THE IGNORED REALITY ABOUT ETHNICITY AND EMPLOYMENT
THE IGNORED REALITY ABOUT ETHNICITY AND EMPLOYMENT
GREG ADERO
This article could promote tribalism among those who turn a blind eye
to the veracity of our societal set up today. It would fascinate
criticism from idealists and zealots. However, it would bring logic to
the broad minded readers.
Negative ethnicity in public institutions has been the subject matter
in the recent past after being evoked by the succession dispute of the
Moi University Vice Chancellor. It’s a war between the locals and the
non-locals but speaking generally, the locals could be having a point.
The whole story can be explained by the play Shackles of Doom by
Butere Girls High School back in 2013. The play is set up in the
country of Kana whose neighbors arrive in Kana with offers. First,
they offer a beautiful lady Wamaitha as a wife to Lopush. In exchange,
true Kanas give their land as bride price. In order to foster their
relationship further, the neighbors promise to build them an oil
refinery.
Now after the completion of the Oil Refinery and the hiring of workers
is done, the neighbors dominate the staff of the company and the
highest ranked true kana (local) is only appointed as a security
guard.
Now the main reason why any community accepts a company or an
institution in their locality is to benefit from employment and to
enjoy the services brought by the institution. Just like the true
Kanas, every local expects to profit. And that’s how the situation is
in Kenya. No doubt.
According to the National Integration Commission report (2012), the
greatest percentage of employees in public universities is occupied by
the locals. For example Masinde Muliro University, locals occupying
93% of the positions, Moi University 90% and Egerton 87%. The same
thing happens in all the public institutions.
The latter goes to all other state owned corporations. For example
Kenya Ports Authority dominated by the Mijikenda, Mumias Sugar Company
by the Luhya, Sony Sugar Company by the luo and Moi Teaching and
Referral Hospital dominated by the Kalenjin Communities. This is not
tribalism. Neither is it an imbalance but a way to ensure that the
locals feel what they have.
According to the constitution of Kenya (2010), land ownership is
classified as public land, community land or private land. If the
institution is set up on a community land, then the community must
enjoy the benefits that come with it. If it’s a learning institution,
the locals must be given priority, same to employment. A 50-50
employment opportunity should only apply to cosmopolitans. However,
this should not apply to professional positions where employees are
recruited competitively. Brains must be given a chance too.
GREG ADERO
This article could promote tribalism among those who turn a blind eye
to the veracity of our societal set up today. It would fascinate
criticism from idealists and zealots. However, it would bring logic to
the broad minded readers.
Negative ethnicity in public institutions has been the subject matter
in the recent past after being evoked by the succession dispute of the
Moi University Vice Chancellor. It’s a war between the locals and the
non-locals but speaking generally, the locals could be having a point.
The whole story can be explained by the play Shackles of Doom by
Butere Girls High School back in 2013. The play is set up in the
country of Kana whose neighbors arrive in Kana with offers. First,
they offer a beautiful lady Wamaitha as a wife to Lopush. In exchange,
true Kanas give their land as bride price. In order to foster their
relationship further, the neighbors promise to build them an oil
refinery.
Now after the completion of the Oil Refinery and the hiring of workers
is done, the neighbors dominate the staff of the company and the
highest ranked true kana (local) is only appointed as a security
guard.
Now the main reason why any community accepts a company or an
institution in their locality is to benefit from employment and to
enjoy the services brought by the institution. Just like the true
Kanas, every local expects to profit. And that’s how the situation is
in Kenya. No doubt.
According to the National Integration Commission report (2012), the
greatest percentage of employees in public universities is occupied by
the locals. For example Masinde Muliro University, locals occupying
93% of the positions, Moi University 90% and Egerton 87%. The same
thing happens in all the public institutions.
The latter goes to all other state owned corporations. For example
Kenya Ports Authority dominated by the Mijikenda, Mumias Sugar Company
by the Luhya, Sony Sugar Company by the luo and Moi Teaching and
Referral Hospital dominated by the Kalenjin Communities. This is not
tribalism. Neither is it an imbalance but a way to ensure that the
locals feel what they have.
According to the constitution of Kenya (2010), land ownership is
classified as public land, community land or private land. If the
institution is set up on a community land, then the community must
enjoy the benefits that come with it. If it’s a learning institution,
the locals must be given priority, same to employment. A 50-50
employment opportunity should only apply to cosmopolitans. However,
this should not apply to professional positions where employees are
recruited competitively. Brains must be given a chance too.
Wow! This makes some good sense. In advance, tribalism is only dangerous when it derails the development of a society. I'd not care to know the origin of an employee as long as s/he can deliver quality work. I'd not find it hard to employ smart guys, even if they all come from one tribe. Why? Because productivity is the main issue of concern during employment. Thus, it would not matter what their tribe is, whether gender or regional balance is observed, as long as the person is the best among the rest.
ReplyDeleteThis is not politically correct, but it is right anyway. Expressly, when speaking with a Pragmatic urge. A business language though, not a political one.