Nairobi: A public participation forum on the draft National Policy and Bill on Ethnic Minorities and Marginalised Communities was held on Thursday at Kapchemgung P.A.G Church in Jepkoyai Ward, Vihiga County, where members of the Terik community turned up in large numbers to voice their concerns. The forum, coordinated by Deputy County Commissioner Ruth Lurete, brought together representatives from the Terik and Torobeek communities, who shared their perspectives on the proposed policy framework.
According to Kenya News Agency, the DCC commended participants for turning up in large numbers, noting that their contribution was vital in ensuring inclusivity and fair representation of all communities. ‘It is encouraging to see communities come out to air their views and seek representation in national and county processes,’ she said.
The communities expressed strong support for the draft policy and Bill, while also raising issues they felt were not adequately addressed. Terik Professionals Association Chairman, Noar K. Biamah, called for a special census to identify and recognise minority groups. He urged the government to ensure representation of the Terik and other communities left out in county administration, national recruitment drives and development programmes. ‘We want recognition and inclusion in opportunities such as recruitment into the police, KDF, and other positions in public service. In all government programs like Nyota and others, we should have our fair share,’ asserted Biamah.
He also proposed amendments to the draft Bill, arguing that the word ‘will’ should be replaced with ‘shall’ in several sections to make implementation mandatory. Additionally, he appealed for the inclusion of the Terik language in local language instruction in schools.
The Association’s Vice Chair, Silas Kipkemboi, echoed the sentiments, saying the Terik community had been sidelined in county development and political representation since devolution in 2013. ‘Getting executive positions has been a struggle. We have not received the attention we deserve. We want to be part of the county’s development and decision-making processes,’ he said. Kipkemboi further argued that the term ‘marginalised’ should be avoided in reference to other communities who are fairly represented, suggesting that focus be placed on ‘minority recognition’ instead.
The Terik community also presented a comprehensive memorandum containing their proposals to the coordinating officials. Kipkemboi called for a public gazette notice to properly recognize minority groups. Torobeek Community Association Chairperson, Rescie Robin, also presented views from her community, calling for religious and cultural recognition, high-level consultation, and timely response to their pending petitions.
The public participation forum is part of a nationwide process by the government to collect views on the draft National Policy and Bill aimed at promoting equality, protecting indigenous groups, and ensuring equitable inclusion of all Kenyan communities.