I am proud to be Ogiek. Our culture is more than just tradition it is our identity, our connection to the land,
From deep in the Mau Forest, Sogoot FM 97.1 amplifies Ogiek voices, celebrates cultural heritage, and inspires environmental stewardship across Kenya and beyond
Sogoot FM 97.1 is the first and only community radio station established by and for the Ogiek people of Kenya. Broadcasting from the heart of the Mau Forest, the station serves as a vital communication channel, connecting over 5,000 daily listeners with programs in Ogiek, Swahili, and English. Their mission is to preserve Indigenous culture, promote community resilience, and spark collective environmental action.
This initiative is a collaborative effort between local elders, youth leaders, and partner institutions, blending traditional wisdom with modern technology to build an inclusive, informed, and empowered Ogiek society.
Sogoot FM delivers inclusive, grassroots programming that reflects the values and voices of the community:
Updates on conservation, forest rights, and Indigenous land stewardship.
Mental health awareness, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship for young people
Supporting Ogiek children in learning and discovery
Oral storytelling, traditional songs, and community guidance from respected leaders.
Community-led discussions on governance, climate policy, and civic responsibility.
Amplify Ogiek women through education on health, leadership, and rights.
90 active engagements with Ogiek participants have shaped the co-design of the website and AI-powered messaging system prototype for cultural preservation, knowledge sharing, and environmental action.
Over 250 individuals have participated in community interactions and networks that strengthen cultural ties, promote shared learning, and enable coordinated action.
25 participants have taken part in capacity-building sessions focused on co-design and usability testing of the prototype to advance Ogiek rights and environmental protection through community-led strategies.
With a signal that reaches deep into remote areas, Sogoot FM breaks information barriers and bridges generational knowledge gaps. It supports education, environmental awareness, and collective identity. In a time of ecological and cultural erosion, the station is a powerful tool for advocacy and Indigenous resilience.
Our listeners don’t just tune in—they take part. Whether it’s by sharing folk tales, calling in with forest updates, or contributing music and poetry, the Ogiek people are not just the audience—they are the station.
I am proud to be Ogiek. Our culture is more than just tradition it is our identity, our connection to the land,
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This project is made possible with support from the Mozilla Technology fund. We are grateful for their commitment to open-source technology, digital equity, and community-led innovation.
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