The government’s ongoing freeze on employment has slowed efforts by the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund (SASDF) to promote diversity and inclusivity within its workforce.
According to data from the Fund, it currently has 38 employees drawn from various communities across the country.
The Constitution and public service laws require state entities to ensure regional balance and inclusivity of marginalised groups, including persons living with disabilities (PLWDs), in recruitment.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) Act of 2008 stipulates that no single ethnic community should hold more than 30 per cent of positions in any public agency.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Cohesion and Equal Opportunities on Thursday, the Fund’s Chief Executive Officer, Nuh Ibrahim, said that while the organisation reflects Kenya’s diversity, the hiring freeze has constrained its ability to address staffing imbalances.
“We have not conducted any staff recruitment due to the freeze on hiring. For instance, the only employee living with a disability we had unfortunately passed away, and we have been unable to replace her because of the freeze,” Ibrahim told the committee.
He added that the Fund has reviewed its human resource policies to enhance the recruitment of persons living with disabilities and promote inclusivity in future hiring.
To improve accessibility for PLWDs, Mr Ibrahim said the Fund has made several infrastructural adjustments in line with the law.
“We have installed lifts, constructed ramps, and made lavatories accessible to persons with disabilities,” he noted.
The Committee, chaired by Mandera West MP Adan Yussuf Haji, commended the Fund’s efforts and urged it to prioritise the hiring of PLWDs once the employment freeze is lifted.
“When the government resumes hiring, give priority to PLWDs and ensure compliance with inclusivity requirements,” said Kamukunji MP Yussuf Hassan.
Haji also encouraged the Fund to enhance its public outreach, noting that many Kenyans remain unaware of its role.
“According to the Auditor-General’s report tabled before the Committee, the Fund still lacks adequate visibility. You need to invest in awareness campaigns to address this,” he said.
Ibrahim assured the Committee that the Fund remains committed to strengthening employment diversity and improving access to opportunities for special interest groups.
