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 said that despite constitutional provisions, many minority groups continue to face systemic exclusion, particularly during national census exercises where some communities find themselves with no identification code to be fully recognised as Kenyan tribes.
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 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 today 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.
“Katiba yasema walindwe hata kama ni wachache” (the constitution expressly states that their rights be respected despite their small size in population), he said, emphasising 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 noted that Kenya was moving “from recognition to action, from promise to deliver,” as his government implements Article 56 through concrete programmes.
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 said 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 further announced that the government will establish a national minority scholarship programme targeting secondary and tertiary learners, support healthcare through the Social Health Authority, and invest 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 said 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 unwavering dedication to uplifting minority and marginalized communities stands as a beacon of hope and progress.
By Ashira Mohamed
