MPs Expose Tribalism, Discrimination In KWS Recruitment Drive: "Only 1 Woman In 8 Sub- Counties"

• Kenya Wildlife Services' recent recruitment process aimed at getting 1500 new officers and 150 cadets
• The parastatal is staring at the risk of having its current recruitment of cadets and rangers terminated due to allegations of tribalism and discrimination
• Members of Parliament complained about the removal of the recruitment process from the sub-county level to the county level

KWS is on the spot over tribalism and discrimination allegations in their recruitment process which targets 1500 officers and 150 cadets.

Due to this, KWS might be in danger of having its current recruitment of cadets and rangers terminated.

Why is KWS accused of tribalism?

According to a report by NTV, documents submitted to parliament by KWS Director General Erustus Kanga reveal that the Kalenjin community constitutes 16.15% of the workforce, equivalent to 745 out of the 4,612 employees.

They are followed closely by the Kikuyu community, which constitutes 15.52 percent (716), the Kamba community at 9.15% (422), the Luo community at 8.76% (404), and the Luhya community at 7.29 % (336).

What is the National Assembly saying about it?

The National Assembly Committee on National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity expressed concerns that the recruitment process may marginalize other Kenyans.

The committee also questioned the decision to conduct the exercise at the county level rather than the sub-county level.

Nyeri Town MP Duncan Mathenge accused KWS officials of gender discrimination in their recruitment process.

"For instance, out of the eight sub-counties in Nyeri, KWS recruited only one woman,” said Mr Mathenge.

Mandera West MP Yusuf Haji, leading the committee, expressed concern over the removal of the recruitment process from the sub county level to the county level.

He asserted that the resolution would exclude many individuals due to financial restrictions, such as transport costs to their respective county headquarters for participation.

When did KWS announce vacancies?

Earlier, on March 21, (KWS announced vacancies for 1,500 young and dynamic individuals to join its ranks as cadets and rangers.

The primary mandate of KWS is to conserve and manage national parks, sanctuaries, and wildlife across the country while enforcing related laws and regulations.

Operating in often remote and challenging environments, KWS sought individuals who can endure rigorous training and deployment to various conservation areas.

Proofreading by Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke