21 University Accused of Ethnic-Based Recruitment Violations: LIST
University managers are under intense scrutiny for perpetuating ethnic-based recruitment practices, according to a recent report that highlights violations of equal employment opportunity laws.
An audit has identified at least 21 public universities as central to this issue, including the hiring of top managers.
Auditor General Nancy Gathungu’s revelations indicate a pattern where the dominant ethnic community in a university’s location receives the majority of jobs.
The report reviewed universities’ accounts as of June 30, 2022, and found that the management of these universities breached the law.
The law stipulates that no single community should hold more than 33 percent of jobs in any government entity, as outlined in Section 7(2) of the National Cohesion and Integration Act, 2008.
21 University Accused of Ethnic-Based Recruitment Violations: LIST
Among the universities named, Kenyatta University was noted for employing 1,185 Kikuyus, making up 42 percent of its workforce, leaving only 1,661 jobs for other communities.
Despite repeated notices of this violation, the university’s management has not made efforts to correct it. In 2022, 61 staff members were recruited, with 25 (41 percent) from one community and the remaining 36 from nine communities.
Other universities cited include:
- Kibabii University: 75 percent of jobs held by Luhyas (324 out of 430 employees).
- Alupe University: 38 percent of staff were Luhyas.
- Taita Taveta University: 37 percent of jobs held by Taitas.
- Friends University Kaimosi: 67 percent of staff were Luhyas.
- Maseno University: 721 out of 1,131 employees were Luos.
- Rongo University: 73 percent of jobs held by Luos.
- Tom Mboya University College: 66 percent of employees were Luos.
- Kirinyaga University: 71 percent of staff were Kikuyus.
- Dedan Kimathi University: 66 percent of jobs held by Kikuyus.
- Murang’a University: 60 percent of staff were Kikuyus.
- Meru University: 65 percent of employees were from the dominant community.
- Kisii University: 70 percent of the workforce were Kisiis.
- Moi University: 62 percent of staff were Kalenjins.
- University of Eldoret: 57 percent of employees were Kalenjins.
- Bomet University College: 45 percent of jobs held by Kalenjins.
- Machakos University: 60 percent of staff were Kambas.
- Garissa University: 60 percent of employees were from the Somali community.
- JKUAT: 45 percent of staff were from one community.
- Maasai Mara University: 35 percent of staff were locals.
- Turkana University: 35 percent of jobs held by locals.
Broader Implications and Recommendations
The Public Service Commission’s recent report on ethnic balance in public service also flagged overrepresentation of certain communities, particularly the Kikuyu and Kalenjin, who have dominated government jobs.
As of December 31, 2023, these two communities held 51,994 and 43,983 government jobs, respectively, while the Luo held 29,594 jobs, and Kisiis commanded seven percent of civil service positions.
To address this imbalance, the PSC aims to halt recruitment from dominant tribes until a balanced ethnic representation is achieved.
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The Public Service Commission (Affirmative Action) Regulations, 2024, propose that underrepresented communities be given preferential treatment in recruitment without undue reliance on fair competition or merit.
This regulation will apply where ethnic, gender, or special interest group representation is inadequate in public service or institutions.
Calls for Action
A report by the National Assembly National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity Committee further highlighted how parastatal leaders have been staffing their organizations with members of their own tribes.
The report showed that five communities—Kikuyu, Kalenjin, Luhya, Luo, and Kamba—dominate state agency jobs, emphasizing the need for immediate corrective measures to ensure fair and equitable employment practices in public institutions.
21 University Accused of Ethnic-Based Recruitment Violations: LIST
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