Marginalisation in Kenya in historical perspective (1963-2021): The starts, false starts and the last promise

Abstract

The African Peer Review Mechanism Country Review Mission (CRM) observed as follows in relation to marginalisation in Kenya: There exists in Kenya an asymmetric exclusion of different social groups, i.e., various groups have been excluded for different reasons and face different structural problems. It is not appropriate to paint with very broad-brush strokes when designing appropriate intervention or advocacy measures for affected populations. The major problem for disadvantaged groups seems to be the inadequacy of government resources required to bolster service delivery efforts. The inequitable allocation of resources to certain areas and sectors of society has also spawned systemic marginalisation and discrimination, which affects vulnerable groups disproportionately. Affirmative action is more appropriate for those groups that require the removal of structural barriers and the strengthening of policy tools and development inputs for those whose problems stem from inaccessibility of resources and infrastructure.