STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING REPORT HELD AT OGIEK CULTURAL CENTER,NKARETA ON 12TH JULY,2025.

Introduction

The Steering Committee is the Forum’s highest decision-making organ and is composed of ten (10)representatives drawn from member communities and organizations. It provides leadership in driving the strategic vision of HUGAFO-K and ensures that the activities of the Forum remain aligned with its mission and the evolving needs of the communities it serves. Against this backdrop, HUGAFO-K held its 2025 Steering Committee meeting on 12th July 2025 at the Ogiek Cultural Centre in Nkareta, Narok County. The meeting brought together 10 Steering Committee members for a full-day session focused on reviewing achievements from 2024–2025, evaluating institutional progress, and finalizing key planning documents that will guide the Forum into its next strategic phase (2025–2028).

This report captures the key discussions, updates, achievements, and decisions made during the meeting. It also highlights the strategic direction HUGAFO-K seeks to pursue in strengthening its internal systems, amplifying community voices, and deepening its engagement with partners and stakeholders.

Opening remarks

In his opening remarks, the Chairperson of HUGAFO-K welcomed all members and expressed gratitude for their commitment and presence. He outlined the key agenda items of the day, emphasizing that the meeting was not only an opportunity to reflect on the Forum’s recent progress but also to consolidate its strategic direction for the years ahead. He noted that key items for discussion included a comprehensive review of 2024–2025 activities, an update on partner engagements for resource mobilization, a review of the Fundraising Strategy, the current status of membership subscriptions, the sharing of community reports, and the validation and adoption of the 2025–2028 Strategic Plan. He further underscored the need to strengthen the institutional capacity of HUGAFO-K and foster collaboration with national and international partners to better serve the HG communities.

Overview of HUGAFO-K activities

The session commenced with an overview of HUGAFO-K’s activities since the last Steering Committee meeting held in Nakuru in late 2024. A total of 17 physical activities were implemented, addressing themes such as community empowerment, land rights, gender equity, language revitalization, and environmental conservation. Alongside these, the Forum has also held numerous virtual meetings via Zoom—internally for coordination and externally with partners such as Niatero, and Resource and Rights Initiative(RRI), in efforts to pursue sustainable funding and partnerships. These engagements reflect HUGAFO-K’s growing capacity to adapt to hybrid operational models and maintain continuity in advocacy despite logistical or financial limitations.

Ex-Officio member remarks

4:Ex officio member remarks

The Head of the Host Organization Ogiek Peoples' Development Program (OPDP), who also serves as an ex-officio member of the Steering Committee, delivered briefing on recent achievements and institutional support provided to HUGAFO-K. He reported that through collaborative efforts with Niatero, resources had been secured to support documentation work at the Secretariat level and to facilitate Steering Committee meetings. Notably, a new laptop was procured to enhance documentation and administrative functions. Furthermore, he informed members that the HUGAFO-K website is currently undergoing a redesign, a process being supported by OPDP to improve the Forum’s visibility, digital engagement, and access to information. The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), following HUGAFO-K’s formal request, provided valuable disaggregated data on Hunter-Gatherer communities, which is to been reviewed by the Steering Committee and will inform future programming and policy advocacy.

In highlighting additional achievements, the host lead noted HUGAFO-K’s growing engagement in national policy spaces. Plans to bring in HUGAFO-K to actively contribute to agroecology policy development in partnership with Nakuru and Bomet Counties, alongside civil society actors such as IMPACT are in discussion. These engagements are aligned with Kenya’s broader push for sustainable land and environmental governance, as underscored in the Climate Change Act (2016) and the National Policy on Climate Finance (2018). HUGAFO-K was also referenced in the most recent International Funders for Indigenous Peoples (IFIP) conference, further validating its expanding recognition in global indigenous advocacy spaces. The host organization, OPDP, continues to integrate HUGAFO-K into its wider fundraising efforts, reinforcing the Forum’s strategic and operational sustainability.

One of the most significant milestones shared during the meeting was the successful dialogue meeting held in Isiolo between the Wayuu (formerly referred to as the Watta) community, facilitated by Dr. Galgalo. This dialogue aimed to reaffirm the community’s identity and lay the foundation for a name transition grounded in cultural dignity and consensus. This initiative aligns with global human rights frameworks, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which affirms the right of indigenous peoples to determine and promote their identity.

As the Forum continues to grow, the Secretariat emphasized the need to conduct more field visits to communities to collect first-hand data and enrich the HUGAFO-K website with authentic, community-driven content. A regional expansion plan is also underway, following productive discussions between the host organization and Vitalis from Colombia. These conversations have led to a formal letter to Niatero proposing support for a continental meeting of Hunter-Gatherer leaders. The Steering Committee agreed that Kenya would be the ideal host country for this event due to fewer visa restrictions. A concept note is currently being developed for presentation during the July EMRIP session, proposing participation from over 14 countries and an estimated 30 representatives.

Engagements with Partners

The Steering Committee was updated on ongoing and strategic engagements HUGAFO-K has initiated with key partners to strengthen advocacy and expand its impact. Notably, the Forum has held productive discussions with NIATERO and the Resource and Rights Initiative (RRI) in relation to the Minority and Marginalized Communities Policy currently under development. These engagements aim to ensure that Hunter-Gatherer communities are not left behind in the policy process. Through planned sensitization, awareness forums, and targeted dialogues, HUGAFO-K seeks to highlight the unique grievances, rights, and priorities of these communities so they are adequately addressed in the final policy framework.

Additionally, HUGAFO-K is in exploratory discussions with Niatero on the potential expansion of the Forum into a continental platform, connecting Hunter-Gatherer communities across Africa for joint advocacy and solidarity. This expansion would significantly elevate the visibility of African HG communities in global discourse on indigenous rights and development.

The Forum has also engaged with The Christensen Fund (TCF) in its broader fundraising and institutional strengthening efforts. Furthermore, an ongoing project supported by the Community Land Action Now (CLAN) network is providing critical support for community land registration processes targeting the Yaaku, the Ogiek of Chepkitale, and the Ogiek of Mau. This initiative is a significant step toward securing ancestral land rights, in line with Kenya’s Community Land Act (2016), and ensuring that indigenous communities have legal ownership and stewardship over their traditional territories.

These partnerships reflect HUGAFO-K’s commitment to collaborative action and its growing recognition as a key player in indigenous rights advocacy, both within Kenya and across the continent.

As part of strengthening internal governance, coordination, and strategic focus, the Steering Committee unanimously agreed to establish three thematic subcommittees to enhance efficiency in delivering on HUGAFO-K’s objectives. These subcommittees are expected to provide technical support and leadership within their respective focus areas and ensure timely follow-up on action points.

The Resource Mobilization Committee was established to lead efforts in identifying funding opportunities, developing proposals, and cultivating partnerships. The members of this committee include Judy Kipkenda, Emanuel Meseng’, Juliana Loshiro, Ronald Lelekoitien, Dorothy Cheruto, and John Samorai. Their mandate will include supporting the implementation of the Forum’s fundraising roadmap and aligning resource mobilization strategies with the 2025–2028 Strategic Plan.

The second subcommittee, focused on Advocacy and Policy Engagement, comprises Paul Lekapana, Elius Kimaiyo, Daniel Kobei, and Dr. Christopher Galgalo. This team will play a key role in monitoring policy processes, coordinating HUGAFO-K’s advocacy strategy, and ensuring the Forum’s proactive participation in national and county-level policymaking spaces, including those affecting land rights, conservation, and indigenous peoples’ governance.

Lastly, the Gender and Youth Committee was formed to mainstream gender equity and youth inclusion within HUGAFO-K’s programs and organizational structure. Members include Judy Kipkenda, Juliana Loshiro, and Elius Kimaiyo. This committee will provide leadership in developing targeted initiatives that promote the empowerment of women and young people across Hunter-Gatherer communities.

Community Updates Session

5:Community updates session

As part of the Steering Committee meeting, representatives from various Hunter-Gatherer communities shared updates on their ongoing work, achievements, challenges, and future plans. This session provided valuable insights into community-level developments and informed collective planning and strategic alignment.

Lmartin Community – Ntim Nariko Forest of Laikipia County

The representative from the Lmartin community shared that their organization was established in 2020 to advocate for the rights and wellbeing of the Lmartin people, a Hunter-Gatherer group residing in Ntim Nariko Forest, Laikipia County. Their core activities include community sensitization and mobilization around beekeeping as a key livelihood strategy. They have also participated in tree-planting initiatives in collaboration with the Yaaku community and have engaged in the development of a biocultural protocol to promote conservation and cultural preservation. Additionally, they are active participants in indigenous community events which serve as platforms for knowledge sharing and advocacy.

Yaaku Community – Mukogodo, Laikipia North

The Yaaku community’s updates focused on their language revitalization work, particularly the Yiakunte language, which is at risk of extinction. A notable milestone has been the translation of the New Testament into Yiakunte, an effort that gained attention during the IFIP Conference, where a poem presented by Indigenous Young Moms in Yiakunte attracted interest from the Gawada community in Ethiopia, who share a similar linguistic heritage. This connection resulted in a shared audio recording of the entire Bible in Yiakunte, which the Yaaku community is now using to teach over 300 new learners.

With the support of PAWANKA, the community trained 15 local teachers, previously learners themselves, who are now teaching the language in their community. A Yiakunte language curriculum has been developed and submitted to the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) for consideration. The community has also collaborated with Bee Whisper Initiative to train youth in beekeeping and bee treatment. Two young boys currently assist in monitoring and managing bee colonies.

Beyond language, the Yaaku are engaged in documentation of stories, poems, and songs, and have partnered with UNITY NET to promote women’s empowerment and climate-smart agriculture, including tree planting under peace and reconciliation initiatives. These efforts have gained government attention, leading to the establishment of a local health clinic and the drilling of a borehole for clean water access. The community is also implementing an eco-tourism initiative at the Yaaku Cultural Centre of Hope. In addition, Juliana Loshiro, a Yaaku representative, has authored a book on climate change, and she is scheduled to visit Ethiopia this month to meet the Gawada community for further collaboration.

Wayuu Community (Formerly Watta) – Northern Kenya

The Wayuu representative provided updates on recent community developments and challenges. The community is actively working to phase out the derogatory term "Watta" and reclaim their original identity as Wayuu. Following the formation of three community councils, they are planning a visit to Tana River to further sensitize community members about this identity restoration process.

The representative also shared that the community recently experienced violent conflict in Dukana, reportedly instigated by political tensions with dominant neighboring communities. This violence led to loss of lives, destruction of 34 homes, and the displacement of livestock. In response, the community has prioritized peacebuilding and negotiation, which have led to the partial recovery of stolen livestock.

Economically, the Wayuu have launched beekeeping initiatives to empower the community and support sustainable livelihoods. A Community Task Force Committee has been formed to map Wayuu households across three constituencies—North Horr, Moyale, and Saku—to guide future interventions and planning. Additionally, the community has established a Human Capital Development Caucus to assess and track education levels within the community, which is expected to inform future programming in education and youth development.

Sengwer Community – Embobut Forest in Cherangany Hills Region

The Sengwer community, whose members are scattered across three counties in the Cherangany Hills, reported persistent threats of eviction from their ancestral lands. However, a recent eviction attempt was halted following a favorable Court of Appeal decision in Kisumu, which upheld community rights and issued orders against violations by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS). The community is currently undertaking a conservation project that promotes sustainable forest stewardship and indigenous ecological knowledge.

Efforts are underway to build a cultural center that would serve as a hub for cultural preservation, community gatherings, and learning. Additionally, the Sengwer are implementing livelihood and empowerment initiatives focused on women and youth. They are also planning a Sengwer Cultural Day on 8th August, and if resources permit, intend to invite HUGAFO-K representatives to participate in the celebration and cultural exchange.

Ogiek of Baringo – Koibatek Forest Region

The Ogiek of Baringo community provided updates on their ongoing dialogue with the Lembus community, who have made attempts to register the Baringo forest area under their name. The Ogiek have pursued peaceful negotiations, which remain ongoing. In partnership with KFS, the community is engaged in the restoration of Koibatek Forest, specifically on a 10-acre licensed parcel, which demonstrates constructive collaboration with state agencies.

They are also supporting women and youth through sustainable livelihoods, including the establishment of kitchen gardens and indigenous seed banks. In addition, they are training youth in nursery management and tree planting. Recently, they hosted a multi-stakeholder dialogue on land rights, focusing on the implementation and implications of the 2016 Community Land Act.

Notably, the lead from KOWYN (Koibatek Women and Youth Network) is part of the Forest Forever Facility Committee, a financing model tailored to forest-based communities. She nominated HUGAFO-K, OPDP, and CLAN to serve as lead organizations in discussions relevant to Kenya. Furthermore, the FAO has nominated a village in Koibatek to be recognized as an FAO Village, showcasing the community’s achievements in forest conservation and resilience.

Ogiek of Chepkitale – Mt. Elgon Region

The Ogiek of Chepkitale shared their progress in language preservation and documentation, including the translation of a dictionary into their local dialect. They are also actively documenting indigenous trees, animals, and land-use patterns, including the mapping of bamboo zones and other biodiversity hotspots.

The community has developed an Early Childhood Development (ECD) curriculum, which is awaiting official launch. In tandem, they are in the process of registering ECD FIDA schools to support community-based education models. Efforts in women empowerment are ongoing, alongside significant strides in community land registration, where a court injunction has been secured to protect their ancestral land. This represents a major legal success for the community’s land rights efforts.

Ogiek of Mau Forest

The Ogiek of Mau are currently engaged in landscape restoration projects, focusing on degraded rivers, schools, and surrounding areas. They have distributed fruit trees as part of their climate adaptation strategies and sustainable food systems. In addition, they are undertaking research on agroecology, which will inform the ongoing agroecology policy development at the county level.

In digital advocacy, they are working on the documentation of Ogiek digital stories, the development of a language dictionary, and the promotion of Ogiek cultural attire and heritage. These activities are deeply connected to cultural revitalization and youth engagement. They are also contributing to advocacy efforts surrounding the implementation of the Ogiek Arusha Ruling, a landmark judgment by the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights that affirmed the Ogiek’s land rights.

Moreover, the community is undertaking research on digital and online violence, highlighting the intersection between digital safety, gender justice, and indigenous rights.

El molo Community –Loyangalani in Lake Turkana Region

The El molo community reported that they continue to face the impact of Lake Turkana’s rising water levels, which has severely affected their traditional livelihoods and settlements. Community land registration remains a critical challenge. Despite having filed several petitions, they are yet to receive conclusive support. Recently, they submitted a formal objection to the Cabinet Secretary, asserting their distinct identity and rejecting proposals to merge them with dominant neighboring communities.

The community is also engaged in Bible translation efforts in their native language, reinforcing cultural and linguistic preservation. Furthermore, they have operationalized their biocultural protocol, and traditional elders have drafted community-level regulations on fishing territories to ensure sustainable use and equitable access. Ongoing sensitization efforts are being carried out to popularize the protocol across the community and among local stakeholders.

Validation and Adoption of HUGAFO-K 2025-2028 Strategic Documents.

6:Presentation, validation and adoption of strategic plan session

A key agenda item during the Steering Committee meeting was the review, validation, and adoption of essential strategic documents intended to guide HUGAFO-K’s operations for the next planning cycle. The 2025–2028 Strategic Plan was reviewed in detail, with members affirming its alignment with the Forum’s vision and the evolving needs of Hunter-Gatherer communities. Constructive feedback was provided on thematic focus areas, particularly the integration of gender, youth, digital advocacy, and climate action.

The Strategic Plan was adopted through consensus, with the Host Secretariat formally proposing the motion and the Chairperson seconding it. Following this agreement, it was resolved that the final document be printed and published to guide implementation and serve as an official institutional reference.

In addition, the Resource Mobilization Strategy was endorsed, with emphasis placed on diversifying funding streams, strengthening donor engagement, and increasing community-led proposal writing. The Membership Subscription Report was also reviewed, highlighting the current status of contributions from member organizations and the need for improved compliance and communication.

All three documents were officially adopted, and the Steering Committee committed to monitoring their implementation through the newly established subcommittees

Cultural Center tour and Forest Visit

The cultural Center tour began with a traditional welcome and blessings from Mzee Salaton, an elder and custodian of Ogiek heritage, who offered prayers invoking unity, wisdom, and guidance for the gathering. Following this, the delegation proceeded to the nearby Mau Forest, which borders the cultural center. The forest tour provided an opportunity to appreciate the biodiversity of the area and to reflect on the interconnectedness between forest conservation and the cultural survival of hunter-gatherer communities. This engagement reinforced the importance of grounding policy, strategy, and advocacy work in the lived realities and ancestral landscapes of indigenous peoples.

As part of the program, steering committee took a guided tour of the Ogiek village huts and herbarium situated within the cultural center. This immersive experience offered a firsthand glimpse into Ogiek traditional architecture, medicinal plant knowledge, and indigenous ways of life. The herbarium showcases a curated collection of native plant species, many of which are used in Ogiek ethnomedicine, food systems, and rituals, underscoring the community’s deep ecological knowledge and stewardship of the Mau ecosystem.

Conclusion

The strategic meeting convened by Hunter Gatherer Forum Kenya (HUGAFO-K) marked a significant milestone in the network's ongoing efforts to strengthen its institutional frameworks, enhance coordination, and elevate the voices of hunter-gatherer communities in national discourse. Through open dialogue and inclusive participation, the meeting successfully reviewed and adopted the 2025–2027 Strategic Plan, established functional subcommittees, and generated actionable recommendations to guide future programming and resource mobilization.

The deliberations reaffirmed the importance of cultural preservation, data-driven advocacy, and strategic partnerships in safeguarding the rights and livelihoods of hunter-gatherer peoples. As the network moves forward, the commitments made by members and stakeholders during this meeting will serve as a catalyst for greater unity, visibility, and collective resilience. The active engagement of the secretariat, community leaders, and allied organizations remains essential in ensuring that the priorities identified are implemented effectively and that HUGAFO-K continues to grow as a credible and influential platform for indigenous rights advocacy in Kenya and beyond.

Recommendations

The Steering Committee made the following key recommendations during the meeting:

• The biometric data received from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) should be formally forwarded to the Kenya Police Service, Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), Public Service Commission (PSC), and county governments to promote inclusion of Hunter-Gatherer communities in recruitment and public service opportunities. A legal representative to support this process and anchor it with relevant constitutional provisions and legal backing.

• Mapping of all Hunter-Gatherer communities in Kenya and across Africa should be undertaken to support visibility, strategic planning, and future continental collaborations.

• There is a need for follow-up with Milka regarding the RRI proposal submitted by HUGAFO-K, to explore possible collaboration and funding.

• The Secretariat should develop a comprehensive matrix highlighting all activities implemented to date, Pending or incomplete activities and lessons learned and key challenges. This matrix will inform better planning and accountability.

• An actionable Fundraising Strategy should be developed, including a detailed matrix of ,achievements in resource mobilization so far, Pending funding proposals and pipeline plans for fundraising and donor engagement. The Fundraising Subcommittee was urged to intensify efforts and provide regular updates.

• A realistic and detailed operational budget for the year should be developed and which shall be formally approved by the Steering Committee during the next meeting.

• Steering Committee members and affiliated organizations should make full use of the KNBS data for planning, advocacy, and engagement with duty bearers and development partners.

• The Steering Committee should formally engage with the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) to submit relevant data in support of assigning an official code for Hunter-Gatherer communities in national systems.

• The committee to gather, organize, and assemble all necessary documentation required for official coding, including legal references, community profiles, and demographic data.

• HUGAFO-K should request a dedicated storage and exhibition slot at the Kenya National Museum to serve as a community-led active archive for preserving historical and cultural materials of Hunter-Gatherer communities.

• A segmented documentation booklet should be developed to provide a comprehensive profile of each Hunter-Gatherer community, capturing key information such as location, language, history, cultural practices, and community priorities.

• The Steering Committee should oversee the development of formal criteria, an application form, and a certification process for organizations or individuals seeking to become members of HUGAFO-K.

• All membership applications must be forwarded to the Steering Committee, which will deliberate and make official decisions regarding admission of new members into the forum.