President William Ruto has embarked on a calculated campaign to consolidate support among Kenya's minority and marginalised communities, leveraging state functions to signal a new era of inclusion. This week, the strategy culminated in a high-profile event at State House, Nairobi, where the President hosted thousands of delegates to mark World Minority Rights Day.

The move is more than ceremonial. It represents a deliberate political strategy to build a broad coalition ahead of the 2027 general election. By directly engaging groups that have historically been on the political periphery, the President is aiming to secure new voting blocs while addressing long-standing grievances of exclusion that date back to independence.

A Strategy of Promises

At the heart of this outreach is a raft of government promises. On Thursday, President Ruto announced the cabinet's approval of the first-ever National Policy on Ethnic Minorities, Indigenous and Marginalised Communities. He described the policy as a "transformative blueprint" designed to turn constitutional promises into concrete action.

Key commitments unveiled include:

• Affirmative Action: The policy introduces quotas in public service employment, procurement, and access to credit for minority groups.
• Political Representation: The administration pledged to pursue legislative changes to guarantee inclusive nominations and representation in Parliament and county assemblies for these communities.
• Institutional Support: A new Minorities and Marginalised Affairs Directorate will be established within the President's office to oversee the policy's implementation.

This charm offensive is not without precedent, but its scale is notable. The State House event saw some 5,000 delegates from over 38 counties, including communities like the Ogiek, Rendille, Nubians, and Makonde. Head of Public Service Felix Koskei emphasised that the event reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring no community is left behind.

The Political Calculus

While framed around inclusivity, these actions are deeply embedded in the President's 2027 re-election strategy. Analysts note that the administration is blending state-driven development projects with grassroots mobilisation to lock in support beyond its traditional strongholds. This outreach comes as the political landscape shifts, with President Ruto's administration facing criticism on economic management and the controversial privatisation of state assets.

Critics, however, question the timing and motives. The use of State House and public resources for events that double as political gatherings has drawn accusations of abuse of power. Some commentators argue that hosting large delegations at the presidential residence blurs the line between official duties and early campaigning, giving the incumbent an unfair advantage.

The long-term impact of this strategy remains to be seen. For communities that have long felt invisible, the recognition is significant. Yet, the ultimate test will be whether these high-profile promises translate into tangible improvements in their daily lives—creating jobs, improving access to services, and ensuring their voices are heard long after the election cycle ends.