Presented by the PSC chairperson, Anthony Muchiri, the report highlights that only nine ethnic groups are represented in parastatals.
“Aweer/Waata, Dahalo, Gosha, Konso, Makonde, Nubi, Walwana/Malakote, Wayyu, and Kenyan Americans ethnic communities were not represented,” Mr Muchiri stated.
“However, except for Dahalo and Kenyan Americans, these ethnic communities are represented in parastatals.”
The report reveals that 36 ethnic communities are represented in ministries and departments, aligning with the 2019 census, while nine are unaccounted for.
The parliamentary report underscores the overrepresentation of the Kikuyu and Kalenjin communities in the public service.
According to the report, out of 75,031 slots in ministries and State departments, the Kikuyu hold 16,691 (22.25 percent), and the Kalenjin hold 10,565 (14 percent).
Following closely, the Luhya community occupies 8,879 positions (11.83 percent), while the Luo community controls 7,774 (10.36 percent), and the Kamba hold 6,874 (9.16 percent).
Other communities have varying percentages of representation, with Kenyan Europeans and the Hawiyah ethnic community each holding one slot, constituting 0.0013 percent of the jobs.
Additionally, specific ethnic groups, such as Dasnach-Shangil, Elmolo, Boni-Sanye, Sakuye, Murulle, Kenyan Asian, Dorobo, Njemps, Taveta, and Burji, are represented in smaller numbers.
The report stems from a statement sought by nominated Senator Godfrey Otsotsi on equal representation in government recruitment processes.
It further reveals that in the 2022/23 financial year, the Kikuyu and Kalenjin communities were disproportionately represented in the public service.
Despite their smaller populations, the Kikuyu and Kalenjin held significant percentages of available jobs, while smaller ethnic groups faced underrepresentation or outright exclusion.
To address these disparities, the PSC has launched Phase II of affirmative action programs to ensure inclusivity across all public institutions under its jurisdiction, building upon progress made during previous financial years.
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