Most Kenin during the Heian period were descendants of a Gunji (local magistrate) or Dogo (local powerful clan) and were engaged in the administration of the Kokufu (provincial government office) as local officials.
こうした家人の多くは平安時代の郡司・土豪の系譜をひき、国府の在庁官人として国府行政の一端を担っていた。