The minority Yaiku community in Laikipia county has called on the government to allocate them a ward to foster development.
A report released in 2010 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization listed the Yaiku language as one of the critically endangered in the country.
Others include Terik, El Molo, Ogiek, Omotik, Bong’om, Sogoo and Suba languages. But as the community strives to preserve its culture and language, members have decried underdevelopment that has further disadvantaged them.
Maxwell Kaise, the Doldol chief, said the Yaiku community would be reprieved if it had an MCA representing them in the Laikipia county government.
“Having somebody in the county assembly would ensure our plight is addressed and our interests fought for,” the chief said.
The Mukogodo forest area dominated by the community does not have a dispensary, he said, and a number of community members have died in transit to Doldol for treatment.
“Just recently, we lost a woman while she was giving birth with the assistance of traditional midwives. We would be greatly reprieved if a health facility was constructed here,” he added.
Further, ECDE learners have to walk for about eight kilometres to school, putting them at risk of encountering wild animals on their way through the forest.
This, the chief said, forces the community to wait until children are older to send them to school to ensure they have the knowhow of maneuvering the forest.
The chief noted that the minority community has only one person serving in the national government, Wildlife Principal Secretary Silvia Museiya, and that he is the second in seniority.
Ann Leitiku, a community member, also emphasised the need for a health facility in the area saying expectant mothers, especially teen mothers, have been struggling to access health care.
The hospital would also help to sensitise the community on social matters such as early sex, early marriages and proper diets.
Laitiku operates a cultural centre that she uses to teach children the Yaiku language and culture to save them from extinction.
“I am proud to be part of reviving our culture. These children will grow up with a strong knowledge of their culture.”
Elder Nakapilil Supuko said most members of the community struggle to fluently speak the Yaiku language.
