Citizenship as a pathway to addressing the marginalization of Nubian Women in Kibra, Kenya

Abstract

This paper presents the challenges experienced by Nubian women in Kenya, focusing on how citizenship impacts their rights, empowerment, and access to opportunities amidst systemic marginalization and discrimination. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach, involving 177 participants, including Nubian women, community elders, and local representatives. Data collected focused on experiences related to employment, education, access to healthcare, and the acquisition of identification documents. Through application of the Liberal Citizenship and Empowerment Theories the study examined how legal exclusion and lack of documentation limit Nubian women’s agency, access to resources, and participation in public spaces. While Liberal Citizenship Theory highlighted legal exclusion and institutional discrimination, Empowerment Theory emphasized the personal and structural limitations affecting marginalized women. Findings revealed high unemployment rates, difficulties in obtaining identification documents, limited access to
healthcare and underrepresentation in formal employment and government positions, despite educational attainment among some women. However, Civils society organizations like the Nubian Rights Forum, Namati, Kenya Human Rights Commission and Katiba institute have played a vital role in advocating for education and legal documentation, helping to raise awareness and improve access to opportunities. These findings highlight the need for continued advocacy and a call for inclusive national policies that recognize Nubians as full citizens and actively work to guarantee the rights and protection of Nubian communities, promoting social and economic opportunities, and implementing measures to safeguard against any form of discrimination or marginalization. These measures are essential for advancing the empowerment and securing equal rights for Nubian women.