Nairobi, Kenya. The Republic of Kenya is hosting the African Indigenous Pastoralists Gathering from January 26 to 29, 2026. This event brings together pastoralist leaders, civil society organizations, and policymakers from across the continent. It marks an important step in shaping Africa’s pastoralist agenda ahead of the United Nations’ International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) 2026.
The forum will take place at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies in Nairobi. About 100 delegates from East, West, Central, Southern, and North Africa will attend. The gathering is organised by a coalition that includes IMPACT Kenya, the African Forum for Pastoralism (AFPAT), the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), and the State Department for ASALs and Regional Development.
This meeting is essential for pastoralist communities. Their livelihoods face increasing threats from climate change, recurring droughts, biodiversity loss, and land-use conflicts. Despite these challenges, pastoralism remains one of Africa’s most important and resilient livelihood systems.
According to the organisers, pastoralism supports about 258 million people worldwide and covers roughly 43 percent of Africa’s landmass. Pastoralists play a vital role as custodians of the environment. They protect over 80 percent of Africa’s livestock genetic resources and manage rangelands that are crucial for carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation.
During the gathering, participants stressed that pastoralist communities contribute the least to global climate change but suffer significant impacts. Delegates called for greater inclusion of pastoralist perspectives in policy processes at national, regional, and global levels, especially in climate finance, land governance, and sustainable development.
A main focus of the forum is to raise pastoralist voices before major international platforms, including UNCCD COP17. Discussions highlighted the need for policies that acknowledge the different effects of climate change on various groups. Women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) often face greater risks and remain underrepresented in decision-making.
Pastoralists alternative source of livelihood as drought persists
The gathering also looks into alternative livelihood options for pastoralist communities as droughts occur more frequently and intensively. Participants shared experiences in diversifying, building resilience, and strengthening traditional governance systems to cope with changing environmental and economic conditions.
Senior government leaders officiated the event, including Hon. Soipan Tuya, Cabinet Secretary for Defence; Hon. Alice Wahome, Cabinet Secretary for Lands; and Hon. Harsama Kello, Principal Secretary for the State Department of ASALs. Their presence highlighted the government’s commitment to inclusive policies for Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) and to recognizing pastoralism as a viable and sustainable livelihood.
On January 28, delegates will visit indigenous pastoralist communities in Suswa, Narok County. This aims to encourage peer learning and demonstrate how pastoralism represents a rich cultural identity and an effective model for biodiversity conservation based on indigenous knowledge.
By the end of the five-day meeting, organisers hope to strengthen networks among pastoralist organizations and government institutions. They plan to develop shared policy positions and advocacy strategies aimed at influencing global discussions during IYRP 2026 and beyond.
As Africa prepares to take a leading role in the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, the Nairobi gathering shows a growing recognition that pastoralists are not just victims of climate change. They are essential partners in creating resilient, sustainable, and inclusive futures.
