Auditor General Edward Ouko. [Photo/ citizentv.co.ke]
Eldoret-based bullets manufacturer Kenya Ordnance Factories Corporation is on the spot for employing more than 30 percent of its workers from one ethnic community, according to auditor general's report.
In an audit report dated July 11, 2017, presented to parliament by Auditor General Edward Ouko, Kenya Odinance Factories Corporation has breached the law by employing 140 staff out off its 297 total staff from one community translating to 47 percent.
“Audit review of the payroll for the month of June 2016 showed that the Kenya Ordnance Factories Corporation had a staff establishment of 297 out of which 140 or 47 percent of staff were from the same ethnicity leaving only 157 or 53 percent for other ethnicities,” says Ouko in a qualified audit report tabled in Parliament by Leader of Majority Aden Duale.
Ouko also noted that the company has 14 board members and 13 senior managers of whom 4 of them are from one tribe.
According to Ouko, the firm has flaunted section 7 (1) and (2) of the National Cohesion and Integration Act, 2008 that requires public facilities to ensure diversity of its employees and also not have more than one-third of its establishment from the same ethnic community.
“Consequently, the management has contravened the one-third ethnic diversity rule on staff establishment as a means of promoting national unity,” further stated the report.
KOFC is a State Corporation under the Ministry of State for Defence mandated to manufacture hardware, machinery, and equipment and also small arms ammunition for local use.
It will now remain work of parliament to decide on the possibility of punishing the firm.