Principal Secretary Ummi Bashir Champions Inclusion Through National Policy on Ethnic Minorities and Marginalized Groups

By John Kariuki

Principal Secretary in the State Department for Culture, the Arts and Heritage, Ummi Bashir CBS, has taken a landmark step toward advancing social justice and national cohesion by leading the formulation of the National Policy on Ethnic Minorities and Marginalized Groups. Guided by the Director for Ethnic Minorities and Marginalized Communities, Josphat Lodeya, this comprehensive framework seeks to operationalize Article 56 of the Constitution, ensuring that communities historically underrepresented in governance, economic opportunities, and cultural recognition are empowered to participate fully in the nation’s development.

This afternoon, PS Bashir, alongside PS Museiya, received an in-depth briefing on the policy’s objectives, which underscore a multi-dimensional approach to equity, inclusion, and empowerment. The policy outlines mechanisms to address systemic inequities in access to resources, representation, and decision-making platforms. It also envisions programs that strengthen livelihoods, promote cultural preservation, and enhance access to quality education and healthcare for marginalized populations. By centering these communities in national planning, the policy represents a transformative blueprint for inclusive governance in Kenya.

In addition to policy formulation, PS Bashir has initiated preparations for the International Ethnic Minorities and Marginalized Groups Day, scheduled for December 18th. The commemoration aims to serve as a national platform to celebrate diversity, amplify the voices of marginalized communities, and foster dialogue on social justice, equity, and unity. According to PS Bashir, this day will not merely be symbolic; it will provide tangible opportunities for minority groups to showcase their contributions, highlight their unique challenges, and engage directly with policymakers in shaping interventions that impact their lives.

Under her stewardship, the policy also emphasizes partnerships between government, civil society, and local communities, ensuring that implementation is participatory, evidence-based, and sustainable. By linking policy frameworks with practical programs, PS Bashir is advancing a vision of Kenya where every citizen, irrespective of background or geographic location, can access opportunities, protect their cultural heritage, and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Through this initiative, PS Ummi Bashir CBS reaffirms the government’s commitment to transforming historical marginalization into empowerment, building a cohesive society where diversity is celebrated, inclusion is institutionalized, and every Kenyan can thrive. Her leadership exemplifies forward-thinking governance, demonstrating that equity and social justice are indispensable pillars of a prosperous and unified nation.