Kwale’s marginalised communities seek recognition, fair treatment

Minority groups in Kwale County are calling on the government to recognise them fully, ensure fair participation in leadership, and guarantee equitable access to resources.

They argue that decades of neglect and marginalisation have left them sidelined in both national and county development initiatives.

At a public engagement forum on the National Draft Policy on Ethnic Minorities and Marginalised Communities held at Mvindeni Social Hall in Msambweni, the communities presented petitions and memoranda detailing their challenges.

The sessions are organised by the Minorities and Marginalised Affairs Unit under the Executive Office of the President and coordinated by attorney George Tarus.

Tarus highlighted the importance of including minority voices in shaping Kenya’s development agenda. He said the 2010 Constitution marked a milestone in recognising the rights of all citizens, including historically disadvantaged groups.

“This policy responds to the continued exclusion of ethnic minorities and marginalised communities by establishing a rights-based framework to address historical injustices and bridge implementation gaps,” Tarus said.

He added that embracing diversity strengthens the nation and called for fairness in governance and development processes.

Thomas Nguli, chairman of the Makonde community, said that even after gaining citizenship, minority groups on the Coast are still viewed as outsiders. He urged government authorities to integrate minorities into public service and social programmes.

Nguli, who was instrumental in securing citizenship for the Makonde, said inclusivity is essential for unity and progress.

He also stressed the need for minority communities to safeguard their cultural heritage, communal land, and traditional identity.

The Makonde, originally from Mozambique, settled in Kenya during colonial times as labourers and descendants of exiled freedom fighters. In 2016, they were officially recognised as Kenya’s 43rd tribe, formally ending decades of statelessness.

Ibrahim Ahmed from Ustawi Imara Africa noted that county governments along the Coast - Kwale, Mombasa, and Kilifi - have not fully involved minority communities in leadership roles.

“We still face discrimination in public appointments despite being equal partners in the devolved system,” he said, calling for affirmative action to ensure minorities are represented in county and national assemblies.

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