Nakuru — The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has called attention to the urgent need for increased inclusion of marginalized communities in the Rift Valley. Speaking in Nakuru County, Regional Director Lewis Mwaniki emphasized the necessity for affirmative action to provide these groups with opportunities.

According to a new release by Kenya News Agency, Mwaniki stressed that all state organs bear a responsibility to ensure access to special opportunities for minority and marginalized groups, including the Endorois and Ogiek communities. The Commission is working on a National Inclusive Framework for Marginalized Communities to define constitutional clauses concerning the minority and marginalized to prevent misuse of these provisions.

Mwaniki announced that a county forum will soon be established in Nakuru County to facilitate knowledge and experience sharing among residents. This forum aims to help residents appreciate the diversity within the community. Roggers Motoloi, the Programmes Coordinator for the Endorois Indigenous Women Empowerment Network (EIWEN), mentioned that community members could play a crucial role in climate change initiatives, particularly as they face the adverse impacts of drought and flooding. Motoloi also outlined programs that include women in public participation forums and engage them in activities beyond traditional pastoralism.

The Ogiek community, living on the outskirts of the Mau Forest, highlighted ongoing fears of eviction and issues with lack of infrastructure. Alexender Kisioi from the Ogiek community pointed out that the nearest primary school, Kiptunga Primary, had been closed and children now had to travel 13 km to Oloipiri in Narok County. He lamented the lack of political representation for the Ogiek community and urged reconsideration of eviction decisions.

Nakuru County Administrative Officer Kennedy Lweny encouraged unity among marginalized communities in their fight for national recognition. Lweny stated that minority and marginalized communities could only access opportunities if they lobbied collectively for their interests.

In 2012, the Ogiek community took their grievances to the African Court on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR), challenging the Kenyan government over constant evictions from their ancestral homes in the Mau Complex. The court found in favor of the community, but they claim that the repatriation and remedies ordered have yet to be implemented.