The Ogiek are the last remaining hunters and gatherers of great antiquity in Kenya, living along the Eastern Mau Forest in Nakuru County. Their name, Ogiek, means ‘the caretaker of all flora and fauna animals or universe’ and denotes the significance of their traditions as successful foresters and distinguished environmentalists. The preservation of the ecosystem is inextricably linked with the survival of the Ogiek whose best-known means of livelihood are game hunting and beekeeping, surviving mainly on wild fruit and roots. Ogiek traditions and cultural values related to the conservation of biological diversity in Mau Forest are witnessing continued erosion due to the impact of weak enforcement of state laws in environmental protection. The rise of deforestation and the erection of new settlements is affecting biological diversity and depleting resources.

 

PROHOME, a Community Based Organisation founded in 2013, seeks to launch a two-year research and documentation initiative to account for all the important biological resources that are relevant in the preservation of cultural values concerning land and environment among the 45,000 Ogiek peoples living along the eastern Mau Forest. This research will be used to assert and defend the Ogiek’s customary rights in the face of extinction, promote dialogue with county and government institutions, and establish local systems in relation to Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) arrangements provided for under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), in accordance with Kenyan laws and constitution. 

 

Incomindios endorses PROHOME’s project to preserve and support Ogiek rights, land, and culture as well as other developmental issues including environmental conservation and the battle against the continued marginalisation of Indigenous communities. 

 

Click on the link below to donate directly to the Incomindios UK GoFundMe page in support of PROHOME. Your gracious donation will directly benefit the Ogiek population in addition to four million Kenyans living in neighbouring counties who benefit from the rivers in the Mau ecosystem. 

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Visit the PROHOME website to learn more about the organisation and their incredible work in protecting the rights and existence of the Ogiek People in Kenya.

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For more information on PROHOME and the project: 

• Contact: Leonard Mindore, Executive Director

• Email: info@ogiek-heritage.org  

• Website: www.ogiek-heritage.org  

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