Kenya's president is throwing a huge event at State House for 5,000 people from marginalized and minority communities, and they're being asked to show up in their traditional outfits. William Ruto is marking the UN's International Day for Minority Rights with delegates coming from at least 38 counties representing groups like the Ogiek, Rendille, El Molo, Nubians, and a bunch of others.
Eight government officials met with Dennis Itumbi, who handles special projects, to plan the whole thing. One of them said this is the first time in three decades that minority groups are getting proper recognition. Ruto even set up a new department in his office specifically to deal with minority issues.
The constitution actually requires Kenya to help these communities access education, jobs, healthcare, and other services, but many still face serious discrimination and poverty. Some counties have primary school enrollment rates barely hitting 43 percent compared to 91 percent nationally, and poverty rates above 65 percent in places like Turkana and Mandera.
Eight government officials met with Dennis Itumbi, who handles special projects, to plan the whole thing. One of them said this is the first time in three decades that minority groups are getting proper recognition. Ruto even set up a new department in his office specifically to deal with minority issues.
The constitution actually requires Kenya to help these communities access education, jobs, healthcare, and other services, but many still face serious discrimination and poverty. Some counties have primary school enrollment rates barely hitting 43 percent compared to 91 percent nationally, and poverty rates above 65 percent in places like Turkana and Mandera.
