NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 12 – Men dominate employment in Kenya’s state corporations, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the total workforce, according to a new report by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC).
The report shows that out of 146,399 employees working in parastatals, 91,079 (62.24 percent) are men, while 55,260 (37.76 percent) are women, highlighting a persistent gender imbalance in public sector employment.
For decades, women have remained underrepresented in both public and private sector roles due to societal, cultural, and structural barriers that have limited their access to leadership and decision-making positions.
“The data highlights the underrepresentation of women in the sector, emphasizing the need for policies and initiatives aimed at promoting greater gender equality and inclusive participation in state-owned entities,” the NCIC report states.
The report further reveals that only 1.86 percent of employees in state corporations are persons with disabilities (PWDs), far below the 5 percent minimum threshold required under Article 54(2) of the Constitution.
“This significant disparity underscores the need for stronger policies to enhance inclusion and participation of PWDs within the workforce of state corporations,” the report adds, noting that most entities have yet to reach even 1 percent representation.
The findings come amid growing calls for public institutions to implement affirmative action measures to close gender and inclusivity gaps and ensure equitable employment across Kenya’s public sector.
