Senate probes KNBS inclusivity

Senate probes KNBS inclusivity

PARLIAMENT OF KENYA.
14TH JULY, 2025.
The Senate Standing Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity and Regional Integration today met the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) to address concerns over the representation of Kenya’s diversity in the bureau’s workforce.
During a session chaired by Marsabit Senator Mohamed Said Chute, committee members met with KNBS Director General Macdonald G. Obudho to interrogate the demographic composition of the bureau’s employees. 
The lawmakers sought clarity on how the bureau reflects national diversity in terms of gender, ethnicity, age, and the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, established under the Statistics Act CAP 112, is the government’s principal agency for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating statistical information. It also serves as the custodian of official national data and is tasked with coordinating the National Statistical System.
The committee raised concerns regarding the bureau’s compliance with the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act (Cap 412C) and the extent to which KNBS implements affirmative action to promote inclusivity. 
They inquired about measures taken to support the participation of youth, women, and PWDs in its workforce, as well as whether any audits or assessments had been conducted in the last three years to evaluate progress in these areas.
In his response, Director General Obudho reiterated KNBS’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
He said the bureau has adopted proactive recruitment strategies, affirmative action policies, and consistent monitoring and evaluation of its human resource policies. 
He further indicated that at least five percent of KNBS staff comprises persons with disabilities, and that the bureau ensures no more than two-thirds of employees are of the same gender.
Ethnic representation, gender and disability mainstreaming, and leadership development programs have also been incorporated to promote a diverse and inclusive environment.
However, the committee found the Director General’s response insufficient and lacking in key documentation. 
Senator Chute directed Mr. Obudho to submit within seven days a comprehensive gender mainstreaming policy that ensures a gender-responsive work environment, as well as documents showing the percentage of youth, men, women, and persons with disabilities employed by KNBS.
The committee stressed the importance of national institutions like KNBS in setting the standard for inclusivity and equitable representation across all sectors of government.