I am proud to be Ogiek. Our culture is more than just tradition it is our identity, our connection to the land, and the wisdom passed down through generations. As Indigenous people, it is our responsibility to protect and preserve this rich heritage. By keeping our culture alive, we ensure that future generations will know who they are, where they come from, and the strength of their roots. Alexander Kisioi, Environmental Activist and Freelance Journalist
The Forest Is Our Home
The Forest Is Our Home For Indigenous communities like the Ogiek, the forest is more than trees it’s our heritage, medicine, and lifeline. It’s where we: ♡Hang our beehives ♡Collect medicinal plants ♡Protect sacred knowledge passed down through generations As custodians of the forest, our voice matters deeply in conversations about conservation and climate action. You cannot protect nature without the people who have always lived in harmony with it. Let Indigenous voices lead the way. Alexander Kisioi Koech Environmental Activist / Freelance Journalist
The Ogiek People are Caretakers and Custodians of the Forest.
The name Ogiek means the origin of a group of Indigenous Peoples who have lived in the forests of Kenya for generations especially the Mau Forest and other forested lands. There are no arrows on a map showing where the Ogiek people came from because we didn’t migrate here. We belong to the forest. We protect the forest. We are the forest. Let the world know: Indigenous Peoples like the Ogiek are not visitors. We are the original roots of these lands. Alexander Kisioi Koech Environmental Activist / Freelance Journalist
The Ogiek Community: Indigenous Knowledge and Forest Wisdom
The Ogiek communities are Indigenous Peoples and forest dwellers. Their lives are intricately connected to the forest, which they consider not just a source of livelihood but a vital part of their identity. To the Ogiek, the destruction of a forest means the destruction of their way of life. The Ogiek rely heavily on Indigenous knowledge to understand their environment, especially in predicting weather and recognizing climate changes. This knowledge, passed down through generations, includes various natural indicators, such as: 1. Safari Ants – The appearance of safari ants on the move is a sign that rain is approaching. 2. The Moon and Clouds – A clear night sky with a visible moon and no clouds suggests that there will be no rain for some time. 3. Honey Harvesting and the baobab Tree – During the honey harvesting season, the flowering of baobab trees is a key sign. Once the flowers fall, it indicates that the honey is ready for collection. As skilled hunters, the Ogiek also possess a deep understanding of the forest and its wildlife. They have developed ways to sense danger from wild animals such as leopards and elephants. One example is the behaviour of a small bird that often follows leopards. This bird will fly toward people in the forest and make loud, distinctive noises, signalling the presence of a predator nearby. Through such signs and sounds, the Ogiek can sense and avoid danger using their Indigenous knowledge. Alexander Kisioi Koech Environmental Activist / Freelance Journalist
Climate Begins with the Forest: The Indigenous Truth We Can’t Ignore
Indigenous peoples have their unique ways of responding to climate change, rooted in traditional knowledge and cultural practices. They believe that cutting down Indigenous trees is not just environmental destruction it marks the beginning of a path that leads to climate change. Their deep connection to the land gives them a rich understanding of conservation. Forests are not only ecological resources but also cultural and economic centres for Indigenous communities. They rely on forests for medicinal plants, honey production through traditional beekeeping, and many other essential aspects of life. This intimate relationship with nature makes Indigenous knowledge invaluable in the global effort to protect the environment and combat climate change. Alexander Kisioi Koech Environmental Activist / Freelance Journalist
My Responsibility and your Responsibility to Take Care of our Beautiful Planet.
Conservation is our duty and our responsibility to make sure that the planet is safe because God has given human beings the responsibility to take care of the planet. Therefore, we need to plant more trees, especially indigenous trees, using indigenous knowledge from indigenous communities so that we can able to mitigate the effects of climate change. During this season of rain, let’s plant more trees, and we make sure to number them so that we respond to the presidential campaign for 15 billion trees. We also need to begin the campaign for planting trees alongside the river banks and wetlands areas for us to get clean water. Alexander Kisioi Koech Environmental Activist / Freelance Journalist
