Laikipia: Minority communities in Laikipia have expressed their concerns on lagging behind on developments due to lack of political representation. The sentiments were expressed in Rumuruti town during a public participation on the national policy on ethnic minorities and marginalized communities on Friday where they further said that education, poor road networks in some parts of the county, and historical land injustices acted as major challenges for their growth and contribution to national development.
According to Kenya News Agency, Ibrahim Lesian highlighted that marginalized communities were on the verge of being left landless due to invasion by ranchers and private investors. 'We have been marginalized for many years, the government should address the issues of water, roads and involve us like other Kenyans. Even internet connectivity is a white elephant in some of our areas of Laikipia north,' he said.
Torobeek community Chairman, Moses Kipraste, underscored the importance of the draft policy and ethnic minority's bill by noting it was a victory for the marginalized communities since it will foster inclusivity and equitable sharing of resources. 'It's a good bill for the minorities, we have been considered in all sectors including economy, education and I thank the government for this noble initiative,' said Kipraste.
Joseph Ole Nanywi called on the legislators to expedite the draft policy and ethnic minorities' bill into law ahead of the 2027 general elections targeting to elect their representatives who will advocate for their rights. 'We want a well-represented community that is recognized by the government, as we approach the next general elections, we want representations from both counties and national levels to be our voice,' he explained.
National Youth leader for minority communities David Lelimoi pointed out that the policy aligns with the 2010 constitution on affirmative action and will address discrimination for the minority groups and at the same time bridge the gap on political representation which they had been left out in the past.
Dr. Christine Gatura, who presided over the public participation, said that other issues raised by residents were health, employment, access to water, and construction of school infrastructures to enable their children access education. She stated that residents decried that their children walked long distances to quench their thirst for education. Other minority communities represented during the public participation included the Endorois community.