Empowering Ogiek Youth Through Agribusiness and Sustainable Livelihoods
Agribusiness remains one of Kenya’s most vital economic pillars, providing livelihoods to millions and contributing significantly to national GDP, exports, and employment. For Indigenous communities like the Ogiek of Koibatek and Tinet, agribusiness offers not only economic opportunities but also a pathway to reclaiming traditional ecological knowledge and advancing sustainable living.
At KOWYN, we believe that empowering youth and women through hands-on agribusiness training is key to unlocking self-reliance, promoting environmental conservation, and securing food sovereignty for future generations.
Tree Nursery Training: Nurturing Growth from the Ground Up
In Tinet, Chemoson, two dynamic youth groups the Masaita Ogiek and Chemoson Ogiek Youth Groups earlier this year underwent a Youth Training on Tree Nursery Setup and Management, made possible through the generous support of Cultural Survival.
This practical, skill-based training brought together passionate young people eager to gain knowledge in establishing and maintaining successful tree nurseries. Participants explored key topics such as:
- Site selection and preparation
- Seed collection, germination, and grafting
- Sustainable water management and eco-friendly pest control
The training emphasized the significance of native trees in restoring degraded ecosystems, conserving biodiversity, and strengthening climate resilience. Through engaging demonstrations and mentorship, the youth are now better equipped to drive environmental restoration initiatives in their communities.
A Success Story from Kamara: Growing Change, One Cabbage at a Time
In Kamara, Koibatek (Baringo County), a young Ogiek couple is living proof of the power of agroecology in transforming lives.
After attending KOWYN’s recent agribusiness and agroecology trainings, the couple applied their newfound knowledge to establish a small organic farm. Today, their lush, organically grown cabbages are ready for harvest and sale a proud milestone that stands as a testament to dedication, learning, and community-based empowerment.
Their story is more than just a personal triumph; it’s a reflection of how knowledge and practice can turn dreams into sustainable livelihoods. Through organic farming, they are nurturing not only their family’s future but also the health of their soil and ecosystem.
This inspiring journey highlights the broader vision of KOWYN’s agribusiness empowerment programs: to build resilient, eco-conscious communities that thrive both economically and environmentally.
On World Bee Day, the air was buzzing with excitement at Mumberes Mlango Mmoja, where the Masaita Youth Group gathered for an inspiring day dedicated to beekeeping and beehive management.
The event, commissioned by KOWYN’s Executive Director, Judy Kipkenda, was a celebration of empowerment, environmental stewardship, and youth innovation. Judy’s uplifting words set the tone for the day, reaffirming KOWYN’s unwavering commitment to uplifting Indigenous youth and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
Led by expert trainer Kibet Kipsang, participants learned essential skills in modern beekeeping, hive maintenance, and understanding the critical role of bees in maintaining ecological balance.
To further support the group’s journey, beehives were donated to the Masaita Youth Group—a meaningful gesture that symbolizes not just an economic opportunity, but also a responsibility to protect nature.
This impactful initiative was proudly funded by the American Jewish World Service (AJWS), whose continued partnership with KOWYN strengthens our shared mission of community empowerment and environmental conservation.
Building Resilience, One Seed at a Time
Through these agribusiness and environmental empowerment initiatives, KOWYN continues to champion the Ogiek community’s right to sustainable development, ecological restoration, and economic independence.
By investing in knowledge, skills, and practical action, we are not just cultivating crops or tending beehives we are cultivating resilience, pride, and hope within Indigenous communities.
As more youth and women embrace sustainable agribusiness, the Ogiek people are rewriting their story one seed, one hive, and one harvest at a time.