Do Kenyans With Religious Head Gears Get Discriminated Against At The Work Place?

“What does my head gear have to do with my skills?” she complained. “I think they are taking this body image too far.” Carol adjusts her head wrap, hurries away and leaves me thinking about her concern.

In my understanding, the Kenyan corporate world has not accepted the ‘wakorinos’. When was the last time you saw one in an office or rather, have you ever seen one? If you ever did see one, which position did they occupy in the said company?

I sought the opinions of Kenyans on this issue and here is what they had to say.

“I think it is okay that they are not in the front office or reception area. Looks matter a lot especially to customers. Without their head gear they appear open and one feels free to talk to them. With a head gear on, I will feel obliged to say nice things or act in a different manner,” Alice Chebet says.

Ms. Chebet has only seen one in her entire life; he was working as a bank teller and it shocked her.

“On the same, I would not employ such a person. Even if they appeared in my interview and have the best academic qualifications, I will keep searching for other candidates,” she adds.

“I have never seen one in an office setting but I once went for a n interview with them. I felt challenged because they seemed too confident and qualified. I never received a call to say I got the job so I guess one of them was successful,” says Crispin Lando.

Peter Muchemi is of the opinion that they should get the jobs with ease because they are as qualified as any other person.

“People have this perception that they are unapproachable leading to fear of any interaction with them. I have schooled with them and they were bright. I think it’s time the corporate world and the society accepts them and their religion. If she has the right skills for a receptionist, why shouldn’t she get the job?” Mr. Muchemi adds.

Rachael Nyamire, a pharmacist, says that to the surprise of many the ‘wakorinos’ make up the majority of pharmaceutical people.

“When I first started out it felt awkward but I am already used to working with them. I also know some in high positions in the retail industry and they are doing a pretty neat job. It is just a matter of breaking a culture of fear and accepting them,” Ms Nyamire adds.

“John Muchiri * says that, “The ‘akorino’ faith is what keeps people off. I do not think they are serious people. They seem too noisy and disorganized and even how they dress makes it worse. I would not employ them and as a customer I would feel dissatisfied if she served at a reception. They deserve the backdoor jobs where they cannot be seen by the rest of the world.”

“As long as they are qualified their faith should not be of any hindrance. It is purely discrimination on the employers’ side and so getting a job for them becomes hard. If given a chance I would employ them,” states Ms. Nyamire.

Austine Kilonzo admits that if he met a person with a head gear as a receptionist he would be shocked.

He adds that, “It would be a first for me and the first five minutes would feel uncomfortable but I would get used to it. If she was put in that position it because the employer knows best and after all she is just doing her work.”

Mr. Ken Oluoch concludes the conversation by saying, “They have proved to be successful especially in the music industry so why wouldn’t they be as successful in the corporate world?”

What is your take on this? Keep this conversation going.

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