Kalenjin and Kikuyu applicants account for 57 percent – 788 posts – of the 1,406 vacancies advertised
The Senate Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunities and Regional Integration has reprimanded KRA after the tax agency acknowledged claims of significant political interference and alleged favouritism in the recent recruitment of Revenue Service Assistants (RSAs).
This stems from the disclosure that two prominent ethnic groups, Kalenjin and Kikuyu, account for 57 percent of the 1,406 vacancies, raising red flags about potential ethnic bias in the selection process.
The Kalenjin and Kikuyu communities secured 788 posts, with 403 positions going to Kalenjin candidates and 385 to Kikuyus. This allocation accounts for 56.8 percent of the recruitment, leaving the remaining 48.2 percent divided among other ethnic groups.
The recruitment statistics indicated that Luhyas secured 134 slots, Luo candidates took 76 positions, Kenyan Somalis secured 71, Kamba candidates claimed 64, and Meru secured 55 positions. The distribution of vacancies continued, with Kisii candidates securing 43 slots, Maasai 42, Embu 18, Borana 12, Teso 12, Mijikenda 11, and Turkana 11.
Acting Commissioner-General of the KRA, Rispah Simiyu, acknowledged the issue’s sensitivity and conceded that political interests and pressure could have influenced the recruitment process. Simiyu further commented, “I agree that this is a sensitive issue. There could have been political interests and pressure. But there were certain ways of ensuring moderation in the recruitment process.”
The Senate Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunities and Regional Integration strongly condemned the recruitment exercise, labelling the outcome “unacceptable.” Committee Chairman Mohammed Chute, from the ruling Kenya Kwanza Alliance, expressed his ‘deep dissatisfaction’ with the results. Chute emphasised that the recruitment failed to represent the diverse tapestry of Kenya’s ethnic groups accurately.
“I am not happy with the latest recruitment by the KRA. I know there was politics involved, but this is bad politics. I don’t know where this country is heading to. This confirms the slogan that Kenya is a shareholding company. Some people have abused their power in this recruitment, which is unacceptable,” Chute said.
Questions about the integrity of Kenya’s public institutions and the role of political influence in such matters abound in Kenya’s public service, highlighting the pressing need for systemic reforms to ensure a fair and inclusive approach to employment opportunities for all Kenyan citizens.
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