PRIORITY AREAS
- Land right ownership – this is a key area for the people of Ogiek of Mt. Elgon. As long as their right to land is secured then all other rights which flow from it will be easier to realize. Currently there are two cases that have been lodged in court in Bungoma County related to land. Land tenure security therefore is an important priority area for the Ogiek of Mt. Elgon.
- Resource distribution – Due to their small numbers, they have been exposed to marginalization when it comes to resource distribution. This has been evident in issues including the distribution of CDF within the community. A priority area for them therefore is finding out ways to take part in the ‘national/ county government cake’.
- Conservation – The Ogiek of Mt. Elgon are highly dependent on nature and their natural resources for survival. In the recent past, this has been under threat as charcoal burners have infiltrated the forests and areas that they occupy. In order to preserve their habitat, it is therefore for them to urgently put in place measures aimed at conserving the environment.
- Education – The community recognizes the importance of young generation among them getting access to quality education. There are currently only 5 schools that have been registered in the area. Despite the existence of registered primary schools in the area, the infrastructure conditions are poor. Further, there is neither a secondary school nor a polytechnic/ tertiary institution registered in the area. There is therefore need to ensure that access to education is a reality for the Ogiek of Mt. Elgon.
- Health– Apart from the education crisis, access to health facilities has also proven to be problematic. There is only one dispensary in the region and in the event that a community member needed specialized treatment they would have to walk a distance of more than 30 Km before gaining access to such services.
- Employment – Inaccessibility of employment opportunities at both National and County levels as a result of marginalization and lack of political representation leaves the Ogiek of Mt. Elgon in a state of perpetual poverty.