Centre for Minority Rights Development (CEMIRIDE)

The Centre for Minority Rights Development (CEMIRIDE) is a Kenyan non-governmental organization established in 2001, dedicated to advocating for the rights of minority and indigenous peoples (MIPs) across Kenya and East Africa. With over two decades of experience, CEMIRIDE has developed expertise in strengthening the capacities of these communities to secure their economic, social, cultural, and political rights. The organization focuses on marginalized groups, including pastoralist, forest, and fisher communities, who, according to the 2019 Kenyan Census, constitute approximately 19% of the nation’s population (9,089,603 individuals). CEMIRIDE’s programs span critical areas such as governance, climate change, and access to justice, aiming to empower MIPs through public interest litigation, international advocacy, and capacity-building initiatives.

CEMIRIDE has a proven track record of amplifying the voices of communities like the Ogiek, Endorois, and Nubians, securing landmark legal victories related to land rights and natural resource access. It collaborates with diverse stakeholders, including local communities, government bodies, development partners, and international organizations like the International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA). The organization also engages in research, policy advocacy, and strategic partnerships to influence legislative frameworks and promote inclusion in development processes. Notable initiatives include climate-smart agriculture projects and storytelling campaigns to highlight indigenous resilience. CEMIRIDE remains a pivotal force in fostering equity and justice for MIPs in the region.

For more information, visit: https://www.cemiride.org