Ethnicity rife in public offices, House team told

By Peter Opiyo and Robert Nyasato

Concerns have been raised over ethnic-based recruitment in Government and institutions of higher learning.

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission told a House team the worrying trend contravenes Section 7 of the National Cohesion and Integration Act.

Commission Chairman Mzalendo Kibunjia told the Parliament’s Equal Opportunity Committee the Act requires not more than a third of the staff come from one ethnic community.

Dr Kibunjia said they have received numerous complaints from the public on Government departments and public institutions that have flouted this rule.

He said the commission would investigate the reports as the Committee Chairman and Nominated MP Mohammed Affey promised to summon any minister implicated.

"At this time when the country is healing we want every Government department to have the face of Kenya," said Mr Affey.

He said some of the universities cited are Maseno and Chuka.

Hate speech

Kibunjia said hate speech was common with politicians and from FM stations.

He said the commission was exploring the need to have speech monitors to curb the vice and necessary legislation to that effect. These measures, he said, should be in place before 2012.

Kibunjia said civic education was needed to educate the public on repercussions of hate speech.

The commission also faulted the quota system employed in admission of students to schools, saying it does not promote unity.

Meanwhile, a university professor has accused politicians of fuelling negative ethnicity, which led to bloodshed after the last General Election.

Kisii University College Principal John Sorana Akama said politicians were still perpetuating negative ethnicity for their own selfish gains.

"Our diversity in culture should be seen as strength, not the other way round," said Prof Akama.

Speaking yesterday during the university’s annual cultural week, he urged Kenyans to shun negative ethnicity and accept their diversity.