President William Ruto, on Thursday, unveiled a major policy move aimed at transforming the participation of ethnic minorities, indigenous, and marginalised communities in Kenya’s public service. The Cabinet-approved National Policy on Ethnic Minorities, Indigenous, and Marginalised Communities provides a comprehensive framework to address historical inequalities and ensure equitable representation across government institutions.
Speaking during the International Minorities Day celebrations at State House, Nairobi, Ruto described the policy as a “transformative blueprint” that aligns with Article 56 of the Constitution. He said the approval marks a historic step toward mainstreaming minority rights in public service recruitment and leadership.
Under the new framework, all government ministries, agencies, and county administrations will be required to ensure minority inclusion in civil service employment and leadership positions. The policy also introduces affirmative action in public service, procurement, and access to credit, alongside targeted investments to strengthen local economies in minority-populated areas.
Ruto announced plans to establish nomadic mobile schools to serve pastoralist and mobile communities, backed by an annual Ksh200 million allocation from the Ministry of Education to build and equip schools and colleges in marginalised regions.
The policy further elevates the Minorities and Marginalised Affairs Unit into a semi-autonomous agency within the Executive Office of the President. A Minorities and Marginalised Communities Directorate and the National Council of Ethnic Minorities will now oversee coordination, policy implementation, and accountability, ensuring the protection and promotion of minority rights across Kenya.
“This initiative will accelerate the full realisation of minority rights and guarantee their fair participation in all aspects of public service and national development,” Ruto said.