Kenya Railways Faces Controversy Over Questionable Hiring Practices and Alleged Tribal Targeting
Kenya Railways, a state corporation under the Ministry of Roads and Transport, is embroiled in controversy following recent recruitment processes that have raised serious concerns about fairness, transparency, and potential tribal bias. The corporation advertised various senior positions on June 18, 2024, but the subsequent shortlisting and hiring process has been marred by allegations of favoring unqualified candidates, sidelining internal staff, and targeting Luhya employees.
According to sources, the recruitment process was manipulated to exclude qualified candidates while favoring those perceived to be loyal to the Managing Director, Philip Mainga, who is reportedly planning his exit amidst impending parastatal shakeups. Internal staff reportedly shunned the application process due to a lack of trust, with those who applied being overlooked in favor of external candidates.
The interviews, conducted between August 19 and 21, 2024, resulted in the controversial appointment of Benedict Kiema Kavua as General Manager of Procurement. Kiema, currently the procurement manager at Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company, has a history of corruption investigations and an active court case. Despite his checkered past and lack of required licensure, the board proceeded with his appointment, ignoring internal candidates with relevant experience.
In another questionable decision, the board appointed a candidate from the leather sector as General Manager of Legal Services, bypassing two highly experienced internal legal officers. Similarly, Stanley Cheruiyot, the principal business development officer, was appointed General Manager of Business and Commercial, despite lacking senior managerial experience. Internal sources allege that these appointments are part of a broader strategy to eliminate individuals with organizational memory, ensuring a smoother transition for Mainga’s exit.
The recruitment process has sparked unrest among Kenya Railways staff, particularly following recent unprocedural promotions. Over 500 staff members have been pushing for a fair and merit-based process, but their efforts have been met with intimidation and police intervention. A memo dated August 22, 2024, appeared to be a reactionary attempt by the MD and the acting General Manager of Corporate Services to quell the unrest, but tensions remain high.
In the midst of these controversies, the board failed to appoint a General Manager of Finance, despite interviewing over five candidates. Notably, Dr. Nebert Mandala, who was previously shortlisted for the position of Commissioner General for the Kenya Revenue Authority, was excluded from consideration. Sources suggest that this was a deliberate move to maintain the status quo, allowing Mainga to “finish his assignments” at the corporation.
The only appointment that appears to have been made on merit was that of Tialal Leparan Christophe as General Manager of Corporate Services. Christophe, who has a background with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the Salaries and Remuneration Commission, was deemed the most qualified candidate among those selected.
As Kenya Railways navigates this turbulent period, staff and stakeholders are calling for fairness, transparency, and an end to tribal bias in the corporation’s hiring practices. The situation continues to develop, with the potential for further unrest as employees and observers demand accountability from the leadership.
About The Author
