KFS moves to address ethnic balance with new HR reforms

National Assembly Committee chaired by Mandera West Member of Parliament (MP) Adan Yussuf Haji/HANDOUT

The Kenya Forest Service has begun implementing sweeping human resource reforms aimed at addressing longstanding concerns over ethnic balance and inclusion within the agency.

Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko told the National Assembly Committee on Cohesion and Equal Opportunities that outdated policies had slowed compliance with legal requirements on diversity and equitable access to opportunities.

“The revised human resource policies were approved by the Public Service Commission last December, and we are now implementing reforms to ensure compliance with the law on ethnic balance,” Lemarkoko said.

Appearing before the committee chaired by Mandera West Member of Parliament (MP) Adan Yussuf Haji, Lemarkoko acknowledged that ethnic imbalance within KFS has been a historical and persistent challenge.

He, however, expressed confidence that the new policy framework would steer the agency towards greater inclusivity, noting that efforts over the past two years have already been directed at aligning the workforce with Kenya’s diversity.

Lawmakers raised concerns over gaps in ethnic representation, gender parity, and the inclusion of persons living with disabilities (PLWDs), pressing the agency to demonstrate measurable progress.

Lemarkoko assured the committee that upcoming recruitment drives would prioritise addressing these disparities, adding that the reforms are designed to expand access and create a more balanced workforce.

On the inclusion of persons with disabilities, he cited structural challenges within the service, noting that about 79 per cent of KFS recruits undergo paramilitary-style training, which may not be suitable for some candidates.

However, Kamukunji MP Abdi Hassan challenged the agency to benchmark with other disciplined services that have successfully integrated persons with disabilities despite similar training requirements.

In response, Lemarkoko said the revised policies would broaden opportunities for persons with disabilities, signalling a shift towards more inclusive recruitment practices.

He also revealed that the agency has promoted 1,600 officers under his leadership after years of stagnation, describing the move as part of broader reforms to improve staff morale and career progression.

On gender representation, Lemarkoko noted that women currently form the majority of trainees at the KFS college, a trend expected to significantly boost gender balance in future recruitment cycles.

Committee chair Haji urged the agency to lead by example, emphasising that as one of the country’s oldest state institutions, KFS must fully comply with constitutional requirements on inclusion and equity.

He called for sustained efforts and accountability to ensure the reforms translate into tangible outcomes.

Lemarkoko said the service would provide progress reports in subsequent engagements with the committee as it rolls out the new policies.