are promoted, protected and fulfilled. The Respondent submits that it has ratified
the ICCPR and ICESCR with specific provisions on the protection of cultural rights
enshrined in its Constitution. 46 The Respondent avers that it has also effected
numerous legal and policy measures to ensure that cultural rights of
"indigenous people" in Kenya are upheld and protected. In this rega rd, the
Respondent reiterates that the 2010 Constitution of Kenya protects the right
of all Kenyans to promote their own culture.
174 . The Respondent underscores that while protecting the cultural rights,
it also has the responsibility to ensure a balance between cultural rights
v is-a-vis environmental conservation in order to undertake its obligation
to all Kenyans, particularly in view of the provisions of the Charter 47 and
its Constitution. 48 The Respondent further submits that the cultural rights
of indigenous people such as the Ogieks may encompass activities
related to natural resources , such as fishing or hunting which could have
a negative impact on the environment and these must be balanced
against other public interests. The Respondent urges the Court to bear
in
mind
the
intricate
balance
between
the
right
to
culture
and
environmental conservation for future generations .
1 7 5 . Furthermore, the Respondent stresses that as far as the Ogieks are concerned,
their life style has metamorphosed and the cultural and traditional practices which
made them distinct no longer exist, thus, the group itself no longer exists and it cannot
therefore claim any cultural rights . The Respondent also states that the
Ogieks no longer live as hunters and gatherers, thus, they cannot be
said to conserve the environment. They have adopted new and modern
ways
of living , including
bu i lding
permanent structures,
livestock
keeping and farming which would have a serious negative impa ct on the
forest if they are allowed to reside there .
46
See Article 2(5) and (6) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010: (5) "The general ru les of international shall
form part of the law of Kenya. (6) Any treaty or convention ratified by Kenya shall form part of the law of
Kenya under this Constitution." Article 44 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 provides for the right to use
the language and to participate in the cultural life of the person's choice.
47 Articles 1 and 24 of the Charter.
48 Article 69 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.
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