April 1, 2010 - Ogiek Council OF Elders formed to address community concerns
An Ogiek Council of Elders has been officially launched today to address the forest-dwelling community’s concerns. The historic development marks the very first time the indigenous community with attachment to Mau Forests Complex has formed its own leadership structure representing various forest blocks to work directly with the Government through the Interim Coordinating Secretariat (ICS).
Mr. Joseph Towett was elected as chairman and Mr. Daniel Kobei as secretary at the function attended by district commissioners, regional commissioners, Rift Valley Deputy Provincial Commissioner John Ayienda as well as Interim Coordinating Secretariat officials led by the Chief Coordinator, Mr. Hassan Noor Hassan.
The formation of the one-year tenure Ogiek Council of Elders is part of the implementation of the restoration of the Mau Forests Complex. This follows several months of extensive consultations and preparation with the Ogiek community, including two major workshops with Ogiek elders and elites in Nakuru and barazas with the Ogiek communities in all areas in the Mau where they are residing.
The agreed mandate of the Ogiek Council of Elders is:
- Nominate members to represent the Council in the Committee on Ogiek Matters of the Interim Coordinating Secretariat;
- Address issues related to the membership of the Council, including filling up vacancies and receiving appeal to the selection of members;
- Assist the Committee on Ogiek Matters in the establishment of an Ogiek Register based on lineages (family trees);
- Coordinate the Ogiek community position on issues related to the Mau Forests Complex;
- Assist the Committee on Ogiek Matters in the development of proposals for resettling the Ogiek Communities;
- Develop proposals involving the Ogiek Community in the restoration of the Mau Forests Complex;
- Develop proposals to support livelihood development in the Ogiek, as well as traditional Ogiek livelihood.
