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MALI OLE KAUNGA | Founder, Executive Director

Our History

“The wounds of the colonial era are still very fresh in Kenya.”

Our Journey

Reclaiming Identity, Land, and Resilience in the Shadow of Colonization
Roots of Advocacy
In 2002, IMPACT was founded in the Laikipia District to promote Indigenous peoples’ rights. Born out of the urgent need to address human rights violations against pastoralist communities, this pivotal moment laid the groundwork for an organization that would become a cornerstone of community development, governance, land rights, and policy advocacy.
Adapting to Evolving Needs
IMPACT transitioned from a community-based organization to a registered trust in 2003. This strategic adaptation was driven by the growing needs of our communities, marking a significant milestone in our pursuit of justice and equity.
Empowering Through Knowledge
IMPACT’s mission is deeply rooted in empowering Indigenous communities. By enhancing local institutions’ and individuals’ knowledge and capacity, IMPACT champions the defense of rights enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution. This commitment aims to enable Indigenous peoples to assert their rights to land, resources, and dignity.
Inclusion and Focus

IMPACT uplifts socially excluded groups, focusing on pastoralists, hunter-gatherers, and those facing intracommunity marginalization, such as women, youth, and blacksmiths. This targeted approach demonstrates our commitment to addressing unique community challenges and fostering an environment of equality and respect.

Our resolve is tested against the backdrop of varied government policies, social exclusion, and corporate injustices that continue to marginalize Indigenous peoples in northern Kenya. Recognizing the potential of collaborative efforts, IMPACT is forging stronger partnerships with government institutions for better outcomes. By targeting key counties, we stand as a bulwark against discrimination, tirelessly working to restore dignity and rights to the communities we represent.

Championing Indigenous Rights
Defending land rights, redressing historical injustices, and ensuring equitable resource management participation are at the forefront of our advocacy. IMPACT’s alignment with national and international frameworks—including the Kenyan Constitution (article 260), the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (where IMPACT has been granted observer status), the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the International Labour Organization’s Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention—underscores our commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of Indigenous peoples, confronting challenges head-on to secure a just and equitable future.
Generations United

Through each chapter of our history, IMPACT has embodied the resilience, determination, and unbreakable spirit of Kenya’s Indigenous communities. We are unwavering in justice, equality, and the sustainable development of underserved communities. We are united in our belief that we can achieve lasting equity rooted in our ancestral land.

©2024 Colectivo

©2024 Colectivo

Together, we make an impact.

Stand in solidarity with Indigenous peoples for land rights, sustainable livelihoods, and cultural preservation.