The Shona are finally in the Frontline on enjoying Kenyan citizenship.
This is briefly after CS Dr. Fred Matiang’i officially issued them citizenship certificates and identification cards at the officiating ceremony held earlier today.
The struggle has indeed been real for the Shona as they have lived without nationality for decades.
This has hindered their efforts in accessing education, employment, property ownership, and legal protection.
Lack of rights had rendered them vulnerable to oppression and abuse in all sectors of life.
Dr Fred Matiang’i confirms that the government under President Uhuru Kenyatta is keen on ending statelessness in the country.
However, he assured Kenyans that caution will be taken to limit criminal access to the country hence more stringent measures will be taken.
The Shona had battled long years of waiting and vetting in order to secure citizenship and their wait has finally paid off.
Dr. Matiang’i directed that all Shona people be allowed proper registration and simultaneous access to their identity cards.
School attendance was also stated as a compulsory directive for all the Shona children.
This exercise has acted as a relief to the Shona who had constantly lived in fear and ignited hope for other stateless refugees in our country.
The UNHCR in partnership with the KHCR has also applauded the Kenyan government for the path followed as a country that upholds human rights.
The commission also requested that an amendment of the Citizenship and Immigration Act be considered if at all the country wants to get a permanent solution.
*This article was written by Ivyonne Kwamboka for Uzalendo News. Email: uzalendonews@gmail.com for News tips and Inquiries.
