Nandi: Minority and marginalised communities have been advised to identify themselves in accordance with the provisions of the proposed Ethnic Minority and Marginalised Communities Bill. Director of the Minority and Marginalized Affairs Unit, Kahiya Abdihakim, highlighted the importance of communities fulfilling the criteria for recognition as minorities and marginalised.

According to Kenya News Agency, Abdihakim referenced the Draft Ethnic Minorities and Marginalised Community Bill, 2025, which outlines specific guidelines for communities to be recognised based on distinct ethnic, linguistic, cultural, or religious identities. He expressed concerns over the unit’s challenges in distinguishing genuine marginalised communities due to shared names but differing historical and belief systems.

Abdihakim used the example of the Ogiek communities in Nandi, Kericho, Narok, and Nakuru counties, who, despite sharing a name, have differing beliefs and leadership structures. He suggested that these communities should unify under common leadership to ensure proper identification under the proposed law.

Kenya Law Reform Commission representative Anthony Otieno explained to various minority and marginalised communities, including the Nandi Ogiek, Talai, Torobek, Terik, Ndorobo, and Chepkendi, how the national policy and bill aim to address historical injustices and systemic exclusion. He noted that this is a historic move by the government to provide a permanent solution to the challenges faced by these communities.

The Nandi minority and marginalised communities expressed gratitude to the government for initiating a process to address their socio-economic injustices, including land issues and political representation. They view the proposed law as a new beginning for their future.

The public participation session, held at the Nandi County Administration Headquarters Ground in Kapsabet town, also included civil society groups and religious representatives. They urged the government to pay attention to the unique challenges faced by each minority and marginalised group in Nandi.