Research Interests

Mapping

Leading a project on mapping Ogiek people resources is the best opportunity for me to understanding our ancestral land

The mapping process involve the use of Mapeo application that was developed by Digital Democracy with experts on mapping from Forest People’s Program. Working under this consortium makes everyday of my life to be a learning experience.

I’ve been taking lead of the process where all resources based on community customary spatial plan ie land, Rivers, schools, forests are captured in the application and map developed.

The map gives clear reflection of how conservation is being adhered to hence remedies to be taken incase of any destruction.

Maps produced also are used as advocacy tools in courts and any government agencies on why Ogiek community are the owners of Chepkitale since time immemorial. This work is a continuous process and planning how to achieve this on daily basis build a great passion in me on actively taking centre position on community issues.

History Documentation/Indigenous Knowledge Documentation

They say you can only know where you’re going if you know where you’re coming from.

Documenting history of Ogiek community of Chepkitale made me realize who we are and need of keeping the information for future generation.

Waking up to research little on who we are gave me energy to check in to the work station and do the task. History has helped me and many others to have basis on our struggles especially the elders who have been representing the community in law courts.

Through history Documentation, I’m able to understand that our ancestors viewed environment differently ie shelter, food, friend and source of medicine. These reasons were enough to conserve it hence explains the reason why environment was never tampered with during their time.

In general, the organization has given me best platform to know who we are and what we want as a community.

Gender Justice Programs

I am taking lead in projects that involve women in community activities which are categorized into thematic areas main ones being Leadership and governance, Documentation of Indigenous Knowledge, Capacity building programs, Economic Empowerment and Women in Mapping.