By Contributor
Governor Mohammud Ali has reaffirmed his commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity within the Marsabit County Government, during his appearance before the Senate Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity and Regional Integration.
Governor Ali highlighted that Marsabit County complies with the constitutional gender rule, a compliance that has earned the county recognition from the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) as the best in the country for diversity and inclusion.
The county’s workforce comprises 57% males and 43% females, inherited from both the previous national government and the now-defunct county council.
“All the [14 native] communities that live in Marsabit County have been considered for employment, [including others from other regions] totalling thirty-five,” Governor Ali stated, emphasising the ethnic diversity within the county’s workforce. The Borana community makes up the largest share of personnel, with other groups accounting for the remainder.
Governor Ali also noted that Marsabit has initiated affirmative action policies that ensure the inclusion of youth, women and persons living with disabilities. Currently, youth make up 50% of the county’s workforce, while special groups, including women and persons living with disabilities, are allocated 30% of all county contracts.
“All individuals from the special groups who have applied for employment have been given chances in Marsabit County,” Governor Ali assured the Committee.
Sen Joyce Korir, the Vice-Chairperson of the committee, chaired the meeting in place of Sen Mohamed Chute, the substantive Chairperson, who was present but recused himself as he is from the same county as Governor Ali.
She praised the governor, saying, “I commend the gender responsiveness in Marsabit County, the inclusion of the youth, women and PLWD.” Her sentiments were echoed by Senators Raphael Chimera and Beth Syengo, who urged Governor Ali to continue championing further inclusion within the county administration.
