By KPC Reporter
Kenya has been urged to fully implement its constitutional, legal, and international obligations to minority, marginalized, and indigenous communities.
The call was made separately by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) and the Green Congress of Kenya (GCK) party leader Hilary Alila as the country joined the rest of the world in marking International Minority Rights Day on Thursday.
KNCHR acknowledged progress made through policy and institutional reforms but warned that persistent gaps in implementation continue to undermine the rights of minority groups.
“Despite these important steps, KNCHR remains concerned about the persistent gaps in the implementation of Kenya’s obligations toward minority and marginalized groups,” the Commission said.
International Minority Rights Day commemorates the 1992 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities.
The KNCHR noted that while Kenya has adopted frameworks such as the National Policy on Ethnic Minorities and Marginalized Communities (2025–2035) and proposed new legislation, several landmark decisions remain unimplemented.
The Commission cited outstanding rulings and recommendations involving the Ogiek of Mau, the Endorois, and the Kipsigis and Talai communities, and called on the government to demonstrate commitment to the rule of law.
“We urge the Government of Kenya to fully implement these recommendations,” KNCHR said in a statement, pointing to national courts, the African Commission, and the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
KNCHR also called for the adoption of legislation on free, prior, and informed consent, stronger land titling systems, and safeguards to prevent displacement of indigenous communities without consultation or compensation.
Separately, the Green Congress of Kenya (GCK) issued a party statement aligning itself with the calls for inclusion and protection of minority rights.
The party said minorities continue to face exclusion despite their contribution to society.
“Minorities—whether ethnic, religious, linguistic, or otherwise—enrich our societies with their unique cultures, traditions, and perspectives,” the statement said, adding that many continue to experience “discrimination, marginalization, and barriers to full participation in social, economic, and political life.”
GCK Party Leader Hilary Alila linked minority rights to environmental governance, noting that climate change disproportionately affects indigenous and minority communities.
“True environmental sustainability and good governance cannot be achieved without addressing the needs and voices of marginalized communities,” the party said.
Both KNCHR and GCK called for stronger enforcement of existing protections under the Constitution, including Articles 27 and 56, and urged political leaders, civil society, and citizens to promote inclusion and equality.
