The government yesterday launched a new unit to champion the interests of minorities and the marginalised groups in the country.

The new unit opened under the presidency was unveiled by president William Ruto during celebration of International Minority Rights Day at Bomas of Kenya.

Ruto said that the Kenya Kwanza administration has come up with the new unit following his fresh focus to address challenges facing marginalised groups in the country.

He explained that they had set up a team that will conclusively look into issues affecting marginalised communities and recommend the best way of addressing these concerns. 

“In the run-up to the 2022 General Elections, the Kenya Kwanza team pledged to address the issues that have plagued the Minorities and Marginalized Communities in a comprehensive manner,” said Ruto.

Ethnic minorities

Ruto announced that in order to advance the welfare of ethnic minorities and marginalised peoples in a more institutionalised manner, he has Executive Order Number 2 of 2023, established the Minorities and Marginalised Affairs Unit under the Presidency which will spearhead his office’s agenda of recognising, promoting and protecting the rights of ethnic minorities and marginalised communities.

Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, Arts and Heritage Aisha Jumwa (pictured) lauded the head of state for creating a directorate of minorities at the Office of the President.