Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has raised concern over the growing use of Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) records by employers during recruitment, arguing that the practice unfairly locks out qualified job seekers, especially young people. 
By Fredrick Kioko,
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has raised concern over the growing use of Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) records by employers during recruitment, arguing that the practice unfairly locks out qualified job seekers, especially young people.
Speaking in the Senate, Sifuna sought a statement from the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare, demanding an explanation on why employers use CRB reports as a hiring requirement. He also called for measures to stop the practice, protect personal data from misuse and uphold the constitutional rights to fair labour and equal economic opportunity.
The senator also questioned salary disparities between Kenyan and foreign employees working in international organisations, particularly media houses. He urged the committee to conduct a comprehensive audit of remuneration and ensure equal pay for equal work in compliance with Kenyan labour laws.
Sifuna further sought answers over delayed payment of terminal benefits and salary arrears owed to former employees of Muhoroni Sugar Company, while also requesting an update on pending dues for former workers at Chemelil, Nzoia, Miwani, Mumias and Sony sugar companies.
In addition, he called on the Standing Committee on Roads, Transportation and Housing to explain prolonged delays by the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) in registering graduate engineers, with some applicants reportedly waiting more than 10 months despite meeting all requirements. He urged the board to outline measures to clear the backlog and prevent future delays.
