The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) has backed petitions calling for the formal recognition of the Pare and Chuka communities as distinct tribes.
Dr. Macdonald Obudho, Director General (DG) of the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), voiced his support for the petitions while appearing before a parliamentary committee chaired by Janet Sitienei (Turbo) on June 18.
In the session, Obudho made submissions on Petition No. 1 of 2025, regarding the Pare community, and Petition No. 9 of 2025, concerning the Chuka people.
The KNBS DG explained the importance of detailed ethnic data collection in a diverse nation like Kenya.
“Statistical accuracy is best achieved when data is collected at the most distinct level,” he said.
“Avoiding the generalization of communities will enhance equality and ensure that all Kenyans are accounted for.”
KNBS on Recognizing Pare and Chuka Communities
The petitions come amid growing calls for the inclusion of smaller or previously unrecognised communities in national datasets.
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This move, KNBS states, will unlock access to public services, representation, and cultural preservation.
The Pare community, largely based in Taveta Constituency of Taita Taveta County, was listed among 6,272 stateless persons in the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census.
While some groups previously categorized as stateless including the Makonde, Shona, Wapemba, and Kenyans of Asian descent, have since been officially recognized as tribes, the Pare remain unacknowledged.
Unrecognized Community
On the other hand, the Chuka community found in Tharaka-Nithi County, are currently treated as one of nine sub-groups within the broader Meru ethnic community.
Petitioners argue that their distinct cultural and linguistic heritage warrants separate recognition.
Lawmakers expressed frustration over the slow pace of progress in resolving statelessness.
“Why has the Government neglected communities that have lived on this land long before national borders were drawn?” asked the committee’s vice chairperson Janet Sintienei, referencing Article 16 of the Constitution which guarantees citizenship rights.
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On his part, Taita Taveta MP John Bwire urged the government to end what he called unconstitutional discrimination.
Parliament on Community Recognition
“Recognizing people as stateless contradicts Article 27 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality and freedom from discrimination,” he said.
Obudho acknowledged the KNBS’s limited role in recognition decisions, stating that the mandate rests with the Ministry of Interior and National Administration.
However, he urged Parliament to fast-track the petitions in partnership with the Ministry ahead of the 2029 national census.
“The ultimate goal is equitable representation and inclusive data. Only then can Kenya achieve meaningful development for all,” Obudho said.
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