The Constitution of Kenya and the Land Question of the Forest indigenous Communities

Published on 10 August 2014, this article by Peter kitelo examines how the Constitution of Kenya 2010 aimed to establish institutions that would promote aspirations of the people, based on integrity, equality, social justice, and people’s democracy.

This included protections for "marginalised" groups, including indigenous communities defined as those maintaining "a traditional lifestyle and livelihood based on a hunter or gatherer economy" and  “a traditional community that out of a need or desire preserve its unique culture and identity from assimilation, has remained outside the integrated socialand economic life of Kenya as a whole".

Four years on, anti-constitutional political forces are still in office. Consequently, indigenous forest communities, defined as “marginalised communities”, have not seen any benefits from the ideals laid down in the constitution.

To read the full article please click here.

Peter kitelo is Strategic Director, CIPDP and convener FIPN