Elgeyo marakwet: Minority communities from Elgeyo Marakwet county have called on the government to introduce a tribe code for the various minority tribes to ensure that they benefit from employment and other government initiatives. Kipkemei Kiptarus from the Sengwer community said such a code should be shared with the various commissions involved in the employment of public servants so that they also get their quota.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kiptarus mentioned that members of the minority communities are often classified under the majority tribe based on their residence, which affects their employment prospects. He cited the Sengwer community as an example, noting that they are listed as Marakwet on official documents, including national identity cards, despite not being part of that tribe.
The minority communities also proposed the creation of a virtual constituency to improve their political representation since they are dispersed across several constituencies. They suggested that having their own representative would better address their specific concerns. During the public participation on the national policy and bill for ethnic minorities and marginalized communities at the county commissioner’s hall, the minorities expressed that current nominations of persons from these communities often do not address their issues, as those nominated tend to prioritize political party agendas.
In the context of environmental conservation efforts, including the government’s initiative to plant 15 billion trees, the minorities insisted on being consulted about the types of tree species to be planted. They expressed concerns that some introduced species have adverse environmental effects. They also urged the government to issue title deeds to community land to reduce conflicts and to educate them on resource mapping and utilization, given that many natural resources are located in marginalized areas.
The communities called for the establishment of a specific government department to manage their affairs and suggested channeling the equalization fund through this department, rather than through counties, to ensure the funds benefit them as intended. They also requested the construction of markets under the affordable housing program in rural areas to empower their communities and advocated for the expansion of digital programs to these regions.
On legal matters, the minority communities requested that the judiciary expedite cases involving them and ensure compliance with court orders. Kiptarus highlighted a court case filed by the Sengwer, where a court order allowed them to remain in Embobut forest until the case’s conclusion, yet they were evicted in violation of the order.
In education, the minorities and marginalized groups urged the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) to employ language experts from their communities as native speakers to develop language curricula under the CBC system, aiming to preserve their languages and cultures.
Richard Miano, a team leader from the government, assured the minority communities that their issues would be addressed and integrated into policies benefiting them. Among the minority and marginalized communities in the county are the Sengwer, Ogiek, Taborek, Nubians, and Kiptany.