The government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting and promoting the rights of minority and marginalised communities, with renewed efforts to recognize groups that have been historically excluded from Kenya’s official community listings.
Speaking in Nkareta, Narok North, during the 6th Annual Ogiek Cultural Event, Lowoi Josphat Lodeya, Head of the Minority and Marginalized Affairs Unit in the Office of the President, said the Ogiek community and others like them deserve full recognition and protection under the law.
This office is dedicated to ensuring that every community in Kenya has a voice and enjoys the freedom to exercise their rights,” said Lodeya. “The Ogiek are not just a clan, they are a whole community with a rich culture and a unique role in conserving the forest. As a government, we are determined to bring inclusivity, diversity, and equal recognition for all.”
Lodea explained that his office is working with Ministries, Commissions, and State Departments to develop policy and legislation that will safeguard the rights of minority groups, noting that Kenya has more than the traditionally cited 42 ethnic communities.
Also addressing the media, Namwezi zitah, Director of Research in the same unit, said inclusivity remains central to President William Ruto’s administration under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
“We want to promote equity in terms of resources and fairness in opportunities, especially for communities that have been left behind since independence,” zitah said.
The host, Daniel Kobay, who is also Executive Director of the Ogiek Peoples’ Development Programme (OPDP), emphasized the importance of cultural preservation for future generations.
“Through music, songs, weddings, and storytelling, we are ensuring the younger Ogiek learn and embrace their traditions,” said Kobay.
He highlighted the community’s close connection to the Mau Forest Complex, describing it as their ancestral home and a vital source of livelihood.
The Ogiek, traditionally hunters and gatherers, are also renowned beekeepers, a practice that ties their survival to forest conservation. “The forest is our supermarket,” Kobay said. “It gives us food, medicine, and shelter. That is why we must protect it.”
The cultural festival featured performances, traditional ceremonies, and exhibitions aimed at showcasing the Ogiek’s heritage while raising awareness about their ongoing struggle for recognition, land rights, and environmental protection.
By Lamech Willy. A
