Report Shows Kikuyus Hold a Quarter of Top Government Positions

A new report by the Public Service Ministry has revealed the ethnic make-up of senior government positions. 

The report sent to Parliament shows that Kikuyus hold the highest number of top State jobs followed by Kalenjins, Luos, Luhyas, and Kambas in that order.

Members of the Kikuyu community lead the pack, holding 120 out of the 416 senior government positions, representing 29 percent.

Kalenjins are second with 45, followed by Luos (41), Luyhas (33), Kambas (27), Merus (27), and Kisiis (22). Others are Maasai (19), Mijikenda (10), Taita (8), Turkana (7), Boran (7) and Embu (6).

The rest of the positions are held by the following groups; Kenyan Asian (1), Gabra (3), Degodia (1), Kenyan Arabs (2), Kuria (3), Mbeere (2), Ogaden (1), Orma (2), Pokot (3), Samburu (1), Shirazi (1), Teso (4), and Tharaka (1).

“The government endeavors to adhere to the policy on regional balancing and affirmative action during recruitment and promotion of its staff while cognizant of the need to maintain professionalism and meritocracy in order to match between job requirements and competencies,” said Public Service CS Prof. Margaret Kobia.

The 180 heads and CEOs of State corporations are distributed as follows, Kikuyu (36), Kalenjin (35), Luo (26), Luhya (18), Meru (13), and Kamba (10).

Ambassadors and heads of foreign missions include; Kikuyu (14), Kalenjin (7), Luo (5), Luhya (5), Kamba (4), and Meru (3).