Our Mission Empowers Ogiek Community

To empower the Ogiek community of Mau Forest through an AI-enhanced messaging system and Indigenous knowledge repository that bridges tradition and technology, fosters cultural preservation, and promotes environmental justice serving both local members and global stakeholders in Swahili and English.

Featured Pathways ​

UX / Co-Design

Learn how the system was shaped by Ogiek collaborators.

GitHub

Explore the open-source tools and AI infrastructure 

Resources

Access guides, code samples, and tutorials.

White Papers

Dive into the research behind the system’s creation.

Ogiek Community

Discover the cultural and ecological roots of the project.

Breaking News

Be the first to learn about our new community activities and projects 

Highlighting Our Unique Advantages

Our platform provides cultural relevance, ensuring Ogiek traditions and values are preserved. It also leverages advanced technology to keep our community informed and connected, enhancing our efforts towards environmental justice and heritage protection.

Discover Ogiek Culture and Practices

Welcome to our knowledge repository. Here, you’ll find valuable insights into the Ogiek culture, environmental practices, and community traditions. Dive in to learn how these elements shape our identity and efforts in preserving our heritage.

Meet Our Indigenous Media Advocate

Voices From the Forest

For over 8 years, Alexander Kisioi Koech has been documenting Ogiek life and forest conservation efforts to raise awareness and inspire change.

Indigenous Lens: Alexander Kisioi Koech

My name is Alexander Kisioi Koech, and I proudly belong to the Indigenous communities of Kenya. I am a freelance journalist and environmental activist with over eight years of experience documenting and advocating for forest conservation and Indigenous rights.

Using only my mobile phone, I have spent the past decade exposing illegal activities threatening our forests—amplifying these stories to help mitigate the impact of climate change. As an Ogiek storyteller, I have a deep-rooted connection to the land and the people, which gives me the cultural insight and community trust needed to tell our stories authentically.

My work centers on highlighting the livelihoods, challenges, and resilience of the Ogiek people, and I actively share these narratives through social media and collaborations with local newsrooms. Through journalism, I strive to preserve Indigenous knowledge, protect our environment, and advocate for justice on behalf of my community.

Our Projects

Explore Our Latest Initiatives

Check out various projects showcasing our efforts in preserving Ogiek culture and advocating for justice.

Ogiek Heritage Project

This project highlights traditional Ogiek practices that connect the community to their land. Through workshops and activities, we encourage participation and preservation of cultural knowledge.

Our initiatives focus on promoting environmental sustainability among the Ogiek people. We conduct research and campaigns to raise awareness on critical issues affecting our land and community.

Top-Photo_Ogiek

Ogiek Heritage Project

This project highlights traditional Ogiek practices that connect the community to their land. Through workshops and activities, we encourage participation and preservation of cultural knowledge.

Environmental Advocacy​

Our initiatives focus on promoting environmental sustainability among the Ogiek people. We conduct research and campaigns to raise awareness on critical issues affecting our land and community.

Voices of the Community

Community Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions About Our Project
20250514_142818

The Ogiek Justice Messenger is an AI-driven messaging system that helps the Ogiek community stay connected and share important knowledge. It’s designed to enhance communication while preserving Indigenous practices.

You can participate by joining our community initiatives, sharing your experiences, or contributing to discussions. Every voice matters, and your involvement is crucial for advocating justice and preserving Ogiek culture.

We offer a range of resources including educational materials about environmental justice, Indigenous rights, and our cultural heritage. These resources are crafted for the needs of the Ogiek community to aid awareness and understanding.

Accessing the messaging system is straightforward. Simply register on our website, and you will receive instructions on how to use the platform to connect and share messages with other community members.

Our platform is open to all members of the Ogiek community, including youth, elders, and leaders. We encourage everyone to participate and utilize the resources for the betterment of our community.

Join Us for Environmental Change

This project is made possible with support from the Mozilla Technology fund. We are grateful for their commitment to open-source technology, digital equity, and community-led innovation.

Get In Touch

1903 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008

© 2025 All Rights Reserved.