The Nubian community in Kenyan can now smile following President William Ruto’s declaration of their formal recognition this year.
Ruto said Tuesday, when he hosted Muslims for an Iftar at State House, that plans are underway to integrate this minority group into the Kenyan society as he appreciated their impact in nation building.
He said, “Our Nubian brothers and sisters are solid members of the Kenyan society.”
“They are going to be mainstreamed into the Kenya community either by Madaraka Day or Jamhuri Day...at least this year we shall conclude the exercise of them being mainstreamed as part of Kenyan society,” he said.
According to the Head of State, the group has made huge contributions to the development of the nation and the progress of Kenya.
Kenyan Nubians are said to number over 100,000.
Their recognition will make them the 43rd tribe in Kenya.
Despite having lived in Kenya for a long time, the community has historically been denied their rightful place in the country they call home.
They continued to face significant challenges, including statelessness and limited access to citizenship, education, and employment.
They are primarily found in Kibera and other informal settlements across the country, particularly in cities like Kisumu and Mombasa.
Ruto, at the same time, emphasised the need for unity in the country, noting he is going to pursue that which brings all Kenyans, regardless of religion, ethnic and political background together.
He said the government of Kenya is such big that it can be able to accommodate everyone and that no one should exit for another one to come in.
“We can all fit in, and nobody needs to walk out for somebody else to come in,” he said.
“If there is anyone who was doubting, we now have the broad-based government, and it is not yet full. Nobody has to to leave for others to come in, and that is the beauty of our nation and that is the beauty of unity,” he stated.
Ruto further assured the Muslims that the longstanding issues affecting Waqf, a commission which would be in charge of the management of Islamic endowments, would soon be resolved.
“I can assure you that the issues of Waqf will be sorted out within months,” Ruto stated.
