MPs back stringent rules to ensure ethnic inclusion in public offices

MPs have expressed support for a proposal by the Public Service Commission seeking to enforce compliance with laws on ethnic balance and equal opportunities.

The proposal, contained in the Public Service Diversity Policy, 2016, is set to institute stricter oversight of diversity in state institutions.

PSC chief executive officer Paul Famba, while appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Cohesion and Equal Opportunities, said the draft document is designed to address ethnic inequalities in the public service while enhancing service delivery.

“The policy promotes fairness, inclusion and representation in access to employment, training and development in the civil service,” Famba told the committee chaired by Mandera West MP Adan Yussuf.

He said approval of the policy by the National Assembly would help build a more united, efficient and effective public service.

The CEO noted that under-representation of some ethnic groups and the low inclusion of Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) informed the development of the policy.

The draft document promotes equality of opportunity in hiring, training and promotion at all levels of the public service.

It also institutionalises diversity, establishes effective monitoring frameworks, and ensures the public service reflects the diverse nature of Kenyan communities.

Lawmakers endorsed the proposals, saying they would compel state agencies to adhere to legal requirements on diversity and inclusion while ensuring public institutions reflect the country’s ethnic composition.

“The policy would make it compulsory for state agencies to follow the law and support the committee’s efforts to ensure that public institutions reflect the diversity of Kenya in their staffing,” Haji said.

Lamu Woman Representative Marubu Muthoni said the framework would also tackle gender disparities, particularly the exclusion of women from employment and leadership positions.

“We want to see a public service where women have equal access to leadership opportunities just like their male colleagues,” she said.

Nyeri Town MP Duncan Mathenge called for a review of the internship programme to include diploma and certificate holders.

He said the internship currently favours degree graduates only.

“The current programme mainly supports degree holders, leaving out those with diplomas and certificates who also form a large group. It should be reviewed to include everyone,” he said.

Shinyalu MP Fredrick Ikana urged that the policy addresses youth access to jobs and government tenders.

He warned that low youth representation in public service raises concerns about sustainability and succession.

Juja MP George Koimburi noted that representation of PLWDs remains below the required threshold in many institutions and called for measures to address barriers to employment.

“We must address the reasons why such groups are not securing jobs in the public service,” he said.

The commission noted they would incorporate MPs’ submissions into the final draft.

At the same time, the committee commended the PSC for surpassing the legal threshold for employing PLWDs, with a report showing that 6.4 per cent of its staff are persons with disabilities, above the required five per cent.

“This is a good example to other state institutions that meeting this requirement is possible,” Haji said.

INSTANT ANALYSIS

The Diversity Policy for the Public Service, 2016, is a framework developed by the Public Service Commission to address historical imbalances and ensure representation in the public sector. It aligns with Articles 10 and 232 of the Constitution to foster inclusion across ethnic, gender, disability, and marginalised lines.