NGEC call for Speaker Wetang’ula’s support on mainstreaming gender and equality mandates through legislation

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 
𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟐𝟏𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 

National Assembly Speaker, the Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang'ula  hosted the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) team led by the Commission’s Chairperson Dr. Joyce Mwikali who called on him  in his office, at Parliament Building.

Dr Mwikali called for legislative inclusion on gender and equality areas for purposes of enhancing a fair and a just society. 

Dr. Mwikali presented 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐿𝑒𝑔𝑖𝑠𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝐻𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑜𝑛 𝑃𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑖𝑝𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝐸𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑁𝑜𝑛- 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛, which she said is a tool developed to provide MPs with basic checklist and standards for drafting legislative instruments that are gender sensitive, gender specific, inclusive and responsive to the interests of the special interest groups as well as gender transformative.   

“Since 2018, we have submitted in excess of 229 memoranda on various Bills. We are keen to ensure that legislations are gender inclusive and fairly balanced”, said Dr. Mwikali

The Speaker commended the Commission for taking a lead role in ensuring gender and equality mainstreaming in operations of the country. 

He noted that the institution of Parliament encompasses a great responsibility as carries the face of the country where all regions are represented by elected legislators.

“Parliament is the face of the Country. All constituencies are represented here. There has been progressive efforts in achieving the Two Third Gender rule which is highly supported by the government of the day.” said Speaker.

Hon Wetang'ula highlighted opportunities of mutual interests for collaborations and partnerships between the Commission and the National Assembly on legislation, peer knowledge exchange saying that they will effectively address the needs and challenges faced by special interest groups including; Children, PWDs, Women and the Youth. 

However, Dr. Mwikali noted the need for Parliament to embrace the use braille technology and sign language for purposes of ensuring that all persons are involved in the legislative process. 

“Mr. Speaker, it is important that people living with disability are considered and included in legislative matters. They also should be involved during public participation and following of plenary matters”, said Dr. Mwikali. 

Dr. Mwikali further noted that lack of adequate funding for implementation of the Commission’s mandates has hampered their efforts to effectively deliver on their mandate.  

The Commission's responsibility as stipulated in the NGEC Act No. 15 of 2021 is to champion the rights of all Kenyan citizens, with a special emphasis on marginalized groups, demonstrates dedication to creating a more inclusive and just society.

Present in the meeting included; The Vice- Chair of the Commission Dr. Muriithi Choma Munyi, Commissioners; Thomas Okoth Koyier, Caroline Lentupuru and Dr.Margaret Karungaru and Director and Chief of Staff Speaker’s Office Mr. Steve Apopo.