The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has made public the most tribalistic counties in Kenya.
The Francis Ole Kaparo chaired commission says the counties require one to be ethnically correct – born there- in order to be employed.
The damning report also says the 32 counties have violated the law on ethnic balance and diversity in public service employment. The study was conducted between November 2014 and August 2015.
In some of the counties named, at least 97 per cent of employees come from the tribes of County Public Service Board members.
This is contrary to Section 65 of the County Government Act (2012) which proposes that 70 per cent of jobs be given to locals, and 30 per cent to experts from other counties.
Only 15 counties have adhered to the employment law, according to NCIC.
According to the report, Kilifi, Mombasa and Kwale counties seem to have generated a wider inter-ethnic interaction platform.
Some of the counties named by NCIC as most tribalistic are; Bomet, Kirinyaga, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nyamira, Kisii, Tharaka Nithi, Kericho, Murang’a, Uasin Gishu, Baringo, Meru, Nandi, Turkana, West Pokot and Embu.
“The names of counties such as Samburu, Kisii, Tharaka Nithi, Nandi, Turkana, West Pokot, Embu and Meru are among other perceptions of discrimination as they seem to give entitlement benefits to the said groups,” reads the report.
NCIC chairman Kaparo said the study was conducted to ensure that county governments strive to be more inclusive.
The report comes at a time when the appointment of Moi University vice chancellor has been opposed by Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago, his Elgeyo Marakwet counterpart Alex Tolgos and other political leaders from the region.
The leaders are demanding that the VC must be from the Kalenjin community.