Alexander kisioi

The Herbal Plants Called Gosìsìtoʻ and Nùgìat Among the Ogiek and other Indigenous communities, plants such as Gosìsìtoʻ and Nùgìat have long been treasured as powerful herbal remedies. Traditionally, before use, the herbs are mixed with meat often the head of a sheep. The meat is boiled together with the plants, and the resulting soup is later consumed. This soup, enriched with the herbal essence, is believed to cleanse the body and treat many illnesses. This knowledge is sacred to Indigenous peoples and has been passed down through generations. It is one of the reasons our forefathers lived long, healthy lives. Even today, the Ogiek people continue this practice. When boiling or cooking meat, they often include Gosìsìtoʻ or Nùgìat, carrying forward the wisdom of their forefathers. By Alexander Kisioi, Environmental Activist and Freelance Journalist

Bird Nests: A Sign of Biodiversity and Conservation When you see a bird’s nest in the forest, it is more than a simple shelter. It is evidence of a thriving ecosystem where birds play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity. Birds are natural agents of conservation: many species help regenerate forests by dispersing seeds over wide areas, while others control insect populations, reducing the spread of pests and diseases that threaten plants. The presence of nests shows that the forest is healthy enough to provide food, safety, and breeding grounds. Protecting birds means protecting the forest itself, since they are key indicators of environmental balance. Every nest reminds us that conservation is not just about trees and water it is about the interconnected web of life, where even the smallest creatures sustain the resilience of nature. Alexander Kisioi, Environmental Activist  Freelance Journalist

Silibwet Flowers A Treasure of the Ogiek Forest (Silibwet) These are the flowers of one of the indigenous trees known as Dobea. Among the Ogiek people, this tree is called Silibwet in our native language. The honey produced from Silibwet is white and remarkably sweet. During the flowering season of the Dobea tree, when you walk deep into the forest, the aroma of its blossoms fills the air with a natural fragrance that is both sweet and deeply admirable. Such moments remind us of the richness of our Indigenous heritage and the beauty of the forest ecosystems we strive to protect. By Alexander Kisioi  Environmental Activist and Freelance Journalist.

Indigenous Food Is Life ( Ìsòiÿòot) Indigenous food is healthy, natural, and full of life. It is grown without chemicals and harvested with care from the forests, farms, and rivers that Indigenous communities have protected for generations. These foods like wild honey, traditional vegetables, roots, and grains are clean and nutritious. They are not sprayed with chemicals, and they don’t go through factory processing. Indigenous Peoples believe that eating traditional food helps them live longer and stay strong. It connects them to their culture, land, and ancestors. At a time when many diseases come from processed and chemical-filled foods, Indigenous food remains a solution. It is good for the body, good for nature, and good for our future. Let’s protect and promote Indigenous food for the health of our people and the planet. By Alexander Kisioi Environmental Activist and Freelance Journalist.

The Cultural Importance of Honey in the Ogiek Community Honey holds deep cultural and spiritual significance in the Ogiek community, especially during traditional ceremonies such as rites of passage and traditional marriages. No cultural ceremony is considered complete without the presence of honey it is a vital symbol of unity, purity, and blessing. In the forest, when Indigenous people collect medicinal plants, these are often mixed with honey to enhance their healing power and preserve traditional knowledge. This practice reflects the Ogiek’s strong connection to nature and their deep understanding of the land. In the past, honey was so highly valued that it was even used as a form of exchange within the community traded for livestock like cows and sheep. These customs show how honey is more than food; it is a cultural treasure and a symbol of the Ogiek way of life. By Alexander Kisioi Environmental Activist and Freelance Journalist.

Indigenous communities must be taught about new technologies to avoid being left behind. Digital skills empower them to protect their environment, share their stories, and engage with the world. Inclusion in the digital age is not a privilege it’s a right. By Alexander Kisioi Environmental Activist and Freelance Journalist