This archive report was first published on 1 December 2019.
December 1, 2019
Women in Turkana West Sub County wait in a queue for a water boursier in March 2019. The region is known for its ravaging drought, highlighting the need for access to water in marginalised communities.
According to a report by Katiba Institute, access to water is the greatest challenge facing these communities. The report, titled 'Participation of ethnic minorities and marginalised communities in political and other governance processes; realities and approaches,' highlights other significant challenges, including unaddressed historical injustices, poor infrastructure, lack of electricity supply, and difficulties in accessing quality education.
Residents in marginalised communities also face non-service related claims, such as little or no chance of getting elected due to their ethnic background, dominance of one or a few ethnic communities in political positions, and neglect of communities living at inter-county borders.
The report further notes that discrimination in access to public information, lack of participation in public functions, and gender-based discrimination are also prevalent in these communities.
Researchers observed difficulties in accessing national identity cards, inter-county boundary disputes, and unfair application of the 70-30 per cent rule for job opportunities in the counties.
Residents in Garissa County, for instance, complained about the Devonshire White paper, which they claimed only applies to Garissa and not Tana River. They also lamented the Indemnity Act, which they said only affects the North Eastern region.
The report suggests that duty bearers should capacity build to ensure the participation of residents in important decision-making processes. They should also set up feedback mechanisms and use proper channels of disseminating information to the public in time.
Participants advocated for the inclusion of chiefs, village elders, and religious leaders in mobilising locals to take part in forums. Political parties should be strengthened to be active not only during elections but also times when there are no polls.
The study, which took place between December 2018 and July 2019, featured 60 ethnic communities in 16 counties, including Isiolo, Turkana, Migori, and Nairobi.
