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For generations, the Pare community in Taita Taveta County has called Kenya home. Yet, despite their deep historical ties to the region, they remain unrecognized as an indigenous Kenyan tribe. On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, their quest for formal recognition reached a critical juncture when Deputy President Kithure Kindiki officially received a petition advocating for their naturalization as Kenyan citizens.
The petition, championed by Taveta Constituency Member of Parliament John Bwire, is not just a plea for recognition but a declaration of the Pare community’s enduring presence and contributions to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of the region. It outlines the community’s historical migration into Kenya, tracing their roots to the Pare Mountains in northern Tanzania. Over time, they established settlements in Taveta, integrating with local communities and forming a majority in villages such as Jipe, Mata, Marodo, Ngutini, Kitoghoto, Eldoro, Kitobo, and Madarasani.
The Pare community, originally pastoralists and traders, became known for their unique skills in ironworking and agriculture. Their early settlement in Taveta positioned them as key players in cross-border trade between Kenya and Tanzania. Despite their contributions, the community’s lack of formal recognition has left them in a state of legal limbo, unable to access essential rights and services, including national identification documents, education, and healthcare.
Unlike the Shona, Pemba, and Makonde communities—who have successfully lobbied for recognition in recent years—the Pare have remained overlooked, their voices largely unheard in national discourse. Their marginalization is compounded by a lack of political representation, further limiting their ability to advocate for their rights.
The petition submitted to the Deputy President is grounded in Kenya’s constitutional provisions, particularly Articles 11 and 44, which emphasize the protection of ethnic and cultural diversity. It highlights the Pare community’s integral role in shaping the region’s identity and calls for the issuance of a Gazette notice formally recognizing them as Kenyan citizens. Additionally, it urges government institutions to accord the Pare equal rights and protections under the law.
“Kenyans of the Pare community have been an integral part of Taveta Constituency since time immemorial,” reads the petition. “Their contributions to the cultural, social, and economic life of this region cannot be overstated.”
MP Bwire noted that previous efforts to secure recognition had included direct appeals to the President, but these attempts yielded no formal response. The petition to the Deputy President represents a renewed push to bring the issue to the government’s attention.
In response, Deputy President Kindiki assured the petitioners that the government would take their request seriously. He pledged to engage relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, to ensure the matter is addressed comprehensively and equitably.
“This government is committed to upholding the principles of inclusivity and justice for all communities in Kenya,” said Kindiki. “We will thoroughly review this petition and consult widely to ensure a fair resolution.”
Recognition would grant the Pare full citizenship rights, enabling them to access opportunities and resources currently out of reach. Beyond legal rights, it would affirm their place in Kenya’s diverse cultural mosaic, fostering a sense of belonging and identity that has eluded them for decades.
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