The government is committed to resolving historical injustices associated with land and promote equitable development for minority and marginalized communities across the country, including the Ogiek community found in nine counties.
Traditionally the Ogiek Community lived as hunter-gatherers and beekeepers in forests dispersed currently in Narok., Kericho, Meru, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, Suba, and Moyale counties.
The Minorities and Marginalized Affairs Unit led by Secretary Josphat Lowoi Lodeya, has announced that the government is processing title deeds for 1,600 Ogiek families who are living alongside the Soget Forest in Londiani Sub-County, Kericho County.
Lowoi cautioned members of the Ogiek community against selling off the pieces of land they will receive from the government and instead till and develop the lands to improve their livelihoods and educate their children, and also participate in other government programmes such as recruitment exercises for them to receive equal opportunities like the rest of the other communities in the country.
“The National Land Commission conducted thorough investigations which has now been concluded to establish the real identity of the Ogiek community in Soget Division which reveals where they originally lived within the Soget Forest before independence, where 1600 families were identified as the genuine Ogiek dwellers,” said Lowoi.
The Secretary Minorities and Marginalized Affairs Unit spoke on Saturday after meeting the Ögiek Community and challenged them to educate their children so they can qualify for employment opportunities adding that the government is keen to employ qualified individuals from the minority and marginalized groups.
Lowoi observed that the Minorities and Marginalized policy is yet to be gazetted but noted that the document will be launched officially on the Minorities Rights Day which will be observed on December 18, 2025 which is expected to be graced by President Ruto.
This will be the first time Kenya will officially observe the day despite the UN declaring December 18 for Minority Rights Day since 1992. The day is meant to give visibility to minority and marginalized groups in the society such as Ogiek, Endorois, Sengwer, Talai, Aweer, Boni, Elmolo, and others.
Lowoi said Article 56 of the constitution (2010) allows the state to protect minorities and marginalized groups through affirmative action, representation and economic support.
Ogiek community leaders led by Mr John Sironga, who is national chairman Ogiek, urged the government to speed up the process of resettling them permanently saying they have lagged behind for many years and lost property and livelihoods owing to the constant evictions of their families from the forest land.
Sironga noted that the Ogiek population is not growing as expected due to the instability of their families but reiterated that now with the resettlement their numbers will increase.
According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the 2019 Census enumerated a total of 52, 362 persons among the Ogiek Community countrywide.
Lowoi was accompanied by a team of senior officials from the Executive office of the President through the Minorities and Marginalized affairs Unit.
By Dominic Cheres and Kibe Mburu
