Female MPs Vow to Unite , Adopt Bi-Partisan Approach in Renewed Bid to Pass Two-Thirds Gender Rule
Female parliamentarians have vowed to adopt a bipartisan approach in their renewed effort to secure the Two-Thirds gender requirement in the House.
The resolution was reached during a meeting convened by Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA), where a joint position was being developed for presentation to the Multi-Sectoral Working Group on the Two-Thirds Gender Principle.
Hon. Martha Wangari (Gilgil) emphasized the need for unity among female lawmakers, transcending party affiliations, to ensure the passage of the elusive gender principle in parliament.
“As women leaders, it is incumbent upon us to show leadership and spearhead the campaign for the passage of the Two-Thirds Gender rule. We succeed only if we work together and speak in one voice,” she stated.
Hon. Joyce Kamene (Machakos) and Hon. Lillian Siyoi (Trans-Nzoia) echoed the sentiment, acknowledging the current political goodwill. They noted that reintroducing the gender rule Bill to Parliament would likely lead to its passage.
Hon. Kamene emphasized the importance of public and stakeholder sensitization.
“It should also be known that the Two-Thirds Gender Principle is not about women but all genders,” observed Hon Kamene.
Hon. Siyoi added, “What we need to do is lobby our male counterparts and various stakeholders and partners. It will pass because we have the goodwill and support of the government and even that of the leadership of our major parties.
This renewed push comes amid past challenges in implementing the two-thirds gender rule, with multiple attempts, including through the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), facing setbacks.
Despite Ex-Chief Justice David Maraga’s advisory in September 2020 to dissolve Parliament over non-compliance with the rule, it did not take effect.
MPs were initially tasked with enforcing Articles 27(8) and 81(b) of the Constitution to ensure gender balance by 2015.
However, subsequent amendments extended the timeline. Other proposed amendments, such as one by former Majority Leader Aden Duale in 2019, failed due to a lack of quorum in Parliament.
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