NAIROBI, Kenya — Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga has reaffirmed the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions’ (ODPP) commitment to diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity in employment and procurement.
Ingonga made the commitment while appearing before the Senate Standing Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity and Regional Integration, chaired by Senator Mohamed Chute.
The committee sought information on measures the ODPP has put in place to ensure equitable representation of Kenya’s diverse communities in its workforce and compliance with legal requirements governing procurement opportunities for special interest groups.
Senate questions ODPP on representation
The committee particularly sought to establish how the ODPP is creating opportunities for persons with disabilities, youth, women and members of marginalised communities through employment and procurement.
The inquiry comes amid broader efforts by public institutions to demonstrate compliance with constitutional principles on equality, inclusion and fair representation.
During his submission, Ingonga welcomed the committee’s oversight and said the ODPP was committed to ensuring that Kenyans have an equal opportunity to serve in the public sector regardless of their ethnic background, physical appearance or other distinguishing characteristics.
“As a state officer and public servant, I have to subject myself to all the constitutional institutions,” Ingonga said, reaffirming the importance of accountability and institutional oversight.
He said diversity and inclusion were integral to the ODPP’s institutional values and essential to building a professional and representative prosecution service.
ODPP promises stronger recruitment and procurement systems
Ingonga told the committee that the ODPP continues to strengthen its systems and practices to promote fairness, transparency and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.
The measures cover both recruitment and procurement, two areas where public institutions are required to uphold principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action for designated groups.
The DPP said the office would continue working to ensure that its workforce reflects the diversity of the Kenyan population while expanding opportunities for groups that have historically faced barriers to employment and government procurement.
The ODPP also reiterated its commitment to ensuring that procurement processes comply with requirements designed to provide opportunities for special interest groups.
Commitment to constitutional values
The DPP said diversity and inclusion were not only administrative requirements but also important components of an effective public prosecution service.
He reaffirmed that the ODPP would continue upholding the Constitution while strengthening institutional practices that promote equal opportunity.
Ingonga concluded by reiterating the office’s commitment to inclusivity, fairness and access to justice for all Kenyans.
