Advocacy Brief: Ogiek Land Rights and Carbon Credit Projects in Kenya

 

Advocacy Brief: Ogiek Land Rights and Carbon Credit Projects in Kenya

Why This Matters

The Ogiek are one of Kenya’s oldest Indigenous peoples. They have lived in the Mau Forest for generations, depending on it for food, medicine, and culture. Court rulings have confirmed their right to the land, yet they still face evictions and exclusion.

Now, carbon credit projects—where companies make money from forests that store carbon—are creating new risks for the Ogiek.

The Problem

  • Broken Promises: In 2017 and 2022, the African Court ruled the Ogiek must get their land back. Kenya has not honored these rulings.
  • Carbon Credits Without Consent: Projects are being launched in the Mau Forest without consulting the Ogiek.
  • Loss of Livelihoods: Restrictions on hunting, honey-gathering, and forest use threaten Ogiek survival.
  • Green Colonialism: Forests are being claimed for “climate projects” while Indigenous people are pushed aside.

Who Is Involved?

  • Kenya’s Government & President William Ruto – promoting carbon credits as a new income source.
  • Wildlife Works Carbon LLC – runs carbon offset projects in Kenya.
  • Komaza Forestry – tree-planting and carbon projects.
  • Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT) – conservancies with carbon credits, criticized for excluding Indigenous voices.
  • Global Carbon Brokers like Verra (certifier) and South Pole (broker) – involved in verifying and selling credits to international buyers.

Human Rights Concerns

  • Violation of Land Rights – ignoring African Court rulings.
  • No Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) – Ogiek are not given a choice.
  • Unfair Benefit Sharing – profits from carbon markets do not reach the community.
  • Cultural Threats – forest restrictions undermine Ogiek traditions and identity.

What Needs to Happen

  1. Honor Court Rulings – Kenya must return Ogiek land as ordered.
  2. Stop Carbon Projects Until Land Rights Are Respected.
  3. Require FPIC – Ogiek must have the right to say yes or no.
  4. Fair Benefit Sharing – carbon revenue should go directly to the Ogiek.
  5. International Pressure – UN, AU, and NGOs must hold Kenya accountable.

Advocacy 

The Ogiek’s struggle is not just about one community—it is about justice for Indigenous peoples worldwide. Climate solutions must not come at the cost of human rights.

Stand with the Ogiek by:

  • Raising awareness about land rights violations.
  • Supporting Indigenous advocacy organizations.
  • Pressuring carbon credit companies to respect FPIC.


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