At the Koibatek Ogiek Women and Youth Network (KOWYN), we believe that the health of our community is inextricably linked to the health of our ancestral lands. Our indigenous plants are more than just vegetation; they are the pharmacy, the history, and the spirit of the Ogiek people.

Today, we are thrilled to announce the start of a transformative new chapter: the official launch of Koret’s Healing: The Ogiek Women’s Herbarium Innovation. Supported by the NAAPU Indigenous Women Fund, this initiative is a significant milestone in our mission to restore and safeguard Ogiek culture for the generations to come.

A Sanctuary for Ancestral Knowledge

Koret’s Healing is more than just a collection of dried plants—it is a community-owned herbarium. It serves as a secure, living archive where:

• Medicinal Wisdom is Preserved: We are documenting the traditional knowledge of Indigenous medicinal plants that has been passed down through generations of Ogiek healers.
• Knowledge is Accessible: By creating a structured repository, we are ensuring that this vital information remains available for our youth and future practitioners, protecting it from the threat of erosion.
• The Forest is Replicated: The herbarium will host well-labeled Indigenous trees, creating a living archive that mirrors the ecological complexity of our ancestral forests.

A Historic Moment of Solidarity

The launch was a joyous occasion, marked by the presence of partners and allies who share our commitment to Indigenous sovereignty. We were deeply honored to be joined by representatives from:

• OPDP (Ogiek Peoples’ Development Program)
• Hugafo-K
• Prohome (Program for Heritage of Ogiek and Mother Earth)
• Baringo County Ward Administration
• Koibatek Herbal Clinic
• NAAPU Indigenous Women Fund / Samburu Women Trust

The solidarity shown by these organizations reinforces the fact that when Indigenous women lead, the entire community thrives. We are not just preserving history; we are ensuring that our culture remains a living, breathing force in the modern world.

Empowering Women as Custodians

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the NAAPU Indigenous Women Fund for their vision and trust. By empowering Ogiek women to take the lead in documenting and protecting our heritage, they are helping us build a future where our community’s excellence, resilience, and traditional knowledge are respected and celebrated.

Koret’s Healing is a testament to what is possible when we take our destiny into our own hands. As we begin the work of building this herbarium, we are not just protecting plants—we are protecting our identity.