Kenya’s National Assembly’s Public Petitions Committee has received a petition seeking the official recognition of the Chuka community as a distinct tribe in Kenya. The petition was presented on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, by Chuka MP Patrick Ntwiga on behalf of the Chuka community, which resides in Tharaka Nithi County. Ntwiga highlighted the community’s unique historical, cultural, social, and economic characteristics, emphasizing that the Constitution recognizes the importance of culture and the right of individuals to enjoy their culture and use their language.

The Chuka community, numbering over 117,000 individuals, primarily located in Tharaka … , has maintained distinct governance structures, economic activities … . However, they have been compelled to identify as Meru … . A Chuka elder accompanying the petitioner highlighted the challenges faced … practice religion, and participate fully in society.”

This move aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to recognize and integrate various communities into the national framework, as seen with the recent recognition of the Nubian community. President William Ruto announced in December 2024 that the Nubian community would be gazetted as a new tribe in Kenya, acknowledging the challenges they faced due to lack of proper recognition. This precedent may influence the consideration of the Chuka community’s petition.