By Betty Luke
As Kenya’s indigenous women prepare for the 10th Annual National Indigenous Women Conference and the 10th anniversary of the Indigenous Women Council (IWC), Samburu Women Trust (SWT) is keen on amplifying the voices of indigenous youth and marginalized communities to ensure their priorities shape the national agenda.
During a youth mainstreaming dialogue convened this week, young indigenous leaders from Narok, Baringo, Isiolo, Laikipia, Marsabit, and Samburu counties demanded greater inclusion in land management committees and community land registers.
“Young people are often excluded from decision-making processes that directly affect their future. We want to be at the table where decisions on land, resources, and culture are made,” said one of the youth representatives during the forum hosted by SWT.
Participants cited ongoing marginalization on land issues, rising unemployment, culture erosion, and lack of mentorship as critical barriers.
However, land governance emerged as a top concern, with calls to integrate youth in community land governance structures and ensure their voices are reflected in legal and policy frameworks.
“Indigenous youth must step up as ambassadors of change in their communities. They must rise up and take up spaces where decisions are made. But, that can only happen if systems open up to their leadership and knowledge,” said SWT Executive Director Jane Meriwas.
The dialogue provided space for storytelling, cultural reflection, and strategy building, with contributions into the upcoming IWC conference agenda.
Besides the youth dialogue, SWT convened the first-ever all-indigenous Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) forum.
Women with disabilities shared their experiences, challenges with stigma, and called for meaningful representation in community development and resource allocation.
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) were also engaged to bolster inclusive advocacy and partnerships, with shared commitments to promote equity and indigenous rights.
Together, these forums are expected to shape a bold and inclusive roadmap toward the 10th IWC Anniversary.
With diverse voices now embedded in the planning process, this year’s conference is set to be one of the most inclusive and impactful gathering for indigenous communities in Kenya.
Indigenous Women Conference is an annual event that brings together women to discuss issues affecting their communities and push for change from the duty bearers.
