Audit reveals ethnic bias in employment in Kenya's public universities
The MPs noted that some universities and colleges have been hiring staff primarily from the same ethnic community as their Vice-Chancellors or Principals, leading to skewed representation.
Public universities have come under scrutiny for failing to comply with laws meant to ensure ethnic diversity in staff recruitment.
The Public Investments Committee on Education and Governance, chaired by Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, raised concerns over the dominance of single ethnic groups in the employment of teaching and non-teaching staff, as well as in top leadership positions.
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The MPs noted that some universities and colleges have been hiring staff primarily from the same ethnic community as their Vice-Chancellors or Principals, leading to skewed representation.
This goes against the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) policy, which states that no more than a third of an institution’s workforce should come from a single ethnic group.
An audit of Sigalagala National Polytechnic revealed that out of 271 employees, 209, or 77 percent, were from the dominant ethnic group in the county, violating the law.
In response, Principal Evans Bosire attributed the imbalance to historical factors, stating that most of the employees were absorbed into permanent positions when Sigalagala was still a technical training institute.
He assured lawmakers that new vacancies are now advertised nationally to attract candidates from diverse backgrounds.
A similar concern was raised at Masinde Muliro University, where an analysis of staff records showed that 67 percent of its 972 employees were from one ethnic group.
Vice-Chancellor Solomon Shibairo defended the institution, explaining that while lower-cadre employees had been hired before the law was enacted, efforts were being made to diversify staff recruitment.
"Diversity has been achieved in top management, and this will continue in other segments of the university. We are doing everything possible to ensure that replacements reflect the diversity of our country and its people," said Shibairo.
At Kisiwa Institute, the audit revealed that 156 out of 170 employees, 92 percent, were from one ethnic group.
The management acknowledged the issue, stating that most staff were inherited from Kisiwa Youth Polytechnic.
Principal Emmanuel Wamalwa assured the committee that vacant positions are now advertised widely to attract candidates from different regions.
Alupe University also faced scrutiny after reports showed that 38 percent of its 97 employees were from the same ethnic group.
Vice-Chancellor Peter Barasa attributed this to historical factors, explaining that many employees were seconded from Moi University when Alupe was established.
However, he assured lawmakers that the institution has since adopted an affirmative hiring approach to encourage diversity.
The MPs warned that institutions failing to comply with these guidelines risk further scrutiny and possible sanctions.
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