President William Ruto has unveiled a landmark policy framework aimed at safeguarding the rights, dignity, and development of ethnic minorities, indigenous peoples, and marginalised communities across Kenya.
Speaking during celebrations of the International Day for Minorities at State House, Nairobi, where more than 5,000 leaders and representatives from minority and marginalised groups gathered, President Ruto said the government is committed to ensuring that inclusion is anchored in law rather than left to chance or individual discretion.
He announced that the National Policy on Ethnic Minorities, Indigenous Peoples, and Marginalised Communities, recently approved by Cabinet, will soon be officially launched.
The policy will provide a strong legal and institutional foundation to promote inclusion, protect vulnerable groups, and guarantee equitable development opportunities.
“The place of minorities in our nation will no longer be determined by the whims of individuals; it will be firmly anchored in law,” the President said, emphasising that no Kenyan should be left behind in national progress.
As part of the new measures, President Ruto announced the establishment of a KSh 500 million National Minority Scholarship Programme to support learners from poor minority and marginalised communities in accessing quality secondary and tertiary education.
In addition, the Ministry of Education will allocate KSh 200 million annually through an Education Infrastructure Fund to build, upgrade, and equip schools and colleges in minority-dominated regions.
To further enhance social protection, the government will also pay Social Health Authority contributions for 200,000 vulnerable people drawn from minority and marginalised communities, ensuring they have access to essential healthcare services.
The President said these initiatives represent only the beginning of a broader, long-term programme to entrench fairness, dignity, and equal opportunity across the country.
“These initiatives are part of our unwavering commitment to equity, dignity, and shared national prosperity,” he reaffirmed.
The event also provided a platform to reflect on progress made and strengthen national resolve to advance inclusion, unity, and respect for diversity as key pillars of Kenya’s development agenda.