The USK Foundation recently held a high-level consultative meeting with Mr. Oscar, the Personal Assistant to H.E. James Orengo, EGH, SC, the Governor of Siaya County.
The engagement focused on aligning the United Ancient Nations (UAN) framework with the developmental priorities of Siaya County. As a distinguished Senior Counsel and a primary architect of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, Governor Orengo’s commitment to the Bill of Rights and the protection of marginalized groups provides a powerful synergy with the USK Foundation’s mission to preserve indigenous cultural heritage.
Key strategic areas of collaboration discussed include:
- Lake Victoria Basin Cooperation: Strengthening the USK Foundation’s existing partnership with the Lake Victoria Regional Local Authorities Cooperation (LVRLAC). The discussions explored how Siaya can benefit from sustainable development initiatives grounded in indigenous ecological knowledge to support fishing and farming communities.
- Constitutional Rights of the Marginalized: Leveraging Governor Orengo’s legal expertise to advocate for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), ensuring that the marginalized communities within the Lake Region are recognized and empowered.
- Sustainable Health and Nutrition: Integrating the Foundation’s feeding programs and traditional wellness initiatives into Siaya County’s social protection framework to address food security and community health.
- Digital Cultural Heritage: Exploring technology programs to document and preserve the rich cultural history of the Lake Victoria region, creating digital opportunities for Siaya’s youth while safeguarding ancient wisdom.
By engaging with the leadership of Siaya County, the USK Foundation is expanding its footprint in Western Kenya. With our Nairobi regional office overseeing a USD 10 million annual budget, we are dedicated to ensuring that the “ancient wisdom” of indigenous communities becomes a cornerstone of modern, devolved governance in the Lake Victoria Basin.
Together, we are bridging the gap between historical justice and future prosperity for the people of Siaya.
