly proud to share a true success story emerging from our youth-led initiatives—a milestone for the Masaita Ogiek Youth Group. The Seeds of Change Just a few months ago, our team conducted a specialized training session for […]
At the Koibatek Ogiek Women and Youth Network (KOWYN), we envision a future where our community thrives in harmony with the land, powered by resilient, indigenous-led agricultural systems. As part of our ongoing commitment to this vision, we recently organized an intensive agroecology training and farm demonstration for the women of the Tabut Ogiek community. Made possible through the kind […]
At the Koibatek Ogiek Women and Youth Network (KOWYN), we often say that the strength of a community is rooted in its ability to feed itself. Recently, we had the privilege of hosting a sustainable farming and seed sovereignty training for the Kwombereriet Ogiek Women Group, a dedicated collective committed to preserving both our land and our legacy. In a […]
At the Koibatek Ogiek Women and Youth Network (KOWYN), we often say that the strength of a community is rooted in its ability to feed itself. Recently, we had the privilege of hosting a sustainable farming and seed sovereignty training for the Kwombereriet Ogiek Women Group, a dedicated collective committed to preserving both our land and our legacy. In a […]
At the Koibatek Ogiek Women and Youth Network (KOWYN), our advocacy extends beyond the forest and the farm—it reaches into the halls of policy and governance. On March 17, 2025, we were privileged to represent the voices of the Ogiek community at the Consultative Forum on the Legal and Policy Framework for Marginalized Communities in Kenya. This forum was more […]