Migori: Residents of Migori County have urged the National Assembly to pass the Ethnic Minority and Marginalised Communities Draft Bill, 2025, once it reaches the floor of the house. The draft Bill, an Act of Parliament, aims to give effect to various constitutional articles to provide a framework for the recognition, inclusion, and participation of ethnic minorities and marginalised communities in national life, promoting equality, cohesion, and respect for Kenya’s cultural and linguistic diversity.

According to Kenya News Agency, participants at a public engagement held at Migori Teacher’s Training College, including representatives from Nubi, Luhya (Maragoli), Somali, Kuria, Kisii, and Kuria communities, urged the task force to effectively implement all recommendations to address minority issues. Michael Okumu, from the Suba tribe, highlighted that while the 2010 Constitution addresses affirmative action for marginalised and minority groups, the legal framework has yet to be operationalised. He called for both National and County governments to include these groups in employment, tender processes, and business opportunities to foster inclusivity, harmony, and peaceful coexistence.

Migori County, known for its diverse ethnic composition, is largely home to Luos, Kuria, and Kisii, alongside smaller communities like Luhyas, Nubi, Suba, and Somali. Omolo Junior, a Gender Activist representative, stated that the National Policy on Ethnic Minorities and Marginalised Communities and the proposed Draft Bill would offer a roadmap for inclusion and participation by giving these communities a voice in national agendas.

Charles Nandain, the Deputy Director in Charge of Policy and Legislation Draft Bill, assured that all resolutions passed during the participation stage would be considered to reflect grassroots sentiments. Some key resolutions include integrating minority and marginalised groups in elective positions, ensuring job appointments at both county and national levels, and preserving cultural and linguistic values, particularly for the Suba community facing language assimilation.

Nandain noted that being a minority is not inherently problematic; the issue arises when numbers are used for discrimination in political, economic, and social realms. He also addressed the marginalisation of women, who, despite being the majority gender, have been excluded from power and decision-making processes. The Draft Bill aims to address these challenges and operationalise the provisions of the 2010 Constitution to better identify and support minority groups and marginalised communities.