ADVOKS GLOBAL · KENYA
National Cohesion and Integration Act
25. Objects and functions of the Commission
Edition: 2022-12-31 · In force
25. Objects and functions of the Commission
(1)The object and purpose for which the Commission is established is to facilitate and promote equality of opportunity, good relations, harmony and peaceful co-existence between persons of the different ethnic and racial communities of Kenya, and to advise the Government on all aspects thereof.(2)Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the Commission shall—(a)promote the elimination of all forms of discrimination on the basis of ethnicity or race;(b)discourage persons, institutions, political parties and associations from advocating or promoting discrimination or discriminatory practices on the ground of ethnicity or race;(c)promote tolerance, understanding and acceptance of diversity in all aspects of national life and encourage full participation by all ethnic communities in the social, economic, cultural and political life of other communities;(d)plan, supervise, co-ordinate and promote educational and training programmes to create public awareness, support and advancement of peace and harmony among ethnic communities and racial groups;(e)promote respect for religious, cultural, linguistic and other forms of diversity in a plural society;(f)promote equal access and enjoyment by persons of all ethnic communities and racial groups to public or other services and facilities provided by the Government;(g)promote arbitration, conciliation, mediation and similar forms of dispute resolution mechanisms in order to secure and enhance ethnic and racial harmony and peace;(h)investigate complaints of ethnic or racial discrimination and make recommendations to the Attorney-General, the Human Rights Commission or any other relevant authority on the remedial measures to be taken where such complaints are valid;(i)investigate on its own accord or on request from any institution, office, or person any issue affecting ethnic and racial relations;(j)identify and analyze factors inhibiting the attainment of harmonious relations between ethnic communities, particularly barriers to the participation of any ethnic community in social, economic, commercial, financial, cultural and political endeavours, and recommend to the Government and any other relevant public or private body how these factors should be overcome;(k)determine strategic priorities in all the socio-economic political and development policies of the Government impacting on ethnic relations and advise on their implementation;(l)recommend to the Government criteria for deciding whether any public office or officer has committed acts of discrimination on the ground of ethnicity or race;(m)monitor and review all legislation and all administrative acts relating to or having implications for ethnic or race relations and equal opportunities and, from time to time, prepare and submit to the Government proposals for revision of such legislation and administrative acts;(n)initiate, lobby for and advocate for policy, legal or administrative reforms on issues affecting ethnic relations;(o)monitor and make recommendations to the Government and other relevant public and private sector bodies on factors inhibiting the development of harmonious relations between ethnic groups and on barriers to the participation of all ethnic groups in the social, economic, commercial, financial, cultural and political life of the people;(p)undertake research and studies and make recommendations to the Government on any issue relating to ethnic affairs including whether ethnic relations are improving;(q)make recommendations on penalties to be imposed on any person for any breach of the provisions of the Constitution or of any law dealing with ethnicity;(r)monitor and report to the National Assembly the status and success of implementation of its recommendations;(s)issue notices directing persons or institutions involved in actions or conduct amounting to violations of human rights on the basis of ethnicity or race to stop such actions or conduct within a given period; and(t)do all other acts and things as may be necessary to facilitate the efficient discharge of its functions.