Parastatals, also known as state corporations, play a crucial role in shaping a Country’s economy. Luckily, in Kenya, we have 32 State ministries and 263 Parastatals. These Organisations are owned and controlled by the Ministries they fall into. So, what are the Parastatals in Kenya? Which are the top-paying ones? Well, search no more because I will take you through everything you need to know in this article.
What are Parastatals in Kenya?
Parastatals in Kenya are government-owned organizations, boards, or associations. They are established under Section 3 of the State Corporations Act, Cap 446, an act of Parliament, or the Companies Act. These organizations are involved in various economic sectors, ranging from agriculture and finance to education and infrastructure development.
Parastatals serve specific purposes, such as providing essential services, generating revenue, or promoting economic development. They operate with a certain degree of autonomy. Still, they are ultimately accountable to the government and the respective ministries under which they fall.
How many state corporations are there in Kenya?
Kenya has 263 State Corporations, 62 of which are commercial enterprises and 201 non-commercial entities. Many commercial state corporations are concentrated in the transport and energy sectors and perform strategic functions.Classification of Parastatals.
Parastatals in Kenya are classified into three categories based on their pay scales and operational structures:
- Class A Parastatals: These are the most prominent and financially stable parastatals. They typically offer competitive salaries and benefits to their employees.
- Class B Parastatals: These organizations have a moderate level of financial stability and offer reasonable salaries to their employees.
- Class C Parastatals are the smallest and least financially stable. They often have limited resources and offer relatively lower salaries than Class A and B parastatals.
Parastatals In Kenya And Their Ministries in 2024
Ministry of Health Parastatals
- Kenya Medical Laboratory Technician and Technologists Board
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)
- Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA)
- Kenya Medical Training College
- Kenyatta National Hospital
- Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital
- National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF)
- National AIDS Control Council
- National Quality Control Laboratories
- Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital
Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology Parastatals
- Chuka University
- Commission for University Education
- Co-operative University College
- Dedan Kimathi University
- Kenya Literature Bureau
- Multi-Media University of Kenya
- Kenya National Commission for UNESCO
- Kenya National Examinations Council
- Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Services
- Kenyatta University
- Maasai Mara University
- Machakos University
- Maseno University
- Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
- Meru University of Science and Technology
- Kibabii University
- Kirinyaga University
- Kisii University
- Laikipia University
- Moi University
- Moringa University College
- National Commission for Science, Technology, and Innovation
- Pwani University
- Egerton University
- Embu University
- Garissa University
- Higher Education Loans Board
- Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology
- Jomo Kenyatta Foundation
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
- Karatina University
- Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development
- Rongo University
- School Equipment Production Unit
- South Eastern Kenya University- SEKU
- Technical University of Mombasa
- The Technical University of Kenya
- University of Eldoret
- University of Kabianga
- University of Nairobi
Ministry of Lands Parastatals
- National Construction Authority
- National Housing Corporation
Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Parastatals
- Agricultural Development Corporation
- Agricultural, Fisheries and Food Authority
- Agro-Chemical and Food Company
- Bukura Agricultural College
- Coffee Development Fund
- Commodities Fund
- Kenya Animal Genetics Resource Centre
- Kenya Dairy Board
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute
- Kenya Meat Commission
- Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization
- Kenya Sugar Board
- Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services
- Kenya Seed Company Limited
- Kenya Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Council
- Kenya Veterinary Vaccine Production Institute
- Miwani Sugar Company Ltd
- Chemelil Sugar Company Ltd
- Nzoia Sugar Company Ltd
- Pest Control Products Board
- South Nyanza Sugar Company Limited (SONY)
- Mohoroni Sugar Company Ltd
- National Biosafety Authority
- National Cereals and Produce Board
- National Irrigation Board
- Nyayo Tea Zones Development Corporation
Ministry of Labour and Social Protection Parastatals
- National Social Security Fund
- National Social Security Assistance Authority
- National Council for Persons with Disabilities
- National Industrial Training Authority
Ministry of Industrialisation and Enterprise Development Parastatals
- Anti-Counterfeit Agency
- East African Portland Cement Company Limited
- Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA)
- Kenya National Accreditation Service
- New Kenya Co-operative Creameries
- Numerical Machining Complex
- Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority
- Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)
- Kenya Industrial Estates Ltd.
- Kenya Industrial Property Institute
- Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute
- Kenya Investment Authority
- Kenya Leather Development Council
- Small and Micro Enterprises Authority
Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife Parastatals
- Kenyatta International Conference Centre
- Kenya Utalii College
- Kenya Safari Lodges and Hotels
- Tourism Fund
- Brand Kenya
- Catering and Tourism Development Levy Trustee
- Bomas of Kenya
- Kenya Tourism Board
- Tourism Regulatory Authority
- Kenya Tourist Development Corporation
Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology Parastatals
- Communications Authority of Kenya
- Kenya Broadcasting Corporation
- Information and Communications Technology Authority
- Kenya Institute of Mass Communication
- Kenya Year Book Editorial Board
- Konza Technopolis Authority
- Postal Corporation of Kenya
Ministry of Sports and Heritage Parastatals
- Kenya National Library Service
- National Museums of Kenya
- National Youth Council
- Sports Kenya
- Kenya Academy of Sports
- Kenya Film Classification Board
- Kenya Film Commission
Ministry of Energy Parastatals
- Kenya Nuclear Electricity Board
- Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC)
- Kenya Power and Lighting Company Limited (KPLC)
- National Oil Corporation of Kenya (NOCK)
- Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC)
- Geothermal Development Company (GDC)
- Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KENGEN)
- Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO)
- Rural Electrification Authority (REA)
Ministry of National Treasury Parastatals
- Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examinations Board (KASNEB)
- Privatisation Commission
- Kenya Investment Authority
- Insurance Regulatory Authority
- Kenya Reinsurance Corporation
- Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
- Kenya Trade Network Agency
- Competition Authority of Kenya
- Public Procurement Oversight Authority
- Capital Market Authority (CMA)
- Deposit Protection Fund
- National Bank of Kenya
- Kenya Post Office Savings Bank
- Consolidated Bank of Kenya
- Retirements Benefit Authority
Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development Parastatals
- Constituency Development Fund Board
- National Drought Management Authority
- National Coordinating Agency for Population and Development
- South-South Centre
- Youth Enterprise Development Fund Board (YEDFB)
- Kenya Institute of Public Policy Research and Analysis
- Kenya National Bureau of Statistics
- Kenya School of Government
The Office of the Attorney General Parastatals
- Council of Legal Education
- Kenya Copyright Board
- Kenya Law Reform Commission
- National Crime Research Centre
- Kenya School of Law
- Nairobi Centre for International Arbitration
- National Council for Law Reporting
Benefits of Parastatals
Parastatals play a significant role in the Kenyan economy and society, offering various benefits, including:
- Providing essential services to the public, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
- Generating revenue for the government through their commercial activities and operations.
- Creating employment opportunities for Kenyans across various sectors.
- Supporting economic growth and development through their activities and investments.
- Promoting the development of specific industries or regions through targeted initiatives and programs.
- Enhancing the delivery of public services through their specialized expertise and resources.
Challenges Facing Parastatals
Despite their importance, parastatals in Kenya face several challenges, including:
- Some parastatals have been criticized for inefficiency, mismanagement of resources, and poor service delivery.
- Political interference in the operations and management of parastatals can undermine their autonomy and effectiveness.
- Allegations of corruption and lack of transparency in the operations of some parastatals have been a concern.
- Many parastatals face financial constraints, limiting their ability to invest in infrastructure, personnel, and service delivery.
- In some cases, mandates between different parastatals may overlap, leading to duplication of efforts and inefficiencies.
- Some parastatals may resist reforms to improve efficiency and accountability, leading to stagnation and underperformance.
That is all to know about parastatals in Kenya in 2024. If you have any questions that need guidance, let us interact in the comment section below.