Are the Voices of the minority loud enough?

The Yiaku indigenous community has over the years been silenced, and their civic space narrows every day as issues pertaining to their rights are discussed in their absence and policies implemented without in-depth consultation with them.

A case in point is the Climate Change (Amendment) Bill 2023, which was rushed through parliament without the effective participation of indigenous communities in its drafting. This Bill missed out on clearly detailing a benefits-sharing format of the carbon credits proceeds, that safeguards the rights of indigenous peoples, the Yiaku included, even though these communities are known to be the ones at the frontline of preserving and maintaining these resources. The Natural Resource Sharing Bill also seems to be headed in the same direction.

Speaking during a sensitisation workshop for the community, which was held on 24^th August 2023 Paul Leshuel, MCA Mukugodo East stated: “The benefit-sharing formula has to be discussed and agreed upon.” Mr Leshuel was speaking at the sensitisation workshop to strengthen communities with advocacy skills, and confidence organised by CEMIRIDE in partnership with CIVICUS that was held in Nanyuki town. The workshop was aimed at mobilising each community to step up and come together to make their voices louder in the fight for their rights.

CEMIRIDE in partnership with CIVICUS embarked on a sensitisation project to strengthen communities with advocacy skills, and confidence to mobilise each community to step up and come together to fight for their rights to be heard.

The sensitization project focused on the Yiaku community an indigenous community whose roots can historically traced to Mukogodo forests as hunter-gatherers and recently as the custodians and protectors of the Mukogodo forests. The Yiaku community is one of the leading communities in the production of honey, a tradition that has been passed on from generation to generation and preserved in the culture.

Indigenous Peoples in Kenya occupy almost 85 percent of Kenya’s landmass.  This population has over the years, for several reasons, been exposed to the most devastating impacts of climate change and environmental degradation. Their resilience to climate change impact has been affected due to exclusion from climate change action plans and implementation.

Nyangori Ohenjo, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Centre for Minority Rights Development (CEMIRIDE) emphasised that there should be no negotiations on natural resource benefits sharing without the indigenous peoples on the table.

The sensitization workshop focused on the Yiaku community whose roots can historically traced to Mukogodo forests as hunter-gatherers and the known custodians and protectors of the forest. The Yiaku community is one of the leading communities in the production of honey, a tradition that has been passed on from generation to generation and preserved in the culture.

Yasin Kimiri a member of the Yiaku community said: “When our voice goes down all our issues go dark….  The change we desire as an indigenous community will be addressed if we keep our voices louder. The Voices of the indigenous community can be heard if we come together, and merge the communities to form one voice.

Echoing the words of Yasin Kimiri a member of the Yiaku community, “When our voice goes down all our issues go dark”.  The change we desire as the indigenous community will be addressed if we keep our voices louder. Therefore, it is essential that their priorities, perspectives, desires, and aspirations be considered when making any planned choice that may have an impact on their way of life.

The sensitization forum was graced by Paul Leshuel MCA Mukogodo East, Jennifer Koinante Head of Yiaku Laikipia Trust, Charles Aoma Deputy OCS Doldol, Eunice Moile Nominated MCA representing the minority communities in Laikipia County and other duty bearers.