The Senate has pressed the Policyholders Compensation Fund (PCF) to improve diversity and inclusivity within its staffing, following concerns that the fund falls short of representing Kenya’s broad demographics.

Appearing before the Senate Standing Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity and Regional Integration on Friday, PCF’s Chief Executive Officer Mohamed A. Sahal gave a detailed account of the fund’s current workforce structure and hiring practices.

The session, chaired by Marsabit Senator Mohamed Said Chute, focused on how closely the institution’s staff composition aligns with national values on inclusion and equal opportunity.

Sahal told the committee that the fund’s staffing structure was approved in 2021 after a review by the State Corporations Advisory Committee and the National Trustees.

The structure, which was adopted by the Board of Trustees, sets the ideal number of employees at 31. Currently, the Fund has 28 staff members in post.

On gender, Sahal reported that out of the 28 employees, 10 are women (36%) and 18 are men (64%). He noted that the fund has also employed one person living with a disability.

When it comes to ethnic representation, the CEO revealed that the Kikuyu community forms the largest portion of the staff at 32.14%, followed by the Kisii community at 3%. The Kalenjin, Mijikenda, Somali, Meru, and Luo each make up 2%, while Taveta, Kamba, Suba, and Luhya communities each represent 1%.

The workforce includes 36% youth and 64% older employees, which Sahal said demonstrates a balance between experience and fresh perspectives.

“The Fund does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, ethnicity, or any other characteristic in its recruitment and staffing processes. We remain committed to building a workforce that reflects the face of Kenya,” he said.

He further stressed that PCF is an equal opportunity employer that adheres to constitutional guidelines outlined in Articles 52 and 57, and is actively working to mainstream gender equality and the inclusion of persons with disabilities.

While the committee acknowledged the progress made so far, it called on the Fund to step up efforts to meet constitutional expectations for equitable representation.

Members urged the PCF to ensure that all communities, including marginalised groups, are fairly included in its staffing across all levels.