Rights of marginalised ethnic minorities in County Government in Kenya

The ethnic minorities in Kenya have been targets of long-standing discrimination, exclusion and sometimes violence. Poverty within ethnic communities in Kenya has been viewed as both a cause and a manifestation of the diminished rights, opportunities and social advancement available to them. In addition, they are poorly represented in political structures and decision-making bodies and consequently have little control over decisions that affect them. Ethnic minorities have been neglected and discriminated against in all aspects of their lives. They are often denied equal access to quality education and healthcare. Their members have limited job opportunities because of their low literacy levels. When their rights are violated, recourse to institutions of justice is often a major challenge. This book examines the potential of newly created county governments under devolved government in creating space for political participation and protection of socio-economic rights of ethnic minorities who have suffered discrimination, exclusion and marginalisation under centralised government.