As the world’s leaders, policymakers, and activists gather in Belém, Brazil, for the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30), Africa is poised to command a central role. Hosted in the Amazon rainforest one of the planet’s great ecological treasures this COP provides a critical backdrop for Africa to press its unique case: that climate justice, resilient development, and global solutions…
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…
The Koibatek Ogiek Women and Youth Network (KOWYN) convened a highly productive public review session bringing together members of the Ogiek, Nubian, and other marginalised communities across Koibatek Sub-County to review and contribute to the First Draft of the National Policy on Ethnic Minorities and Marginalised Communities (2025–2035). The session created an open and inclusive space where community members freely…
The Koibatek Ogiek Women and Youth Network (KOWYN) joined learners, alumni, and community members at St. Patrick’s Shimoni Junior Secondary School to mark this year’s Mazingira Day under the national theme: “Citizen-Centric Tree Growing and Environmental Stewardship.” With invaluable support from our partners at Global Greengrants Fund, the celebration was both lively and impactful. Together, we planted 300 grafted avocado…
From 10th to 13th September 2025, the Koibatek Ogiek Women and Youth Network (KOWYN) embarked on a series of community visits across Nakuru and Baringo Counties. These engagements brought us face-to-face with the heartbeat of our programs: Ogiek women, youth, and learners who are translating training and support into real, sustainable change. These visits were more than monitoring activities they…
Today marks a pivotal moment for the Koibatek Ogiek Women and Youth Network (KOWYN) with the official launch of a landmark three-year project, “From Forest to Farm: Strengthening Food Systems, Biodiversity, and Cultural Heritage for Ogiek Indigenous People in Kenya.” With the vital support of The JAC Trust, this initiative is a direct and powerful response to the historical and…
Eldama Ravine, Baringo County – August 18, 2025 The East Africa Indigenous Women Assembly (EAIWA) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Eldama Ravine over the weekend, drawing women leaders from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania to discuss strategies for strengthening indigenous rights and community empowerment. The two-day gathering, which began on Saturday, August 16, created a platform for dialogue and…
Indigenous women leaders from across Kenya gathered in Nanyuki to mark ten years of collective action, resilience, and solidarity under the Indigenous Women’s Council (IWC). The three day gathering culminated on August 9 with a powerful declaration aligned with the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, reaffirming the Council’s commitment to justice, equity, and the protection of ancestral lands….
From July 23–25, 2025, chefs, farmers, food activists, and policymakers from across the continent convened in Addis Ababa for the First Pan-African Chefs’ Gathering and Policy Convening on African Food Systems, organized by the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA). The landmark event brought together voices from 23 countries with one shared vision: to revive Africa’s culinary heritage, defend…
Eldama Ravine, Kenya – June 26, 2025 – The Koibatek Ogiek Women and Youth Network (KOWYN), with the generous support of American Jewish World Service (AJWS), hosted a powerful stakeholder engagement focusing on Land Tenure Rights in Eldama Ravine. This vital gathering brought together a diverse group of partners, government representatives, legal experts, and members of the Ogiek Community to…