Top management of public institutions were interrogated on imbalance in employment
The National Assembly Committee on National Cohesion has raised concern over discrimination in the employment of People Living With Disabilities by Government institutions in Western region.
The Committee, chaired by Mandera West MP Abdi Yussuf Haji, questioned top management of public Universities and Water Companies (who were among those who appeared before it), on unequal promotions of staff.
“The report before us indicates worrying trends in promotions where only members of one community are climbing the professional ladder,” said Haji.
Amongst the institutions that appeared before the Committee for interrogation were Masinde Muliro University led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Solomon Shivairo and Maseno University under the leadership of Prof. Julius Nyabundi and the Chief Executive Officers (CEO) of Lake Victoria South and North Water Companies.
On employment of PLWD, the Committee observed that most public institutions they interrogated were not sensitive to such individuals as they discriminated against them.
“In an effort to end this trend the Committee may consider stern action on public institutions that do not comply with the law on staff employment, promotions and compliance with the 30 percent rule on procurement reservation to special interest groups,” warned Haji.
However, the Committee was impressed that Maseno University was addressing the imbalance in its staff diversity as reports indicated that the number of one community dominating job opportunities had declined from 64 percent to 61 percent.
“The three percent, though minimal, is an indication of the university moving in the right direction,” said the chairperson.