NCIC Rejects Creation of Ethnic Enclaves By County Assemblies

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has condemned the  Kiambu County Assembly on the recently passed motion requiring all firms in the area to hire 70 per cent local workforce.

Chairman Francis Kaparo criticised the Assembly for passing “an illegal” motion and warned others against trying to go the Kiambu way. “This certainly presents a major threat to cohesion efforts within and without the County.”

In a statement, Kaparo said the motion will set a bad precedence in the country.

“This motion will also jeopardise efforts towards achieving a cohesive and integrated society deemed necessary for the achievement of Vision 2030. Therefore, the motion by the County Assembly is null and void since it contravenes the Constitution, the National Cohesion Integration Act, and the Employment Act,” said Kaparo.

“While we recognise the independence of the county governments and by extension, county assemblies mandated to enact legislation for their respective counties, we remind the concerned parties that such legislation or motions ought to be in line with the Constitution,” added Kaparo.

The Commision said the 70/30 rule as specified in Section 65 of the County Governments Act 2012 applies only to the staff employed by the County Public Service Board.

It added that the effect of Section 65 (1)(e) is to ensure that the minority and marginalised communities within the County are guaranteed representation within the County Public Service as opposed to reserving positions for the dominant ethnic community within the County.

However, NCIC advises Counties to not only enact laws that address challenges in their jurisdiction but also to bear in mind that such laws must promote the harmonious relations of all people living within the County.

“The Commision therefore, urges the leadership of each county to defy attempts to create ethnic reserves within their counties,” emphasised Kaparo.