Introduction/Background
In this presentation our focus on the need for the national government to invest more on ethnic minority communities of Kenya. These are people who have been marginalized for many years stretching all the way to pre-independence days. The proposals were prepared by representatives of the Sengwer of Embobut, the Endorois of Baringo, Ogiek of Elgon of Bungoma, Ogiek of Mau and the Awer of Lamu. We held a meeting at Panoramic Hotel in Naivasha on the sidelines of a training workshop on national and county planning for the Ethnic Minority Human Rights Defenders (EMHRDs).
These proposals have been informed by the need to respond to extreme marginalization which has happened over the last century. The Ethnic Minority groups are negatively impacted by poverty, discrimination, and low levels of education. The members of these communities need to have access to adequate supply of medicine, medical equipment and infrastructure.
Challenges Access to education and Health
Members of the Sengwer Community from Embobut Forest in Elgeyo Marakwet County are constrained when it comes to national and county development projects because their lands were converted into forest protected areas.
We all know that governments do not put development projects on forest lands despite being this being our ancestral land as per Article 63 (2) (d) (ii) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010.
Therefore, since 1954 no development projects on health and education have been allocated to our Sengwer community. As a result of this human rights violations our children are forced walk for approximately 40 kilometers to access education and health. For instance, children from Kamologon village have to walk to Tangul Primary School in order to access education.
The international standards on distance to the nearest health facility is to walk for 5 kilometers. However, members of Sengwer Community are forced to walk for 27 kilometers to access a healthcare facility. Example residents of Lombenwo have to walk to Kamogo. On arrival we do not have access to essential drugs and it is ill-equipped in terms of human resources.
Additional Information
- Ogiek Community
Ogiek Community is an indigenous community of forest dwelling hunter-gatherers that inhabit different forest areas in Kenya, with the largest concentration of them scattered across the seven blocks of Mau Forest Complex that is Southern Mau, South West Mau, East Mau, Trans Mara, Mau Narok, Maasai Mau and Western Mau. The total population of Ogiek is estimated to be 52,000 people. Since colonial times to now they have experienced systemic injustices as upheld by the African Court on Human and People’s Rights in a landmark ruling on 26th May, 2017. The Systemic injustices include denial of property rights as well as a violation of cultures among other injustices. Their ancestral lands have been gazetted as forest reserves since colonial times to date.
- Ogiek of Elgon
The Ogiek of Elgon inhabit Chepkitale in Bungoma and Taboo in Trans Nzoia counties. Their ancestral lands are also gazetted as Mt. Elgon national park and Mt. Elgon biosphere reserve.
- The Sengwer Community
The Sengwer ethnic minority are found in the Cherangany forests around Talau in West Pokot County, Kapolet in Trans Nzoia and Embobut in Elgeyo Marakwet. Their land is gazetted as Cherangany forest.
- The Endorois Community
The Endorois people inhabit Lake Bogoria and Mochongoi forest areas in Baringo County. In 1974, they were evicted from Lake Bogoria for the establishment of the Lake Bogoria game reserve. Part of Mochongoi has also been gazetted as Mochongoi forest.
- Awer Community
The Awer also known as Waboni, Boni and Sanye are Cushitic ethnic group inhabiting Lamu and Ijara in coastal Kenya. They are hunters and gatherers and their territories have been designated as Boni and Dodori Forest Reserves.
| No. | Sector | Budget proposals | Justification | Budget |
| 1 | Education |
Allocate resources for the establishment of two secondary schools for the Chepkitale, Mt. Elgon and another one for Mangai location in Awer, Lamu. |
Chepkitale location in Mt Elgon has approximately 5000 people with about 60% of the population being school going age. In entire Chepkitale, there is no single secondary school which is not supporting government policy on 100% transition. The nearest secondary school is about 30 km away from Chepkitale which limits government fulfillment of SDG goal number four. Due to lack of secondary schools, there is an increase in school drop outs and early child marriages. |
Construction of eight classes = Ksh. 16 Million Construction of Two science labs= Ksh. 8 M Construction Two libraries = Ksh. 5 M Construction of ten Toilets = Ksh. 2 M Construction of two administration blocks @6M TOTAL= Ksh. 37 Million; |
| 2 | Education |
Allocation of resources for Construction one secondary school in Mangai Basuba ward, Lamu county. |
The whole region has no secondary schools; the nearest school is about 160km away which is not easily accessible. Due to lack of secondary schools, there is an increase in school drop outs and early child marriages |
Construction of four classes = Ksh. 8 Million; Construction of one science labs = Ksh. 4 Million Construction one libraries = Ksh. 2.5 Million; Construction of four Toilets @800,000/ Construction of one administration blocks = Ksh. 3 Million; TOTAL = Ksh. 18.3 Million |
| 3 | Education | Constuct a modern boarding primary school at Marichor in Embobut Elgeyo Marakwet County | It will help Sengwer Children whose parents are being forcefully evicted from Embobut forest to access quality education inorder that to address mandatory primary educations and marginalization | Ksh. 200 million |
| 4 | Allocate resources for the establishment of primary school at Sasimwani Village in Olokurto ward, Narok North Sub-County. |
To curb the long distance covered by pupils in search of basic education. To reduce the rate of school dropouts due to early marriages and hardships in accessing basic education. |
To curb the long distance covered by pupils in search of basic education. To reduce the rate of school dropouts due to early marriages and hardships in accessing basic education. |
Ksh. 11 Million |
| 5 |
Education |
Establish vocational training colleges in Mariashoni and Tarakwa wards in Molo and Kesses Sub-counties respectively. |
The nearest training college is at Eldoret, which is 70km away. This will promote access to quality technical education in the sub-counties . |
Ksh. 50 million |
| 6 | Education |
Establish one technical college at each of the following areas: Arabal, Olkokwe and Koibos locations within the Endorois community |
To promote access to quality technical education. To equip members of community with technical practical skills for sustainable livelihoods as well create employment; |
Ksh. 60 million |
| 7 | Education | Allocate resources for construction of forty (40) classrooms in five primary schools ie Laboot, Iyaa, Tomoi, Toboo, Kewooy. |
The five existing primary schools are the only ones in the entire location serving a population of around 5,000 people with a school going aged population of about 60%. All the five schools lack conducive learning environment. The nearest primary school outside the Chepkitale location is approximately 40 Kilometers away with poor access roads. |
Construction of 40 classrooms @ Ksh. 2M*40= Ksh. 80 Million Construction of 20 toilets for five schools @ Ksh. 200,000*20=Ksh. 4 Million TOTAL = Ksh. 84 Million |
| 8 | Education | Allocate resources for the establishment of at least one school of excellence for the Endorois community in the following locations, Sinende, Mochongoi, Kamar, Bekibon and establish two modern laboratories one each in Mochongoi and Maji Moto secondary schools. | To promote access to quality education in Endorois community the establishment of the schools will enable Endorois children to get better and quality education and also improve on completion and transition rate in every level of education. The region for a long time has had no established government secondary school and students travel for long distance to access basic education |
Schools of excellence Ksh. 120 Million -Two laboratories kshs.10 Million |
| 9 | Education | Establish one technical college at each of the following areas: Arabal, Olkokwe and Koibos locations within the Endorois community | To promote access to quality technical education. To equip members of community with technical practical skills as well create employment | Ksh. 60 million |
| 10 | Education | Allocate resources for establishment of a modern Secondary school at Maron in Embobut to serve the Sengwer community. |
Since independence there is no secondary school for quality and affordable secondary education for Sengwer children |
Kshs.100 Million for Embobut area. |
| 11 | Education | Establishment of Kapolet girls boarding secondary school to serve Sengwer of Trans-Nzoia County | To enhance girls’ education by providing a conducive environment for girls to avoid early pregnancy and early marriages. | Kshs.120 Million for Kapolet |
| 12 | Information and Communication Technology | Establish two ICT centers (ICT hubs) in Sandai and Chebinyiny location of Baringo County | To impart ICT skills to the citizens for them to easily access e-government services. There is no single ICT center in the stated areas. Hence,
citizens are forced to travel nearly 70 kilometers to access ICT services. To improve access to information, communication and government service delivery through e-government to members of the indigenous community in rural set up |
Ksh. 100 million |
| 13 | Information and Communication Technology (ICT) | Establish one ICT center in Chepyuk Ward in Bungoma County | To impart ICT skills to the citizens for them to easily access e-government services. There is no single ICT center with the stated areas. Hence, citizens are forced to travel nearly 50 kilometers to access ICT services. | Ksh. 40 million |
| 14 | Transport and Communication | Establish 5 km road to connect Oloikirikirai and Sasimwani. | To promote access to trading markets for farm produce and input; health facilities and education in Olokirikirai. |
20 Million |
| 15 | Roads |
Allocate resources for the construction of a 10 km class D road connecting Elburgon to Mariashoni |
Facilitate movement of goods and services across the region and spur economic growth towards alleviation of poverty. To promote access to Elburgon market for dairy and farm produce. |
Ksh. 100 Million |
| 16 | Roads | Allocate resources for the completion of 42 km Timboroa – Kupere Road through Metetei and Songok in Kesses Sub-county. | Facilitate movement of goods and services across the region and spur socio-economic growth. | Ksh. 420 Million |
| 17 | Roads |
Establish a standard bridge across River Sikinder to connect Sasimwani and Oloikirkirai. |
To connect the two locations and promote movement of goods as well as access to health and education services. The area is inaccessible during rainy season when the river breaks its banks. Lives are lost during flash floods. |
Ksh. 20 million |
| 18 | Roads | Construction of bitumen standard road from Mugurin, Maji Moto to Loboi. |
To improve on the road network and accessibility among Endorois community members as well as improve on the security situation in the region |
Ksh. 2.8 billion |
| 19 | Roads | Allocate funds for construction of Cheptonon-Kipsikirok-Kopsiro road approximately 18KM |
It is the only major road in Chepyuk ward Enhance transportation of farm produce to market Support security agencies in the provision of security services to the citizens Serves many institution ie schools, administrative centers and health centers |
Murraming, putting culverts @6M*18= Ksh. 108M TOTAL = Ksh. 108M |
| 20 | Roads | Allocate funds for Murraming of Kaberwa- Chepkitale rest Camp. 43 kilometers |
It a security road. Therefore, will facilitate security agencies in provision of security Enhance transportation of livestock produce to market Facilitate and enhancing tourism Support security agencies in the provision of security services to the citizens Serves many institution ie schools, administrative centers and health centers |
Murraming, putting culverts @6M*43= Ksh. 258M TOTAL = Ksh. 258M |
| 21 | Roads | Allocate funds opening up, upgrading and Murraming of Kisanana Olkokwe, Chebinyiny, Arabal, Mukutani road including the bridge | To improve on road network and accessibility among Endorois community members as well as improve on the security situation in the region | Ksh. 700 M |
| 22 | Roads | Construction of bitumen standard road from Mugurin, Maji Moto to Loboi. |
To improve on road network and accessibility among Endorois community members as well as improve on the security situation in the region |
Ksh. 100 M |
| 23 | Affirmative Action |
Set up a Fund for Minority Communities in Kenya to support Ogiek, Sengwer, Awer, Yaaku, Endorois, Nubians, Waayu and Endorois in Kenya, to access tertiary education at middle level colleges and universities as a form of affirmative action. |
These students come from hardship areas and the high levels of poverty affects their quest to access quality education. Some families of these marginalized face extreme poverty such that their children are unable to access higher learning. |
Ksh. 100 M |
| 24 | Affirmative Action | Set aside resources for conducting empowerment programs to promote their traditional economies that is, bee keeping as their prevalent economic activity, beadwork, herbal medicine, crafts, tourism and conservation. |
To create employment thereby, improving the welfare of the residents. To increase household income hence contribution to the Gross Domestic Product. Make food available, affordable and accessible. |
Ksh. 300 M |
| 25 | Education | Establish at least one technical college at each of the following areas: Chepkitale, Laboi, Mangai and Mariashoni. | To promote access to quality technical education | Ksh. 50 M |
| 26 | Restorative Justice | Allocate resources for compensation of the displaced Ogiek of Mau following an regional court ruling – Ref: Application 006/2012; African commission Vs The Republic of Kenya. (See more from the ruling) | To adjudicate and facilitate the titling program in the Ogiek ancestral land. | Ksh. 20 billion |
| 27 | Justice |
Implementation of the Endorois Case
|
For further engagement and implementation of African commission decision of 2010. The resources will be used to compensate people who were forcefully evicted from their ancestral land. Enable the documenting of losses suffered by the community after eviction from their ancestral land thereby facilitating the implementation of the case -Community established an implementation committee involved in management of lake Bogoria and Mochongoi forest and any resources found within its borders. The Endorois Community is entitled to royalties/gains out of economic activities taking place in Endorois land; tourism, red rubies, geothermal explorations among others -The community had quantified compensation for the losses suffered including material andimmaterial losses -There’s is need to gazette a fresh taskforce by the office of the president to jump start the process by the Kenya government and set Timeframe References to the taskforce and community representative, costing and putting fresh timelines. – Kenya being signatory to regional and international treaties it is obligated to respect and honor African commission and people’s rights decision and UNDRIP. Material attachment include:- -Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission Report (TJRC) -UNESCO -Taskforce Gazette notice (2014) |
Ksh. 5 Billion |
| 28 | Electricity |
Establish a new electricity connection at Ololoipangí dispensary, primary and secondary schools as well as the community. Extend electricity to Kaptumo primary School to reach 50 homesteads at Tarakwa ward in Ndungulu Sub-location. |
To improve efficiency in the health and education facilities
To improve efficiency in production both at domestic and industrial levels. |
100 Million
50 Million |
| 29 | Water and Sanitation | Initiate piped water project at Ndungulu Sub-location to serve 200 homesteads and the neighboring primary school. | These ethnic minority communities lack access to clean water for domestic use hence they are forced to walk several kilometers daily in search of water at Tarakwa seasonal stream. | Ksh. 10 M |
| 30 | Security | Allocate resources for the construction of a police station at Chagaiya Sub-location |
The nearest police station is Kondoo police station located along Nakuru – Eldoret highway, which is 50 km from Tarakwa ward. Chagaiya Sub-location is surrounded by Timboroa forest which poses insecurity risks to the residents. |
Ksh. 5 M |
| 31 | Allocate funds to Kaberwa-Chepkitale rest camp approximately 45KM |
To support security agencies in provision of security to the community. To support promotion of tourism which enhances revenue collection and economic activities in the area To supports the community to access markets for livestock products, access advance health services in sub-county ease transportation. |
Murrain of 45KM @6M*45= 270M TOTAL 270M |
|
| 32 | Education | Supplement Mariashoni Secondary School with girls boarding wing. |
To create a safe environment for girls to learn and reduce early marriages and teenage pregnancies. |
Ksh. 10 M |
| 33 | Infrastructure – Electricity |
Allocate funds for distribution of electricity to markets and households in Chepyuk Ward in Bungoma County |
Many households are still using wood and charcoal for fuel, which is contributing to environmental destruction. To promote trade, security, small enterprises and innovations. |
Ksh. 200 M |
| 34 | Forest conservation | Establish Indigenous Forest Conservation Fund |
Evictions have led to destruction of Embobut and Kapolet forests hence the fund will be used on re-afforestation through establishment of a mega bamboo nursery beds and other indigenous trees. |
Ksh. 200 M |
