Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has assured marginalized communities in the country of the government’s commitment to uplifting their livelihoods.
Miano, who was speaking in Rumuruti, Laikipia County, during the Minority Festival, pledged that through her ministry, she would ensure minorities would not be neglected as they had been in the past.
“I want to vow and pledge that we will walk together, through the Tourism Fund, the Bomas of Kenya, KWS, and other sectors within my ministry,” she said.
The CS added that through such initiatives, all communities will benefit and not feel left out on government support.
Laikipia North Member of Parliament Sarah Korere cautioned the marginalized communities against selling their lands, while at the same time noting all the grabbed land would be repossessed by all means possible. All grabbed land we will return back by hook or crook,” she said.
The MP further urged residents to remain united so as to tap from the government resources.
“If you don’t own Laikipia, you will continue being edged out all the time. Our unity is our strength; if we don’t, we will be weakened,” she noted.
Korere highlighted that President Dr. William Ruto had restored peace in the region after prolonged conflicts, and development had started trickling in, including Huduma Centre, market construction, and other benefits.
The Uasin Gichu Senator Jackson Mandago, who had accompanied the CS, also reiterated the need for unity among the minorities, noting that if they lacked unity, they wouldn’t be able to advocate for their support.
“Governors don’t have any problem; you’re the problem because you’re not united. You have to work harmoniously for you to get opportunities,” he urged.
He urged the marginalized communities to register for national identity cards so as to get government services, saying the crucial card was the key gateway to all state services.
Josphat Lowoi, Head of the Executive Office of the President, Minority and Marginalized Affairs Unit, emphasized that the existing minority policy was tailored to facilitate equal distribution of resources to all regions across the country.
He said that the president had pledged Sh500 million in bursaries to boost education levels among the marginalized communities in the upcoming financial year 2026/2027.
At the same time, the director revealed that over two hundred thousand minority people would get enrolled in the Social Health Insurance scheme.
Some of the communities that participated in the colorful festival, where they showcased their artifacts, songs, dances, and way of life, included the Yiaku community from Laikipia, Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Maasai, Borana, and Kalenjin.
Other leaders who had accompanied CS include Baringo Senator Vincent Chemitei, former National Assembly Speaker Francis Ole Kaparo, and other high-ranking government officials.
By Muturi Mwangi
