Pare community seeks recognition as a Kenyan tribe

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has received a petition from the Pare community in Taita Taveta County, seeking formal recognition as one of Kenya's tribes.  

The petition, presented by Taveta MP John Bwire on behalf of the community, requests their naturalisation and inclusion among Kenya’s officially recognised ethnic groups.  

“The petitioner prays that the Pare community in Kenya be recognized as one of the tribes of Kenya,” Bwire stated.  

The lawmaker urged the government to fulfill its mandate to promote and protect the country’s diverse cultural heritage.  

The Pare community has resided in Taveta Constituency for generations and constitutes a significant portion of the population in villages such as Jipe, Mata, Marodo, Ngutini, Kitoghoto, Eldoro, Kitobo, and Madarasani.  

The petition also calls for greater public and governmental acknowledgment of the community’s existence and contributions.  

Bwire revealed that a formal request for recognition was previously sent to the president, but the community has yet to receive an official response.

Earlier, Kindiki issued 3, 545 title deeds to the residents of Njukini and Eldoro in Taita Taveta County. 

He expressed the government’s commitment to Kenyans ascertaining ownership of their land in the shortest time possible.

“President William Ruto is aware of the land challenges in this region. We will ensure that all Kenyans who rightfully own land in Taita Taveta County and every part of the country get title deeds easily and on time,” he said.

The DP noted that an additional 20,000 title deeds are ready for issuance, as the government targets reducing the percentage of illegal landowners.