Minority communities in the coastal county of Kwale are calling for greater recognition with demands for inclusion in political appointments, equitable resource distribution and protection of their rights.<\/p>\n
The minorities said they have endured decades of historical injustices and marginalisation citing their exclusion from the national and county government appointments.<\/p>\n
Ethnic minorities are distinct communities within the population that are numerically smaller and socially, politically and economically disadvantaged in comparison to dominant communities in a given context.<\/p>\n
Globally the protection and inclusion of ethnic minorities and marginalized communities is recognised as essential for achieving equitable development, social justice and sustainable peace.<\/p>\n
Minority communities living in Kwale include the Makonde, Washirazi, Wapemba, Rundi, Tswaka and Wavumba with a notable presence in Msambweni and Lunga Lunga constituencies.<\/p>\n
Most of them like the Makonde and the Pemba were recently granted citizenship and offered identity cards ending decades of statelessness.<\/p>\n
The minority groups were speaking at Mvindeni social hall in Msambweni constituency during a public participation forum on the National Draft Policy on Ethnic Minorities and Marginalised Communities in Kenya.<\/p>\n