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NCIC Launches Landmark Policy Documents, Exposes Deep Ethnic Imbalances in Kenya’s Public Institutions Nairobi, Kenya 

November 13, 2025 

Commissioners from the National Cohesion and Integration Commission during the launch of Key Policy documents

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) today released its most comprehensive ethnic and diversity audit to date, alongside two key policy documents aimed at strengthening Kenya’s democratic and security landscape. The event, held in Nairobi, underscored both the progress and the persistent challenges in achieving inclusivity across parastatals, universities, and counties.

Ethnic and Diversity Audit Findings

Dr. Danvas Makori, Commissioner and chair of NCIC’s technical committee, presented the audit results. He revealed that 229 parastatals collectively control nearly KSh 1 trillion of the national budget, making them central to Kenya’s governance and resource allocation. 

Key findings include:

 Compliance levels: In the 2016 audit of 168 parastatals, only 46% met constitutional requirements on diversity and inclusion. 

·         Ethnic dominance: Five communities – Kikuyu (25.3%), Kalenjin (11.7%), Luo (11.4%), Luhya (9.7%), and Kamba (8.5%) – account for 76.49% of leadership positions. 

·         Marginalized groups: Minority communities such as the El Molo, Rendille, Ogiek, Waata, Boni, Sanye, Gosha, and Makonde remain almost entirely excluded from senior public service roles. 

·         Gender imbalance: Men constitute 62% of the workforce compared to 38% women. 

·         Disability inclusion: Only 2% (2,723 employees) of the workforce are persons with disabilities. 

Dr. Makori further noted that nine parastatals control more funds than all 47 counties combined, raising concerns about concentration of power and resources. 

Universities and Counties 

The audit extended to universities and counties, revealing similar patterns of imbalance: 

·         Universities: Leadership positions are heavily skewed toward the same dominant ethnic groups, with minority representation almost negligible. 

·         Counties: Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia, NCIC Chairman, emphasized that only 13 counties out of 47 comply with national laws on diversity in employment. 

He stressed that inclusivity is not optional but a constitutional obligation under Article 232 of the 2010 Constitution, the National Cohesion and Integration Act (2008), and the Public Service (Values and Principles) Act (2015). 

Launch of Policy Documents

The Commission unveiled two critical documents: 

1.      Guidelines for Conducting Peaceful Elections – building on the success of the 2022 general elections, widely regarded as Kenya’s most peaceful due to NCIC’s “Election Bila Noma” campaign. Countries such as Yemen, Ethiopia, and South Sudan have since benchmarked Kenya’s approach. 

2.      Report on the Evolution of Criminal Gangs – mapping the rise of local gangs and their links to international networks. The report warns against the “localization” of global criminal operations within Kenya. 

Rev. Dr. Kobia highlighted that NCIC’s approach to hate speech and ethnic profiling focuses on dialogue and behavior change rather than prosecution, noting that this strategy has yielded measurable results in reducing tensions. 

Broader Implications 

The findings underscore the urgent need for reforms in: 

·         Ethnic inclusivity – ensuring all communities are represented in public service. 

·         Gender equality – bridging the gap between male and female representation. 

·         Disability inclusion – meeting constitutional thresholds for persons with disabilities. 

·         Peaceful elections – sustaining Kenya’s reputation as a regional benchmark for democratic stability. 

·         Security vigilance – preventing criminal gangs from embedding international networks locally.