For the Ogiek people, land is not merely an asset—it is the bedrock of our culture, our identity, and our survival. At the Koibatek Ogiek Women and Youth Network (KOWYN), we recognize that the struggle for land tenure security is the most critical issue facing our people today.

On June 26, 2026, we took a monumental step forward by hosting a Stakeholder Engagement on Land Tenure Rights in Eldama Ravine. With the generous support of the American Jewish World Service (AJWS), we brought together a diverse group of stakeholders—including government representatives, legal experts, community leaders, and civil society partners—to collectively advance the cause of Ogiek land rights.

A Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue for Justice

The engagement was designed to move beyond rhetoric and into actionable strategy. The forum provided a space for deep dives into the historical context of the Ogiek land struggle, as well as vital briefings on the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACJ) Ruling and its profound implications for our community.

We were honored to learn from the diverse perspectives shared by our esteemed partners:

• Baringo County Government
• CLAN Network Kenya
• Ogiek Peoples’ Development Program (OPDP)
• Indigenous Women and Girls Initiative
• HUGAFO Network

These insights underscored a singular truth: land governance is too complex to be solved in isolation. The success of our movement depends on the synergy of multi-stakeholder collaboration, where policy, legal advocacy, and grassroots mobilization work in tandem.

Forging a Joint Advocacy Strategy

The centerpiece of the event was an interactive session dedicated to forging a robust, unified advocacy strategy. The participants broke down the technical and social hurdles to progress, focusing on several high-impact areas:

• Leveraging the Community Land Act 2016: We examined the legal pathways for the titling of ancestral lands, ensuring that the Ogiek people can secure formal, legal recognition of our territories.
• Implementation of the ACJ Ruling: We discussed the practical steps required to ensure that regional court rulings translate into real-world changes for families on the ground.
• Inclusive Leadership: A core pillar of our strategy is the intentional strengthening of the voices of Ogiek women and youth. Land tenure is a gendered issue, and we are committed to ensuring that those most impacted by land insecurity are the ones leading the charge for its resolution.

The Path Forward

At KOWYN, this engagement marks more than just a successful event; it signifies the beginning of a coordinated, community-led push for justice. By aligning our strategy with our partners and engaging directly with the government, we are building the political and legal pressure necessary to secure our future.

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the American Jewish World Service (AJWS) for their unwavering support, and to every partner and community member who contributed their voice to this vital discussion.

The struggle for our land is a struggle for our dignity. As we move forward with this joint advocacy strategy, we remain steadfast in our mission: to ensure that every Ogiek family can live securely, sustainably, and proudly on the land of their ancestors.