The ORPP held fruitful partnership discussions on 1st October,2024 at ORPP offices between the Registrar, Ann Nderitu, CBS and the team from Minorities and Marginalized Affairs Unit under the Executive Office of the President while paying a courtesy call to the Registrar.
The discussions took stock of status of affairs of over 79 identified Ethnic Minorities and Marginalized Communities (EMMCs) in 29 counties.
“These discussions are vital in championing against all forms of discrimination and informing legal and policy reforms that address exclusion practices to EMMCs. The ORPP, as an entity promoting good governance, welcomes this partnership. We shall be deliberate in engaging the mapped-out community members through various forums with political parties and other stakeholders. Deliberate efforts to protect and preserve the culture of these groups including language and support their education is not an option for all”, noted the Registrar during the discussions while stating the need for an accurate register of the groups.
“There is massive positive impact out of efforts in identifying and having a structured engagement to all the EMCCs who are spread across the country. Having annual Minorities Day every December, developing a national policy, mapping out and supporting their leadership structures are some of the key focus areas of the Unit”, observed Hon. Josphat Lowoi Lodeya, the Director of Minority and Marginalized Communities Affairs Unit.
Also present were representatives of the EMMCs including groups Arabs, Shelisheli, Daasanach among others.
“We are encouraged that we have a voice, goodwill and interface through the Minority and Marginalized Affairs Unit and the grassroot leadership for each community we are presently establishing”, noted the EMMCs Chairperson Charles Nandain.
The discussions also outlined legal and policy reforms to implement several Constructional provisions on protection of the minorities and marginalized. The groups were called for unity of purpose and structured engagement through their identified leaders from each community for impactful advocacy on their issues.
