Alexander kisioi

Empowering Communities on Environmental and Biodiversity Conservation in Loita Forest- Narok County. May 25, 2026 Under the newly launched "Together for People and Planet (ToPP)" project, implemented by the Economic and Social Rights Centre -Hakijamii with support from Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA)  through WWF-Kenya, an intensive media initiative was held in Narok County from 19th - 21st May 2026 to build the capacity of journalists, content creators, and Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) on evidence-based reporting on biodiversity, climate change, and environmental governance, aiming to strengthen participants’ skills in accurate environmental journalism and improve understanding of community-led conservation efforts. The stakeholders emphasized the critical need for technical capacity-building among the press. While environmental reporting in Kenya has grown, it has historically remained uneven and decoupled from tec...

Economic and social Rights Centre - Hakijamii in partnership with WWF kenya and toPP, recently organized a three-day capacity-building workshop in Narok County for journalists, content creators, and Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs).  The training focused on evidence-based reporting on biodiversity, climate change, and environmental governance, aiming to strengthen participants’ skills in accurate environmental journalism and improve understanding of community-led conservation. On the third day of the workshop, participants visited Entasekera in Loita, Narok County, for field engagement with local residents. The visit allowed journalists and content creators to collect views from the community on biodiversity conservation and environmental governance while learning directly from local experiences. During the engagement, the Senior Chief of Entasekera Location explained that the area has 18 villages, all located within Loita Forest. He noted that the community has pro...

The cedar tree is truly the king of the environment. These majestic trees play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, as they can live for hundreds of years, providing shelter, clean air, and stability to the ecosystem. Their resilience and longevity make them a priceless treasure in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation. By Alexander Kisioi Environmental Activist / Freelance Journalist

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.