Hunter-Gatherers Push for Official Recognition Through Tribal Code Petition

NAIROBI – In a historic move, the Hunter Gatherer Forum Kenya (HUGAFO-K), led by Chairperson Mr. Paul Lekapana, presented a petition advocating for an official tribal code—a critical milestone in securing the recognition, cultural heritage, and rightful inclusion of Hunter-Gatherer communities in Kenya’s national framework.

The petition, formally submitted at the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) headquarters, underscores a long-standing struggle by indigenous communities, including the Ogiek, Sengwer, Yaaku, Aweer, and Sanye, who have for decades sought government recognition to secure their rights, preserve their ancestral lands, and participate in national development programs.

Kenya’s 2019 national census did not explicitly categorise Hunter-Gatherer communities, effectively rendering them invisible in government databases. Without an official tribal code, these communities remain excluded from crucial socio-economic development policies, resource allocation, and affirmative action programs.

“The lack of official recognition denies us access to key government services, funding, and legal protections,” Mr. Lekapana stated. “By securing a tribal code, we are not only affirming our identity but also ensuring that our voices are heard in national decision-making.”

This recognition is not just symbolic; it carries profound socio-economic implications. Data plays a pivotal role in shaping government policies, influencing budgetary allocations, and ensuring equitable distribution of resources. Without accurate statistics, these communities face systemic marginalisation, limiting their access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

NGEC Chairperson, Hon. Rehema Jaldesa, acknowledged the urgency of data-driven solutions to safeguard the rights of historically marginalised communities. “We cannot effectively address inequality without accurate data,” she remarked. “Recognising Hunter-Gatherer communities through a tribal code is a necessary step towards ensuring they receive their fair share of national resources and development initiatives.”

The push for an official tribal code aligns with Kenya's constitutional commitment to recognizing and protecting the rights of indigenous communities. The 2010 Constitution explicitly acknowledges the rights of marginalized groups, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens.

The petition presented by HUGAFO-K marks a pivotal moment in the quest for recognition and inclusion of hunter-gatherer communities in Kenya. As the NGEC reviews the petition, there is a collective hope among these communities that their cultural heritage will be honored, their identities affirmed, and their rightful place within the nation's socio-economic and political landscape secured.

The petition has ignited national conversations on indigenous rights, social justice, and inclusive governance. As Kenya continues to strive for equitable development, recognising the Hunter-Gatherer communities is an essential step towards rectifying historical injustices and fostering national cohesion.

The Hunter Gatherer Forum Kenya (HUGAFO-K), under the leadership of Chairperson Mr. Paul Lekapana.