A recent report by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has revealed that five of Kenya’s largest ethnic communities dominate public sector employment, holding more than 70 percent of positions in State corporations.
The report highlights that the Kikuyu, Kalenjin, Luo, Luhya, and Kamba communities occupy the majority of senior government roles, leaving the remaining 38 ethnic groups with limited opportunities. NCIC warns that this ethnic imbalance threatens national unity and social cohesion.
According to the 2025 ethnic and diversity audit, these five communities, together with the Kisii, Meru, and Mijikenda, occupy a staggering 88 percent of all jobs in State corporations. Only 12 percent of roles are left for the remaining minority groups. NCIC Commissioner Danvas Makori described the situation as “shocking,” noting that eight communities control nearly 90 percent of public sector jobs.
Several government institutions, including Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, were flagged for non-compliance, with over 67 percent of positions held by dominant ethnic groups. The report attributes this imbalance to political patronage, with the same eight communities controlling 86 percent of CEO positions. Notably, the Kikuyu, Kalenjin, Luo, and Luhya alone hold almost two-thirds of top leadership roles.
The audit also revealed a significant gender gap, with men occupying 62 percent of positions in State corporations, while women hold only 22 percent of CEO roles—far below the constitutional two-thirds gender requirement.
Public universities reflect a similar trend. The five dominant communities occupy 85.7 percent of all university jobs, leaving the remaining 38 ethnic groups to share less than 15 percent. Kikuyu representation leads at 22.9 percent, followed by Kalenjin (15.7%), Luo (15.6%), and Luhya (15.4%).
NCIC Chairperson Samuel Kobia emphasized that ethnic favoritism and gender imbalance threaten social cohesion, urging urgent reforms. “Where there is no compliance, we launch ethnic audits—even in counties,” Kobia said.
Unless addressed, this persistent inequality in public employment could continue undermining Kenya’s goal of national unity and equitable opportunities.
