The eviction of the Ogiek community from the South-Western Mau Forest has disrupted children's education, with displaced families reporting school dropouts as they struggle to survive in temporary camps outside their ancestral home.
The community is now urging the government to implement a ruling by the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights in Arusha concerning its ancestral land rights, arguing that prolonged displacement is denying children their right to education and threatening their future.
Speaking before the National Land Commission (NLC), Ogiek community spokesperson William Koros said the difficult living conditions facing displaced families had significantly affected children's access to learning.
"Our children have the same right to education as any other child. Their schooling should not be interrupted because of their community's circumstances," Koros said.
He said displacement had made life increasingly difficult for families, with some parents struggling to provide basic necessities and support their children's continued schooling.
The community warned that prolonged disruption to education could expose children to harmful activities while perpetuating poverty among affected families.
Thousands reportedly affected by forest evictions
Koros also raised concerns over the destruction of the community's places of worship, saying approximately 18,000 people had been affected by the eviction and were living in temporary camps outside the forest.
"The Ogiek community has been at the forefront of forest conservation. Our shrines have been destroyed by the government, and this also amounts to a violation of our rights. Over 18,000 people have been affected by the evictions and are living in makeshift camps outside the forest," Koros added.
Beyond the loss of homes and livelihoods, the community said displacement had disrupted its social, cultural and religious life, further complicating the challenges facing children and their families.
The Ogiek maintained that returning to the South-Western Mau Forest would help address some of the difficulties facing displaced households, including barriers to children's education.
Community seeks implementation of court ruling
They called on the government to implement the court ruling and address their grievances, warning that they could pursue further legal action if their concerns remained unresolved.
The community also defended its historical role in forest conservation, insisting that its ancestral land claims and children's welfare deserved urgent attention.
NLC Commissioner Mary Seneta assured the community that its submissions would be fully considered.
The community, however, continues to seek concrete action to resolve its grievances, with children's education emerging as a central issue in its demand for a return to ancestral land.
For affected families, the dispute is not only about land and displacement but also about ensuring their children can attend school, complete their education and secure better opportunities for the future.
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