Narok: The State has announced the Ethnic Minorities and Marginalized Community Bill 2025 and the Draft Policy on Minorities will establish a legal framework guaranteeing the protection of rights of minority and marginalized groups, as enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya. Director of Governance within the Minorities and Marginalized Affairs Unit (MMAU) in the Office of the President, Mr. Abdi Kahiya, highlighted the absence of guiding legislation or policy to implement these constitutional provisions, despite Article 56 of the Constitution recognizing these groups.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mr. Kahiya, during a public participation exercise at the Narok County Commissioner's office, emphasized the Kenya Kwanza administration's commitment to advancing the rights and welfare of special interest groups. He noted that strengthening legal and policy structures is crucial to ensuring equity, inclusion, and social justice for all Kenyans. Mr. Kahiya expressed confidence that the public participation forums would generate actionable recommendations to guide legislative reforms and policy interventions aimed at safeguarding marginalized communities' rights nationwide.
The Office of the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, through MMAU and a Technical Working Committee, developed the Draft Policy and Bill on ethnic minorities. Mr. Kahiya remarked that these documents seek to shift Kenya's development trajectory from historical exclusion to equitable inclusion, recognizing that sustainable growth and national cohesion depend on the full participation of all communities. He acknowledged that, although Kenya has made progress in some areas, serious challenges persist, especially in land ownership and resource distribution, issues the new Bill and Policy aim to address if approved.
Mr. Josephat Lowoi Lodoyi, Head of the Minorities and Marginalized Affairs Unit in the Office of the President, stressed the necessity of a clear legal and policy framework to implement constitutional provisions for these groups. He praised President William Ruto's administration for preparing the first-ever draft policy and legislation to address longstanding challenges facing these communities, pledging completion by the end of the year. Mr. Lodoyi affirmed that the new framework will provide a structured approach to tackling challenges related to access to resources, representation, and socio-economic inclusion.
He also reiterated the government's commitment to cultural inclusion, explaining that the proposed statute will preserve and promote the cultural values, languages, and practices of these communities. The Bill and Policy will also ensure reasonable access to essential services such as water, healthcare, and infrastructure, while addressing historical issues like land dispossession and inequalities that have contributed to marginalization. Once approved, the documents will provide county governments with a clear pathway for engaging marginalized groups.
Narok County Commissioner, Mr. Kipkech Lotiatia, stated that the two documents will foster synergy between county and national governments in achieving inclusivity goals. He explained that the new structures will ensure minorities and marginalized communities have unhindered access to essential services such as education, healthcare, water, and infrastructure. Reverend Fred Lemama, spokesman for the Ogiek Community in Narok County, expressed confidence that the approval of the Bill and Policy will compel both levels of government to make deliberate efforts toward inclusivity.