An audit conducted by the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has highlighted a significant concentration of ethnic representation on the boards of Kenya's state corporations.
As of March 2025, the Kikuyu community held the largest share with 422 board members, representing 22.84% of all appointments. Following them were the Kalenjin with 284 members (15.37%), the Luhya with 202 (10.93%), and the Luo community with 185 (10.01%).
Other prominent communities among the top eight included:
- Kisii: 146 members (7.9%)
- Kamba: 123 members (6.66%)
- Meru: 99 members (5.36%)
- Kenyan Somali: 87 members (4.69%)
Collectively, these eight ethnic groups occupy nearly 79% of all board positions across state corporations. The NGEC's findings have reignited discussions on the need for equitable representation and adherence to constitutional mandates promoting diversity and inclusivity in public appointments.