NAIROBI, Kenya, April 10 – The National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee has raised concerns over ethnic imbalance in staffing across senior government offices, urging strict adherence to diversity laws.
Led by Chairperson Tindi Mwale, the committee said many offices are dominated by employees from one ethnic community, in breach of constitutional requirements.
The issue emerged during a review of Auditor-General reports for the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 financial years on the Office of the Deputy President.
According to the report, 249 out of 542 employees—about 46 percent—came from a single community during the 2023/2024 period.
Mwale and Vice Chairperson Amina Udgoon Siyad said public institutions must reflect Kenya’s diversity.
“All public establishments need to represent the diversity of the people of Kenya. Top offices must lead by example,” Mwale said.
Siyad added that skewed hiring is both unconstitutional and unfair, noting Kenya has over 42 ethnic communities with qualified professionals.
Responding to the concerns, Principal Administrative Secretary Moses Mbaruku acknowledged past breaches but said corrective measures have been implemented.
He attributed the imbalance to previous administrations before Deputy President Kithure Kindiki took office, adding that recruitment has since improved.
Mbaruku said no single community now exceeds one-third of staff, with the highest representation at 23.4 percent, and diversity expanded to include 33 ethnic groups.
