High-Level Meeting to Advance Inclusion of Marginalised and Minority Communities
The Principal Secretary for the State Department for ASALs and Regional Development, Mr. Kello Harsama, CBS, chaired a strategic meeting focused on strengthening support for marginalised and minority communities across the country. The meeting brought together senior government officials and advisors to discuss actionable measures aimed at bridging historical inequalities and ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities.
This session aligned with thr vision of building an inclusive and unified nation, as outlined under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). Discussions centred on multi-sectoral collaboration to uplift underserved populations, particularly in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), informal settlements, and hard-to-reach regions that continue to face social and economic exclusion.
A key theme of the meeting was the need to harmonize efforts across government departments and agencies. Stakeholders identified priority areas for collaboration, including capacity-building, economic empowerment, and the fair distribution of government services. Participants noted that these interventions must be designed with community involvement to reflect local realities and priorities.
Speaking during the session, PS Harsama reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusivity and social equity. “Our goal is to ensure no community is left behind. We are working towards Kenya where every citizen has a fair chance to thrive, regardless of geography, ethnicity, or social status,” he said. “These efforts are not just policy matters—they are about dignity, justice, and national unity.”
The meeting also underscored the importance of empowering communities to drive their own development. Through increased access to training, infrastructure, and sustainable livelihoods, marginalized groups will be better positioned to participate in local economies and governance structures.
They also discussed practical ways of integrating these communities into national planning frameworks. These include establishing dedicated funding for grassroots initiatives, enhancing data collection to better inform decision-making, and ensuring that policies are shaped by inclusive consultation processes.
Special focus was placed on youth and women in minority communities, who often face compounded challenges in accessing education, employment, and decision-making spaces. The meeting explored targeted interventions to support their leadership, entrepreneurship, and skills development, especially in regions vulnerable to conflict and climate-related shocks.
In addition, the discussions acknowledged the critical role of civil society organisations and local leaders in advancing the rights and voices of minority groups. Government officials expressed readiness to strengthen partnerships with grassroots actors who have a deeper understanding of the communities’ unique needs and histories.
The collaborative approach discussed at the meeting is expected to inform future policy direction and programming under the Ministry. By aligning resources and efforts, the government aims to deliver tangible improvements in quality of life and promote national cohesion.
This initiative also ties into Kenya’s broader commitment to human rights, devolution, and sustainable development, as enshrined in the Constitution and Vision 2030. Ensuring that marginalised and minority communities are integrated into the country’s development fabric is essential for long-term peace and prosperity.
Moving forward, the Ministry will work closely with other departments to develop a coordinated framework that translates the meeting’s resolutions into action, with measurable outcomes and community accountability mechanisms.
Present at the meeting were Secretary for the Marginalized and Minority Affairs unit( MMAU), Mr. Joshpat Lowoi, Advisor to the president ,Mr. Jaoko Oburu Odinga, Advisor to the President on Marginalised , Acting secretary for the ASALs , Mr. Lore Ambrose, senior officials from the State Department for ASALs and Regional Development, and the MMAU technical team.
By Joan Ngugi