President William Ruto launches the National Policy on Ethnic Minorities, Indigenous and Marginalised Communities (2025–2035) during the commemoration of the International Day for Minority Rights on December 18, 2025. Photo by PCS. 
By Andrew Mbuva
The government has rolled out far-reaching measures aimed at safeguarding the rights, dignity and inclusion of ethnic minorities, indigenous peoples and marginalised communities, with President William Ruto announcing the establishment of a new Minorities and Marginalised Communities Directorate at the heart of government.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, during the commemoration of the International Day for Minority Rights, President Ruto said the move marks a decisive shift “from recognition to action” in implementing Article 56 of the Constitution, which mandates affirmative action for minorities and marginalised groups .
At the centre of the reforms is the launch of the National Policy on Ethnic Minorities, Indigenous and Marginalised Communities (2025–2035), a framework developed through nationwide consultations involving communities, civil society, experts and county governments. The policy provides, for the first time, a structured and enforceable approach to addressing long-standing exclusion.
Under the new policy, the Minorities and Marginalised Communities Directorate will be immediately established within the Executive Office of the President to coordinate all government interventions affecting minority groups. In addition, the existing Minorities and Marginalised Affairs Unit has been elevated into a semi-autonomous agency with enhanced legal and financial authority to oversee implementation across ministries and counties.
President Ruto also directed the Attorney-General, working with the Kenya Law Reform Commission, to draft legislation establishing a National Council for Ethnic Minorities and Marginalised Communities, which will provide a permanent institutional voice for minority concerns and ensure accountability across government.
Beyond institutional reforms, the government announced substantial financial commitments. These include a KSh500 million National Minority Scholarship Programme to support children from indigent minority communities, annual KSh200 million for education infrastructure in marginalised areas, and the payment of Social Health Authority contributions for 200,000 vulnerable individuals to guarantee access to healthcare .
The policy further introduces affirmative action quotas in public service and procurement, fast-tracks community land titling and resolution of historical land injustices, protects indigenous languages and sacred sites, and integrates indigenous knowledge into climate action. Special focus is also placed on women, youth, persons with disabilities and elders within minority communities.
To ensure nationwide impact, President Ruto urged governors to establish County Minority Inclusion Units and domesticate the policy in their County Integrated Development Plans, while directing all Cabinet Secretaries to integrate the policy into their 2026/27 budgets and strategic plans.
“As we launch this policy today, we affirm that never again will minority and marginalised communities be an afterthought,” the President said, describing the reforms as central to Kenya’s peace, resilience and shared prosperity.
The measures signal what the government calls a new era of inclusion—one anchored in law, institutions and resources—aimed at ensuring every Kenyan belongs, contributes and thrives .
