Josephat Lowoi Briefs MPs on National Policy for Minorities and Marginalised Communities

The Secretary of the Minority and Marginalized Affairs Unit at the Executive Office of the President, Josephat Lowoi, has briefed the Parliamentary House Committee on Cohesion and Equal Opportunities on the status and implementation roadmap of the National Policy on Ethnic Minorities, Indigenous and Marginalised Communities.

The committee, chaired by Hon. Adan Haji, received an update on the progress of the transformative framework, which was approved by Cabinet and officially launched by President William Ruto during the International Minority Rights Day commemorations.

Lowoi told the committee that the policy is designed to operationalise constitutional provisions and Kenya’s international obligations, while addressing historical injustices that have for decades hindered minority and marginalised communities from fully enjoying their rights.

“The National Policy provides a structured and coordinated approach to tackling the systemic barriers that have perpetuated exclusion and inequality,” Lowoi said.

According to the Secretary, the framework directly confronts socio-economic exclusion, political underrepresentation, land and resource insecurity, limited access to justice and essential services, and persistent conflicts affecting vulnerable communities. It also seeks to strengthen the implementation of court decisions, enhance social protection mechanisms, safeguard cultural heritage, and address food insecurity in marginalized regions.

Lowoi reaffirmed his office’s commitment to inclusive engagement and multi-sectoral collaboration to ensure the policy translates into tangible change on the ground.

“We will continue to work closely with rights-based organisations, county governments, constitutional commissions and development partners to guarantee meaningful implementation,” he said, adding that the initiative aims to promote national cohesion, equity, and sustainable development.

Members of the committee welcomed the update and emphasized the importance of effective monitoring and adequate resource allocation to ensure the policy achieves its intended objectives.

The National Policy on Ethnic Minorities, Indigenous and Marginalised Communities is expected to serve as a key instrument in advancing inclusion and strengthening Kenya’s social fabric by ensuring no community is left behind.