KEWOPA pushes for two-thirds gender rule representation

𝐍𝐚𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐚, 𝐍𝐚𝐤𝐮𝐫𝐮 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲.
𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟏𝟖𝐭𝐡, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓.

The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA), has resolved to embrace the County Assembly gender principle on two-thirds to ensure that gender parity is achieved in Parliament.

During a retreat held in Naivasha, female MPs acknowledged the lack of an implementation framework as a major challenge in achieving gender balance in Parliament. 

The retreat, organized by KEWOPA, focused on advancing a legislative agenda to establish a structured approach through the passage of the Constitution Amendment Bill, 2025.

Speaking at the event, KEWOPA Chairperson and Kajiado MP, Hon. Leah Sankaire, underscored the effectiveness of the County Assembly model in achieving gender representation. She called on the Parliament of Kenya to adopt a similar framework.

"We need to borrow from the County Assembly model, which is simple, straightforward, and constitutionally constituted," stated Hon. Sankaire. 

The lawmakers also endorsed the Multi-Sectoral Working Group's recommendation to amend Article 177(1)(b) of the Constitution and apply the same principle to Articles 97 and 98.

Additionally, KEWOPA members expressed dissatisfaction with the recent realignment of Parliamentary Committees, citing the Transport Committee as an example, which currently has only one female legislator.

To ensure the successful implementation of the two-thirds gender rule, KEWOPA committed to mapping and engaging stakeholders, including the President, Parliamentary leadership, the media, and other key partners.