We recently welcomed our PLTJ UK chairlady Maria Teresa on her annual trip to spend some quality time with everyone at Tumaini. During her stay we made a visit to Kibera to visit the Nubian Musician group Safina who partners with us to promote awareness of the Nubians in Kenya, a large number of whom also reside in Isiolo. The Nubian community represent a minority in Isiolo, as they have been unrecognised as Kenyan citizens since independence in 1963 and only accepted in 2011 as the 43rd tribe in Kenya.
While Isiolo boasts a myriad of tribes and cultures, it is dominated by the Borana tribe, where within the same tribe are over 13 different clans all claiming their stake as part of the Borana majority. This tribe has taken over most of the governing seats in Isiolo including that of the County Governor, giving them the power to decide the direction of community development funds. The intention of one leader is easily overwhelmed by the demands and expectations of his own tribe.
The Nubians are struggling to sustain themselves in the face of rapid growth and development. We prioritize such minority communities by involving them in peacebuilding projects and advocacy campaigns. It is our continuing effort to uplift the Nubian culture and keep them relevant in a fast developing Kenya which is still yet to fully recognize the Nubians as Kenyan citizens.
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