Voices From the Forest — The Ogiek people are caretakers and custodians of the forest

For generations, the Ogiek people have lived as caretakers and custodians of Kenya’s forests, especially the Mau Forest.
We belong to the forest
We protect the forest
We are the forest
​There are no arrows on a map showing where the Ogiek came from — because we did not migrate here. We are the original roots of these lands.

The Ogiek community has lived in harmony with the forest since time immemorial, deeply relying on it for food, shelter, and traditional medicine. The forest provided honey, wild fruits, and meat from animals like the gazelle nourishment that sustained generations.

This photo speaks for itself, capturing the breathtaking beauty of the home of Indigenous Peoples. It reflects the deep connection between the community and their ancestral land, where forests, rivers, and mountains are not only sources of life but also symbols of identity and resilience. The landscape tells a story of harmony with nature, nurtured and protected through generations.

When illness struck, our people turned to the forest not to hospitals or clinics, but to the rich biodiversity around them. They searched for medicinal plants known to our elders, and within days, healing came through nature’s pharmacy. ​ Our elders passed down this knowledge, and even today we trust in the healing power of medicinal plants. Nearly every Indigenous forest is a living pharmacy, holding remedies for health, wellbeing, and long life.

Even today, the Ogiek and many other Indigenous communities still believe in the healing power of medicinal plants. These natural remedies not only cure ailments but are believed to promote long life and a deeper connection to the environment. When you walk through the forest with Indigenous people, they will show you many medicinal plants you may have never seen before. It’s a powerful experience of learning and connection.

Honey holds deep cultural and spiritual meaning. No ceremony is complete without it — it is unity, purity, and blessing. The honey and the beehive are therefore far more than sources of food they are symbols of heritage, survival, and harmony with nature. Honey is valued not only for its sweetness but also for its medicinal properties, used to heal wounds, soothe sore throats, and boost energy. The beehive itself represents community, cooperation, and the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

Beyond its nutritional and medicinal value, honey is a bridge between generations. Elders teach the youth how to craft hives, read the seasons, and protect the bees from harm. In this way, honey becomes a living thread connecting the past, present, and future of Indigenous life.

Honey

For us, the honey bag is also more than a vessel; it is one of the most significant cultural items of the Ogiek community, symbolizing both livelihood and tradition. For generations, the Ogiek people of the Mau forest have depended on honey not only as food but also as a source of medicine, trade, and cultural identity. The specially crafted bag, often made from natural materials such as animal hides and plant fibers, is designed to store and transport honey safely from the forest to the homestead. Its unique craftsmanship reflects the Ogiek’s deep knowledge of their environment, as well as their sustainable practices in harvesting honey without destroying the delicate ecosystem that sustains them.

Honey bag

Beyond its practical use, the honey bag carries deep cultural meaning, representing the Ogiek’s close connection to the forest and their resilience in preserving their traditions despite modern challenges. It is passed down through generations as a heritage item, reminding the community of their responsibility to protect bees, forests, and biodiversity. In a time when Indigenous knowledge is at risk of disappearing, the honey bag stands as a living testimony of Ogiek identity, resilience, and their rightful place as custodians of the Mau forest.

Ogiek women play a very important role in our forest-based community. They are deeply connected to nature and help support their families through traditional knowledge and daily work in the forest. One of their main roles is collecting firewood, which is needed for cooking and warmth. They also know how to find and collect medicinal plants from the forest. This knowledge helps the community stay healthy using natural medicine.

Ogiek women also take part in beekeeping. They carry beehives into the forest, where men hang them high in the trees. But not just any tree is used the dobea tree is one of the special indigenous trees chosen for this purpose. Through their work, Ogiek women protect our culture, take care of the environment, and pass on valuable knowledge to future generations

For the Indigenous Peoples, this land is more than just a place to live it is a heritage, a source of culture, and a reminder of the responsibility to safeguard it for future generations. Preserving its beauty means preserving traditions, knowledge, and livelihoods that continue to inspire and sustain the community.

Walking deep into the forest, the songs of birds fill the air, hives hum with life, and every stream tells a story. This is where we find peace, connection, and identity. Let us honour these sacred spaces and the knowledge that sustains them. Let us continue to protect our forests not just as a source of heritage, but as a living pharmacy for generations to come.

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Alexander Kisioi Koech

​Environmental Activist and Freelance Journalist, EvalIndigenous member, Kenya
For over 8 years, Alexander has been documenting Ogiek life and forest conservation efforts to raise awareness and inspire change.
​He has very kindly permitted EvalIndigenous to draw upon his news posts to construct this blog post.