INDIGENOUS PEOPLE AND HUMAN SECURITY: THE CASE OF OGIEK COMMUNITY IN KENYA

Abstract

One of Kenya’s indigenous people, the Ogieks have a long history of struggle and resistance to preserve their land, means of subsistence, identity, and cultural distinctiveness. Ogieks were able to protect their land rights through the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights in 2017. In this regard, this article will examine the Ogiek’s case, providing a brief overview of its historical background, the judicial procedures, and a critical analysis utilizing a human security perspective based on global governance. Consequently, the purpose of this study is to respond to the question, ‘‘how does the application of a human security approach within global governance contribute to our understanding of the challenges faced by indigenous communities in the chosen case?’’. Taking into account that the Ogiek issue is not limited to a specific community, this study argues that the issues brought up by the Ogiek are more general concerns about land rights and general well-being that are relevant to many indigenous communities. As such, the Ogiek case aims to serve as a lens through which to examine the applicability of human security strategies in preserving the rights and general welfare of indigenous populations.