Government moves to resolve Pare community statelessness in Taveta

ARNOLD LINGA MASILA-KNA

The Government has taken steps to recognize the Pare community in Taveta Sub-County as part of ongoing efforts to address statelessness in the country.

The development was announced during an event presided over by Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime, with support from the Minorities and Marginalized Affairs Unit (MMAU).

The process is expected to pave the way for the community’s formal recognition in Kenyan. Mwadime noted that the lack of official recognition has for years denied members of the Pare community access to essential social services and economic opportunities.

“Living without official recognition has limited access to opportunities for the Pare community, both socially and economically. This process marks a new beginning towards inclusion and full citizenship,” he said.

The initiative follows a presidential directive aimed at addressing marginalization and statelessness nationwide.

Consequently, National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs) in border counties have been tasked with fast-tracking the identification and registration of affected communities.

The Pare community in Taveta, estimated to comprise several thousand people, has lived along the Kenya-Tanzania border for decades and has faced challenges in acquiring national identification documents.

A community member, speaking during the event, expressed optimism about the process, saying the recognition would open up access to education, healthcare and employment opportunities that have long been out of reach.