A proposed policy by the Public Service Commission (PSC) seeking to enforce compliance with laws on ethnic balance and equal opportunities has received backing from Members of Parliament.

The move is now expected to set the stage for stricter oversight of diversity in state institutions.

PSC Chief Executive Officer Paul Famba told the National Assembly Committee on Cohesion and Equal Opportunities that the draft Diversity Policy 2016 and Affirmative Action Regulations are designed to address ethnic inequalities in the public service while enhancing service delivery.

“The policy promotes fairness, inclusion and representation in access to employment, training and development in the civil service,” Mr Famba said when he appeared before the committee chaired by Mandera West MP Adan Yussuf Haji.

He added that approval of the policy by the National Assembly would help build a more united, efficient and effective public service.

The senior official noted that under-representation of some ethnic groups and the low inclusion of Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) informed development of the Policy.

Lawmakers endorsed the proposals saying they would compel state agencies to adhere to legal requirements on diversity and inclusion while ensuring public institutions reflect the country’s ethnic composition.

“The policy would make it compulsory for state agencies to follow the law and support the Committee’s efforts to ensure that public institutions reflect the diversity of Kenya in their staffing,” said Mr Haji.

Lamu County MP Marubu Muthoni said the framework would also tackle gender disparities, particularly the exclusion of women from employment and leadership positions.

“We want to see a public service where women have equal access to leadership opportunities just like their male colleagues,” she said.

Nyeri Town MP Duncan Mathenge called for a review of the internship programme to include diploma and certificate holders.

He noted that the internship currently favours degree graduates only.

“The current programme mainly supports degree holders leaving out those with diplomas and certificates who also form a large group. It should be reviewed to include everyone,” he said.

Shinyalu MP Fredrick Ikana urged that the policy addresses youth access to jobs and government tenders.

He warned that low youth representation in public service raises concerns about sustainability and succession.

Juja MP George Koimburi said representation of PLWDs remains below the required threshold in many institutions and called for measures to address barriers to employment.

“We must address the reasons why such groups are not securing jobs in the public service,” he said.

Mr Famba said the Commission would incorporate MPs’ submissions into the final draft.

At the same time, the committee commended the PSC for surpassing the legal threshold for employing PLWDs, with a report showing that 6.4 per cent of its staff are persons with disabilities, above the required five per cent.

“This is a good example to other state institutions that meeting this requirement is possible,” said Mr Haji.