The Senate is turning the heat on the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) over concerns of inadequate diversity and representation within its workforce.
During a session held on Monday, July 14, the Senate Standing Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity and Regional Integration issued a seven-day ultimatum to KNBS Director General Macdonald Obudho to address inclusion shortcomings at the government agency.
Chaired by Marsabit Senator Mohamed Said Chute, the committee grilled Obudho on how well KNBS reflects Kenya’s diverse population in its staffing particularly in terms of gender, age, ethnicity, and the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
“We expect to see evidence that KNBS is not only committed to statistical excellence but also upholding the principles of national cohesion and equal opportunity,” Senator Chute said.
To that end, Obudho has been directed to submit a detailed gender mainstreaming policy within a week, outlining how the bureau fosters a gender-responsive and inclusive working environment. He is also required to provide data showing the current representation of men, women, youth, and PWDs within the institution.
The committee also questioned whether KNBS had conducted any internal audits or assessments in the past three years to measure its progress on diversity and inclusion goals.
Members emphasized the importance of public institutions reflecting the face of Kenya not just in the services they provide, but also in the people they employ.
The committee said it would closely monitor compliance and is prepared to take further action should KNBS fail to meet constitutional and policy expectations regarding inclusivity.
