State Agencies Put To Task On Employment Diversity

By: John Kariuki

Four State Agencies have appeared before the Committee of National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity on employment diversity and compliance with the thirty (30) percent public procurement reservation for special interest groups as provided for under section 157(5) of the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act.

In a session chaired by Liza Chelule, the National Youth Service, Kenya Airports Authority,

Kenya Electricity Generating Company and Kenya National Highway Authority made submissions before Members of the Committee.

The National Youth Service has a total of 2,260 employees. According to a report before the Committee, 873 employees are female and 1,387 are male employees. Out of Kenya’s 46 Communities, only 33 Communities are represented in the service. Mr. James Tembur.

Speaking during his presentation, Ag. Director General, Mr. Tembur said that they face challenges during recruitment. “There is a lack of minimum qualifications from the minority communities,” he added.

Committee Members also met with the management of Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) led by the CEO, Mr. Alex Gitari.

Legislators were particularly disappointed with the procurement report submitted by Mr. Gitari, noting that it doesn’t merit the standards of admission.

On his part, Mr. Abraham Serem, CEO Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KENGEN), mentioned that despite the advertisements put in place, the organization still receives low numbers of Persons with Disability (PWDs) employing. Out of 2,602 employees, the company has 44 PWDs.

Lawmakers’ were briefed that the majority of employees in Kenya National Highway Authority (KENHA) are between 35 years to 39 years.  Eng. Kungu Ndungu further explained that applicants from the disadvantaged groups who submit their candidature for vacant positions fail to meet the required minimum requirements leading to the disqualification from the recruitment process.

However, Members were not satisfied with the documents presented before them.

Liza Chelule who chaired the meeting told the agencies to take note of all the issues raised and resubmit their reports before the next meeting.