Govt grants citizenship to ”stateless Makonde people”

After 40 years of statelessness, members of the Makonde community, whose origin is traced to Mozambique, have finally won their battle to be recognised as Kenyan citizens. The Makonde people say they were born in Kenya after their parents arrived in the country in 1936 and were recruited to work on sisal and sugar farms […]

After 40 years of statelessness, members of the Makonde community, whose origin is traced to Mozambique, have finally won their battle to be recognised as Kenyan citizens.
The Makonde people say they were born in Kenya after their parents arrived in the country in 1936 and were recruited to work on sisal and sugar farms owned by European settlers in Kwale county. The population of the Makonde people in Kenya is estimated to be about 10,000. 
President Uhuru Kenya made the announcement at state house in the presence of representatives of Makonde people. He said “Between now and the month of December we shall ensure that all of you have been issued national identity cards so that you are fully recognised as Kenyan citizens. You are not foreigners in this country and today should mark the end of your suffering.”