A report by the Public Service Commission of Kenya covering the 2022/2023 financial year, revealed that out of the 46 ethnic communities recorded in Kenya, 35 out of 44 had normal representation in the public service.
However, some communities were found to have a disproportionate share according to this latest PSC report.
The PSC annual reports revealed signs of what could be described as the politics of ethnicity and exclusion.
Communities with the highest representation, ranging from 21.8% to 2.1%, included the Kalenjin, Kikuyu, Luo, Luhya, Kamba, Meru, Kisii, Maasai, Taita, and Mijikenda.
Notably, Kikuyu and Kalenjin communities topped the charts as grossly overrepresented, meaning their numbers in the public service exceeded their recorded national size.
They are closely followed by the Kisii and Luo communities.
Conversely, the Maasai, Turkana, Luhya, and Mijikenda were deemed underrepresented according to PSC statistics.
The Kenyan Somali community, despite its growing influence in various parts of the country, was classified as grossly underrepresented.
At the bottom of the representation scale were the Kenyan American and Dahalo communities, who were reported to have no representation in the public service.
The report also raised concerns about the inadequate representation of persons with disabilities, as the 5% threshold had not been met in various government entities.
The report further recommended the implementation of a time-bound affirmative action program to achieve this goal by June 30, 2024.
Article 232 of the Kenyan constitution
Article 232 of the 2010 Kenyan constitution stipulates that the public service must reflect the diversity of Kenyan communities, providing equal opportunities in appointment, training, and advancement at all levels.
The article states, “(1) The values and principles of public service include – (h) representation of Kenya’s diverse communities; and (i) affording adequate and equal opportunities for appointment, training and advancement, at all levels of the public service, (i) of men and women; (ii) the members of all ethnic groups; (iii)and persons with disabilities.
It further adds that the values and principles of public service apply to public service in- (a) all State organs in both levels of government; and (b) all State corporations.
The act also directs that (3) Parliament shall enact legislation to give full effect to this Article.
The PSC report has recommended that all public and state organs should comply with the requirement of fair competition and merit.
