Nairobi: Minority and marginalized community leaders have called for greater recognition, inclusion, and equitable development, as the country marked International Minorities Rights Day in Nairobi. Dr. Chris Galgalo, a representative of the Waayu community in Marsabit, highlighted ongoing systemic exclusion faced by many minority groups, particularly during national census exercises where some communities lack identification codes to be fully recognized as Kenyan tribes.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Galgalo further demanded fair access to the Equalization Fund and government procurement opportunities, noting that although procurement opportunities targeting special groups were introduced in 2012 to actualize the Constitution, minorities and marginalized communities have largely been left out. Jane Mwata from the Samburu community also highlighted unresolved historical land injustices, limited access to political representation, and inadequate economic empowerment as key challenges affecting their community.
The leaders were speaking at State House, Nairobi, where minority groups and the marginalized gathered to mark the day set aside by the United Nations to recognize the rights of minorities. Addressing the gathering, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting minority groups, stating that the Constitution clearly safeguards their rights. He emphasized that minorities must be protected regardless of their numbers.
President Ruto said the Constitution obliges the State to go beyond recognition and take deliberate action to protect and empower minority and marginalized communities. He announced the launch of the National Policy on Ethnic Minorities, Indigenous and Marginalised Communities, describing it as a framework that will guarantee representation, affirmative action, and equitable access to opportunities.
The President stated that the policy will address historical land injustices, expand access to education, healthcare, and public procurement, and strengthen political inclusion at both national and county administration levels. He also announced the establishment of a national minority scholarship programme targeting secondary and tertiary learners, support for healthcare through the Social Health Authority, and investments in education infrastructure, water access, cash transfer programmes, and other social protection measures in minority-populated areas.
The leaders welcomed the commitments but urged the government to ensure timely implementation, sustained funding, and meaningful participation of minority communities in decision-making processes, including representation in the National Assembly, Senate, and County Assemblies. They asserted that meaningful inclusion would only be achieved if constitutional guarantees are fully implemented and minority voices are consistently heard at all levels of governance.
As Kenya charts a bold path towards inclusive prosperity, the government's dedication to uplifting minority and marginalized communities stands as a beacon of hope and progress.