Governor Susan Kihika appeared before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee, chaired by Senator Moses Kajwang, where senior county officials joined an interactive scrutiny of the county’s 2024/25 financial records and Auditor General’s governance queries.

Nakuru County has come under sharp scrutiny in the Senate after revelations that its workforce is dominated by one ethnic group, raising concerns over violation of constitutional principles on diversity and equal opportunity.

The Senate’s National Cohesion Committee, chaired by Marsabit Senator Mohamed Chute, tabled a report showing that Nakuru is among 33 counties that have failed to comply with the 30% diversity rule. The law requires that at least 30 per cent of county employees come from outside the dominant ethnic community.

“What we are seeing is entrenched tribal favouritism. Counties are becoming ethnic enclaves, undermining national cohesion,” Senator Chute told the House.

Governor Susan Kihika appeared before the Senate County Public Accounts Committee, chaired by Senator Moses Kajwang, where senior county officials joined an interactive scrutiny of the county’s 2024/25 financial records and Auditor General’s governance queries.

As Nakuru delegates were being introduced to the Senate, Senator Cherargei sharply questioned Governor Susan Kihika, pressing her to explain why the team she brought for the Senate grilling was composed of nearly 80% Kikuyus, despite Nakuru County being home to a diverse mix of ethnic communities.

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Constitutional Breach

• Article 10 & 232 of the Constitution demand inclusivity and fair representation in public service.

• County Governments Act (Section 65) obliges county public service boards to ensure diversity in recruitment.

• Senators argued Nakuru’s hiring pattern violates these provisions, effectively locking out minorities and marginalised groups.

Senate Proposals

Lawmakers are now pushing for radical reforms:

• Abolition of county public service boards.

• Creation of a national recruitment agency to oversee hiring across all counties.

• Introduction of inter-county staff transfers to balance ethnic representation.

While senators insist this will curb tribalism, governors have warned that such measures could erode devolution and strip counties of autonomy in managing their workforce.

National Pattern

Nakuru is not alone. The Senate report highlighted extreme ethnic dominance in several counties:

• Bomet: 97% Kipsigis

• Homa Bay: 97% Luo

• Kirinyaga: 96% Kikuyu

• Samburu: 96% Samburu

• Nandi: 95% Kalenjin

• Nyamira/Kisii: 94–95% Kisii

This trend, senators said, reflects a national crisis of ethnic imbalance in devolved units.

Risks Ahead

• Governance: Lack of diversity undermines service delivery and public trust.

• Legal: Counties violating the 70% rule risk constitutional challenges.

• Political: Senate may impose sanctions or force restructuring.

• Devolution: Centralisation could trigger resistance from governors and county assemblies.

The debate has reignited questions about whether devolution has entrenched tribalism instead of fostering inclusivity.

As Nakuru and other counties face pressure from the Senate, the outcome of this reform push will test the balance between local autonomy and national cohesion.

What are your thoughts on this perspective and the future of Nakuru politics?