Sengwer Community Presents “Bicultural Protocol” to Elgeyo Marakwet County in Efforts to Protect Forest and Culture
“This book is important in terms of culture and environment protection; we are committing ourselves to the conservation of our forests,”

By Robert Mutasi
The Sengwer community, through Chairman Paul Kibor Kitum and Elias Kimaiyo, unveiled the second edition of their book, Bicultural Protocol, to Elgeyo Marakwet County Secretary Paul Chemotut today at Embobut Forest.
The book, which was handed over on behalf of Governor Wisly Rotich, points to the Sengwer’s commitment to cultural preservation, as well as forest conservation, which holds immense importance to their way of life.
During the handover, Chairman Kitum reiterated that the book was an educative toolbox for the county government because it presented a special relationship between the Sengwer people and the forest.
“This book is important in terms of culture and environment protection; we are committing ourselves to the conservation of our forests,” Kitum asserted, highlighting how the community is connected with Embobut and its ecosystems.
The second edition of Bicultural Protocol gives an in-depth look into critical issues affecting the Sengwer, including historical land injustices and forced evictions from their ancestral lands.
Co-author Elias Kimaiyo explained the importance of documenting indigenous knowledge by calling on the county government to integrate the community’s insights into the development of future projects concerning conservation and development.
“This means, for example, traditional ecological knowledge from the Sengwer will be used in a manner that makes sure that forests are managed sustainably.”.
Bicultural Protocol is aimed at improving the relationship between the Sengwer community and other stakeholders, like environmental researchers, policymakers, and potential investors in conservation.
Secretary Chemotut was appreciative that the book was a useful tool for communication in improving dialogue between the community and government on what they do to conserve the forest.
Chemotut also praised the Sengwer for their environmental care, especially in reforestation and planting of trees.
The governor’s office has actively supported the Sengwer in their efforts, going as far as to provide seedlings to plant around Embobut Forest.
The initiative incorporates a tree nursery program which provides the Cherangany Hills-a very important water catchment area for the region-with seedlings.
“The Sengwer community has shown great determination in environmental conservation, and we are proud to support their initiatives,” said Chemotut.
In addition, the county government has come up with initiatives that will increase agriculture in the area.
Avocado, coffee, and nut trees were being distributed to the most vulnerably affected members of the community.
“The county government does this to uplift families but also to encourage planting trees on farms and degraded areas,” Chemotut added.
It shows the determination of the Sengwer to conserve their culture and nature through the push for the official registration of Embobut Forest under county governance.
They still use the Bicultural Protocol to advance sustainable management of the forest and the rights of indigenous people.