Title: Long-awaited recognition for the Pemba community in Kenya
Introduction :
The Pemba community, estimated at 7,000 people, living mainly along the Kenyan coast, has experienced decades of harassment and marginalization. Following Kenya’s independence, they found themselves without nationality, deprived of basic rights such as access to health, education and property. However, a new era is emerging with the recent recognition of this community by the Kenyan government. In this article, we explore the implications of this recognition and the opportunities that are finally opening up for the Pemba community.
1. The origins of the Pemba community in Kenya
The lands where the Pemba community lives have long been under the sovereignty of the sultanates of Oman and the island of Zanzibar. However, upon Kenya’s independence, this community was denied the right to register as Kenyan citizens. The lack of recognition of their identity has led to years of disenfranchisement and discrimination.
2. The consequences of statelessness on the Pemba community
In the absence of official identity documents, the Pemba community has been deprived of its basic rights. They were denied health, education, entrepreneurship, property and even the simple possibility of moving freely. Many Pemba have had to turn to the black market to obtain false identity documents in order to live and work in Kenyan society.
3. Official recognition of the Pemba community
Last December, President Ruto announced that the Pemba community would finally be recognized by the Kenyan government. This announcement was followed by the issuance of the first birth certificates and identity cards for members of the community. This marks the end of decades of statelessness and opens new perspectives for the Pemba.
4. Opportunities to come
The official recognition of the Pemba community represents a glimmer of hope for its members. By finally obtaining official identity documents, they will be able to access basic services such as health and education. Additionally, it opens the door to new opportunities in terms of entrepreneurship and ownership. Finally, they will be able to move freely without fear of being illegally arrested or discriminated against.
Conclusion :
The official recognition of the Pemba community by the Kenyan government is a crucial step towards eliminating statelessness and marginalization of this community estimated at 7,000 people. This will finally allow them to fully enjoy their fundamental rights and access new opportunities. However, it is important to continue raising awareness about the right to identity for all marginalized communities around the world in order to end statelessness once and for all.