Rumuruti: The Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, has reaffirmed the government’s dedication to enhancing the lives of marginalized and minority communities through improved access to quality healthcare, education, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
According to Kenya News Agency, Koskei spoke during the launch of a two-day Cultural and Tourism Festival in Rumuruti Town, Laikipia County, highlighting the Kenya Kwanza Administration’s efforts to support these communities. The administration has established a Directorate of Minorities with fully functional offices to address long-standing neglect. Koskei emphasized President Dr. William Ruto’s directive to create a unit focused on minority and marginalized affairs to ensure these groups have a dedicated office.
Among the government’s initiatives is an education bursary fund and free registration for Social Health Assurance for vulnerable groups. Koskei mentioned the government’s commitment to supporting minority education through scholarships in partnership with the private sector, with plans to identify vulnerable children for sponsorship. He also emphasized the importance of addressing gender and minority issues in the country.
The Laikipia event has gathered diverse communities to celebrate cultural diversity, aiming to promote cultural tourism and foster co-existence among pastoral communities historically involved in cattle rustling. Koskei highlighted the importance of cultural identity through language, food, and lifestyle, noting the impact of Westernization on traditional African ways of living.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano emphasized cultural tourism’s potential to increase visitor numbers to Kenya, which saw a significant rise last year, resulting in annual earnings exceeding Sh500 billion. Miano stated that the government is engaging all communities as part of its tourism sector mandate, citing a steady increase in tourists over the past four years, with about 2.7 million foreign visitors in 2025.
Leaders from Laikipia County expressed optimism that marginalized communities will benefit from continued leadership under President William Ruto, who has directed significant infrastructural development. They urged locals to support his re-election bid next year.
