Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
In this episode, UNRISD Senior Research Coordinator Isabell Kempf speaks to Joseph Ole Simel, founder of MPIDO, an Indigenous and pastoralist Maasai organization in Kenya. They discuss the process of creating the Kenyan constitution, which involved participation from civil society, Indigenous peoples and minorities. The new constitution was hailed as progressive and inclusive, addressing historical marginalization and land rights. However, after its adoption in 2010, the government’s lack of commitment to implementation led to limited progress in realizing its promises. Joseph highlights the ongoing role of civil society in holding the government accountable and emphasizes the importance of linking local social contracts with international processes to ensure climate change adaptation and human rights are upheld.
In this episode, UNRISD Senior Research Coordinator Isabell Kempf speaks to Joseph Ole Simel, founder of MPIDO, an Indigenous and pastoralist Maasai organization in Kenya. They discuss the process of creating the Kenyan constitution, which involved participation from civil society, Indigenous peoples and minorities. The new constitution was hailed as progressive and inclusive, addressing historical marginalization and land rights. However, after its adoption in 2010, the government’s lack of commitment to implementation led to limited progress in realizing its promises. Joseph highlights the ongoing role of civil society in holding the government accountable and emphasizes the importance of linking local social contracts with international processes to ensure climate change adaptation and human rights are upheld.
