After five decades of statelessness, 10,000 Makonde people residing in the Coast region are now Kenyan citizens, complete with identification documents.
The historic move by President Uhuru Kenyatta to make them Kenya’s 43rd tribe has given them a new lease of life as they will now enjoy rights and access crucial services as follows;
Secure bank loans - The Makondes can now empower themselves financially through bank loans.
Free health services – They can now register for the National Hospital Insurance Fund and subsequently benefit from subsidized, and in some instances, free healthcare services.
Mobile Money Services - They can now directly access services such as M-Pesa, which they hitherto could not do as they did not have ID cards. Most of them had to go through third-party agents, often at a fee, to access the services.
Vote - They can now register as voters and subsequently exercise their democratic right to vote during elections.
Free movement – In an era where security operations and tight checks are a norm, particularly to guard against terror attacks, the Makondes will have the freedom to walk around and enter any building without the fear of being detained or denied access.
Bursary – As Kenyan citizens, they can now easily acquire birth certificates as well as qualify for CDF bursary programs.
Recruitment – As citizens, they now qualify for recruitment into the disciplined forces, among them the Kenya Police and the Kenya Defense Forces.
Relief for the elderly – The aged in this small community will now be integrated into the state-sponsored Cash Transfer programme for the elderly.