Our Programs
Koibatek Ogiek Women and Youth Network (KOWYN) implements community-led programs that strengthen the resilience, rights, and well-being of the Ogiek Indigenous community. Guided by Indigenous knowledge and community priorities, our programs promote environmental conservation, climate resilience, food sovereignty, women’s leadership, youth empowerment, and the protection of Indigenous Peoples’ rights.
Working closely with local communities and development partners, we design sustainable initiatives that empower women, youth, and Indigenous leaders to become agents of positive change. Our work is implemented through the following flagship programs.
AJWS Program
Advancing Climate Justice, Human Rights and Food Sovereignty
Supported by the American Jewish World Service (AJWS), this program strengthens the resilience of Indigenous communities by promoting climate justice, human rights, sustainable livelihoods, and food sovereignty. The program empowers women and youth through climate-smart agriculture, Indigenous seed conservation, kitchen gardening, leadership development, and community advocacy. It also supports the promotion of gender equality and the protection of Indigenous Peoples’ rights while building resilient and sustainable communities.
Focus Areas
NAAPU Program
Empowering Indigenous Women Through Leadership and Economic Resilience
The NAAPU Program focuses on strengthening Indigenous women’s leadership, economic empowerment, and participation in community decision-making. Through capacity building, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion, the program equips women with the skills and opportunities needed to improve their livelihoods while becoming leaders within their communities. The program also supports women’s groups to establish sustainable income-generating initiatives, strengthen organizational capacity, and advocate for gender equality and Indigenous women’s rights.
Focus Areas
FIMI Program
Indigenous Women Leading Climate Action and Biodiversity Conservation
The FIMI Program promotes Indigenous women’s leadership in climate action, biodiversity conservation, and environmental governance. By combining Indigenous ecological knowledge with sustainable conservation practices, the program contributes to healthier ecosystems and more resilient communities. KOWYN works with communities to restore degraded landscapes, establish Indigenous tree nurseries, conserve traditional seed varieties, strengthen community seed banks, and promote sustainable natural resource management.
Focus Areas
Cultural Survival Program
Preserving Indigenous Heritage and Protecting Community Rights
The Cultural Survival Program strengthens the cultural identity, rights, and traditional knowledge of the Ogiek Indigenous community. The program promotes Indigenous governance systems, protects cultural heritage, and documents traditional ecological knowledge that has sustained Indigenous communities for generations. Through advocacy, community dialogues, and leadership development, KOWYN supports Indigenous communities to participate meaningfully in decisions affecting their land, culture, and natural resources.
Focus Areas
JAC Trust Program
Strengthening Community Resilience Through Sustainable Natural Resource Management
In partnership with JAC Trust, KOWYN promotes community-driven approaches to environmental conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and climate resilience. The program supports communities in protecting forests, restoring ecosystems, improving food security, and strengthening local institutions that manage natural resources. Through practical training and community engagement, households are equipped with knowledge and skills that improve resilience while protecting the environment for future generations.
Focus Areas
Jamii Asilia Program
Strengthening Indigenous Communities Through Knowledge, Advocacy and Sustainable Development
The Jamii Asilia Program promotes Indigenous-led development by strengthening local institutions, enhancing community participation, and preserving Indigenous knowledge systems. The program recognizes that sustainable development is most effective when communities lead the process and traditional knowledge is valued alongside modern approaches. KOWYN works with community groups, women, youth, and elders to build stronger local organizations, promote Indigenous governance, document community knowledge, and improve access to opportunities that support sustainable livelihoods and social justice.
Focus Areas
Our Commitment
Across all our programs, KOWYN remains committed to empowering the Ogiek Indigenous community through inclusive development, environmental stewardship, protection of Indigenous rights, and sustainable livelihoods — placing women, youth, and community leadership at the centre of our work.