Lamu Community Spearhead Draft Bill for Minorities & Marginalized Groups

By The COAST reporter

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Khadija Fumo Champions Community-led Accountability in Lamu on Draft Bill for Minorities & Marginalised Groups

In a decisive demonstration of leadership and community commitment, Khadija Fumo has taken the initiative to convene an inclusive forum within the Lamu community, aimed at ensuring full enlightenment and engagement regarding the draft Bill on minority and marginalised communities.

This action comes in response to gaps identified during the national government’s public participation process, which many stakeholders in Lamu felt did not achieve the level of outreach and inclusion required.

Recognising the longstanding marginalisation and neglect faced by the Lamu region and its minority and marginalised groups, Ms Fumo acted to bridge the accountability and participation deficit.

By creating a space for open dialogue, information sharing and active community input, she has reinforced the principle that policy-making must be rooted in the lived experiences of those most affected.

The forum hosted members of the Lamu community, including elders, youth leaders, women’s groups, religious and cultural representatives, and civil society organisations.

Participants were given a detailed briefing on the draft Bill, the implications for minority and marginalised groups, and a platform to raise concerns, ask questions, and propose amendments.

The discussions reflected the deep aspiration of the community to be heard and to shape policies that directly affect their lives.

Ms Fumo emphasises that democracy is not simply about documents and declarations – it is about active hearing, real voice, and meaningful participation.

“If we are to correct decades of neglect, we must move beyond token consultations,” she stated. “This forum is about making sure the people of Lamu are not left on the margins of the margin.”

The importance of this draft Bill cannot be overstressed: it offers a legislative vehicle through which Kenya can strengthen recognition, protection and empowerment of minority and marginalised communities — many of whom remain underserved in infrastructure, access to public services, voice and representation.

In Lamu, where historical socio-economic grievances and geographic isolation have reinforced marginalisation, full community enlightenment and participation are vital to ensure the Bill reflects local realities and gains broad legitimacy.

By proactively convening the forum, Ms Fumo has set a powerful precedent of community-driven policy engagement. Her effort underscores three critical themes:

Accountability: The forum underscores the necessity for public institutions and policy-making processes to answer to citizens — not only to inform but to actively listen.

Participation: True participation means that communities not only attend consultations but genuinely influence outcomes and policy design.

Empowerment: Enabling the historically sidelined to claim their voice transforms them from passive beneficiaries to active agents of change.

Ms Fumo calls on the national government, county government and relevant institutions to recognise the outcome of this community forum and to integrate its recommendations into the final version of the Bill.

She urges that the upcoming national consultations adopt the same inclusive, transparent, and locally-responsive approach that this Lamu forum has demonstrated.

As Lamu prepares to submit its community-led inputs, the hope is that Kenya will advance towards a more inclusive legislative framework that honours the dignity, rights and aspirations of its minority and marginalised populations.