Cohesion team to unveil report on tribalism

By GALGALO BOCHAPosted Sunday, February 27 2011 at 14:19

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) is set to launch a report next month that will unearth the extent of tribalism and nepotism within Kenya's public sector.

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The report, according to, commissioners Jane Kiano and Dr Ahmed Yassin, will highlight the trend of public universities hiring administrators drawn from communities where they are located. It will also point out similar ethnic based hiring in state corporations.

“The commission has no power to force the government to change the situation; but we are hopeful the finding will bring to an end ethnic based hiring in the public service,” said Mrs Kiano.

Dr Yassin added: “The release of the report will lead to implementation of policies to stop nepotism and tribalism in the hiring of public servants. The report is just an information but action to be taken is necessary.”

The commissioners said the report, compiled by a consultant, will be launched after being viewed by all NCIC commissioners and later shared with cabinet ministers and permanent secretaries.

The Commission seeks to use the report to lobby the government to entrench gender and regional balance in hiring of public servants.

“If any ministry or parastatal is found to be lacking the national outlook, we shall recommend to the relevant minister to address the situation,” observed Mrs Kiano.

The commission gave an assurance that contents of the report would be made public.

“The Commission is independent and would discharge its mandate without fear or favour and the finding would be published irrespective of the contents,” said Dr Yassin.

Meanwhile, the cohesion commission is also set to launch its strategic plan.

Commission Milly Lugwa said the plan to be launched soon will also provide solution to all forms of discrimination.

“As the commission we must take into account issues raised by the public. We act as bridge between the government and wanainchi. We have been in contact with ministries of Lands, Education among others to addressing various concerns raised by citizens,” She added.