The government has reiterated its commitment to protecting and promoting the rights of minority and marginalized communities, with renewed efforts to recognize groups that have historically been excluded from Kenya’s official list of communities.
Speaking in Nkareta, Narok North, during the 6th Annual Ogiek Cultural Event, Lowoi Josphat Lodeya, Head of the Minority and Marginalized Affairs Unit in the Office of the President, affirmed that the Ogiek and similar communities deserve full recognition and legal protection.“This office is dedicated to ensuring that every community in Kenya has a voice and enjoys the freedom to exercise their rights,” said Lodeya. “The Ogiek are not just a clan they are a community with a rich culture and a vital role in forest conservation. As a government, we are determined to foster inclusivity, diversity, and equal recognition for all.”
Lodeya further added that his office is collaborating with various ministries, commissions, and state departments to craft policies and legislation that safeguard the rights of minority groups emphasizing that Kenya is home to more than the commonly cited 42 ethnic communities.
Namwezi Zitah, Director of Research at the Minority and marginalized Affairs unit, emphasized that inclusivity remains a cornerstone of President William Ruto’s administration under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.” we want to promote equity in terms of resources and fairness in opportunities especially for communities that have been left behind since independence.
The Ogiek are one of Kenya’s oldest forest-dwelling communities, known for their deep connection to the Mau Forest Complex. Traditionally hunters, gatherers, and skilled beekeepers, their identity and culture are inseparable from the forest ecosystem. Honey harvesting is not just a source of income but a cultural ritual that involves songs, special tools, and communal sharing.
Young children are taught early how to identify medicinal plants and the different flowering seasons for bees. Storytelling sessions held around evening fires are a key way in which elders pass on knowledge, myths, and moral lessons.
Their traditional music, often featuring horns (okore) and rhythmic drumming, reflects their close link to nature and seasons.
The cultural festival featured performances, traditional ceremonies, and exhibitions, aimed at showcasing the Ogiek’s heritage while raising awareness about their ongoing struggle for recognition, land rights, and environmental protection.
Daniel Kobay, who serves as Executive Director of the Ogiek Peoples’ Development Programme (OPDP), stressed the importance of cultural preservation for future generations. He highlighted the community’s strong connection to the Mau Forest Complex, describing it as their ancestral home and primary source of livelihood.
