Who We Are
Who We Are
HUGAFO – K is a network of members drawn from the various hunter and gatherer communities (HGs) in Kenya. Member communities of HUGAFO –K include Ogiek of Mt. Elgon, Ogiek of Mau, Wayuu, Sengwer, Aweer, Yaaku, El molo and Lmartins. The communities are represented by member organizations who are; Ogiek Peoples' Development program (OPDP), Koibatek Women and Youth Network (KOWYN), Tirap Youth Trust, Chepkitale Indigenous Peoples Development Project, Gurapau Group, Sengwer Indigenous Community Trust, Sengwer Indigenous Community Trust, Sengwer Embobut CBO (SEECBO) Yaaku Laikipia Trust, Young moms, Waayu Integrated Group, Waayu Education Development Program, Lamu Minorities and Peoples Development, Indigenous Community Support Program, Lmartins Peoples Association, Shulmai Conservancy and forest management, Fatima for Environment and Livestock Trade Self Help Group and Yaaku Livelihood support Organization.
Other partners who are a part of us are fourteen Civil Society Organizations, well-wishers, county government and national government agencies. The forum seeks to provide a platform through which HGs can communicate, document and share their vast experiences to foster understanding, collaboration and solidarity, offering a united voice in national matters concerning HGs in Kenya.
About Hunter-Gatherers Forum Kenya
Our Vision
An empowered and unified hunter-gatherer community.
Our Mission
Empowering hunter-gatherer communities in Kenya through advocacy, capacity building, and sustainable development initiatives.
Our Goal
To amplify and build resilient hunter-gatherer communities in Kenya.
Our Core Values
Integrity
Professionalism
Transparency and accountability
Connectedness
Solidarity and non-discrimination
Objectives
- ✓To unite hunter-gatherer communities and their allies with common goals to create influential policy initiatives and advocacy on their issues.
- ✓To strengthen the capacity of member communities organizations and their leadership.
- ✓To promote and protect the rights of hunter-gatherer rights of members - welfare, regional and international levels.
- ✓To carry out research and documentation.
Brief History
The Hunter Gatherer Forum Kenya (HUGAFO-K) was formed to address the unique challenges faced by hunter-gatherer communities in Kenya. These communities, including the Ogiek from Mau and Elgon, the Sengwer, the Wayuu, the Yaaku, and the Aweer, Lmartins and El molo have historically faced marginalization, especially regarding land tenure rights, cultural preservation, and resource access. The need for a united platform arose from the realization that their collective voice would have a greater impact in advocating for their rights and addressing the systemic challenges affecting their livelihoods and heritage. HUGAFO-K was established to create a united front for resource rights advocacy, amplify their voices, and foster collaboration among their respective organizations.
HUGAFO-K was officially formed during its inaugural meeting held in Naivasha from 6th to 9th November 2019. The meeting brought together 28 participants, representing various hunter-gatherer communities across Kenya. It marked the beginning of a collective effort to build a strong, community-led movement aimed at advocating for the rights and interests of hunter-gatherer groups.
The formation of HUGAFO-K was necessitated by several critical factors, including land tenure insecurity, human rights violations, cultural erosion, climate change impacts, and lack of coordinated advocacy. Hunter-gatherer communities have long struggled with land dispossession and lack of formal recognition of their ancestral lands. They have experienced discrimination, forced evictions, and limited political representation. Rapid modernization and land loss have threatened the preservation of indigenous languages, traditions, and practices. Environmental degradation and climate change have disrupted traditional livelihoods, such as hunting and gathering. Moreover, there was a pressing need for a unified platform to amplify their voices, push for policy changes, and engage with stakeholders at national and international levels.
The process of forming HUGAFO-K unfolded systematically through a series of meetings and collaborative efforts. The first meeting in Naivasha gathered representatives from the Ogiek (Mau and Elgon), Sengwer, Wayuu, Yaaku, and Aweer communities. The participants resolved to work together through their respective organizations to champion the rights of hunter-gatherer communities. An interim steering committee was formed to guide the establishment of the HUGAFO-K network and lay the foundation for a vibrant, people-led movement. The second meeting, held in January 2020 in Naivasha, brought together the interim steering committee members selected at the first meeting. Key outcomes included drafting the HUGAFO-K Constitution and developing vital documents, such as the membership application form, to formalize participation and commitment from community members. The third meeting focused on fostering collaboration among the various hunter-gatherer communities. It provided a platform for members to share experiences, discuss joint actions, and strategize for the future of their communities. Proposals to advance HUGAFO-K’s mission were put forward, including the development of a logo and website to enhance the forum's visibility and outreach.
HUGAFO-K has outlined key areas of focus to guide its work and achieve its goals. These include land tenure rights, human rights, language and culture, gender and youth inclusion, climate justice and environmental conservation, networking and partnerships, research and documentation, and capacity building and awareness. The network aims to advocate for the recognition and protection of ancestral lands, promote and defend fundamental rights and freedoms, preserve indigenous languages and cultural practices, ensure active participation of women and youth, address climate change impacts, build strategic alliances, conduct research, and empower member organizations.
To this day, HUGAFO-K members and staff remain steadfast in their efforts to realize the network’s mission, vision, and objectives. They continue to push for inclusive policies, protect their cultural heritage, and build strategic partnerships to secure a just and sustainable future for hunter-gatherer communities in Kenya.
Our Partners
