Minority and marginalised communities have been advised to identify themselves in accordance with the provisions of the proposed Ethnic Minority and Marginalised Communities Bill.
Director Minority and Marginalized Affairs Unit, Kahiya Abdihakim, while speaking in Nandi said communities who have identified themselves as marginalised and minority have to fulfil the criteria for identification and recognition as minorities and marginalised.
Abdihakim quoted provisions of the Draft Ethnic Minorities and Marginalised Community Bill, 2025 which gives clear guidelines for communities to be recognised as a minority or marginalised among others, distinct ethnic, linguistic, cultural or religious identity.
He regretted that the Minorities and Marginalised Affairs Unit was having difficulties to differentiate the genuine marginalised and minority community who refer to themselves by the same name but are divided in their history and several other beliefs.
Director Abdihakim cited as an example the Ogiek in Nandi, Kericho, Narok and Nakuru counties who he said have the same name but differ in some of their beliefs and leadership.
He proposed that the minority and marginalised communities who share a common identity and origin should agree and have a common leadership so that they have an identification in proposed law.
“I think something must be done to avoid many splinter groups of the same minority and marginalised community who may be sharing the same challenges,” he said.
Kenya Law Reform Commission representative Anthony Otieno explained to the Nandi Ogiek, Talai, Torobek, Terik, Ndorobo and Chepkendi minority and marginalised communities how national policy and bill on the ethnic minorities and marginalised communities, 2025 seeks to address their historical injustices and systemic exclusion.
He said it was the first time in Kenyan history for the government through legal establishment seeks to find permanent solution to the challenges facing the minority and marginalised communities.
Through their leadership present, the Nandi minority and marginalised communities thanked the government for initiating a process that will permanently address their social economic injustices which entails the land question and political representation exclusion.
They said the proposed law is the new beginning of their bright future.
The public participation session which took place at Nandi County Administration Headquarters Ground in Kapsabet town, also brought together civil society groups and religious representation who pleaded with the government to listen to each of the minority and marginalised groups in Nandi because they have unique challenges.
By Geoffrey Satia
