Kenya is one step closer to enforcing the two-thirds gender rule. A new Bill has been introduced in Parliament to create special seats in the National Assembly and Senate.
What the Bill Proposes
The Bill is sponsored by Uasin Gishu Woman Representative Gladys Shollei, Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi, and Laikipia Woman Representative Jane Kagiri. Its goal is simple: to make sure no more than two-thirds of either gender holds seats in Parliament.
Special seats will be added after elections. They will be shared among political parties in proportion to the seats each party wins.
Role of IEBC
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) will have a major role in enforcing the plan. Political parties must submit lists of nominees before elections. These lists must:
- Alternate between men and women
- Include qualified candidates
- Reflect Kenya’s ethnic and regional diversity
How Long Will It Last?
The special seats will last for 25 years. Parliament may extend the period by another 10 years if needed. By then, the sponsors hope Kenya will have achieved major gains in gender parity.
Why This Bill Matters
At present, the National Assembly has 349 members. Out of these, 47 are woman representatives and 12 are nominated to represent special groups. The Senate has 67 members, including 16 nominated women. Even with these measures, Kenya has never met the two-thirds gender threshold.
This Bill does not delegate new powers. It directly amends the Constitution. For it to pass, both the National Assembly and Senate must approve it with a two-thirds majority.
Looking Ahead
The Bill is expected to spark debate in Parliament. Supporters say it is the best solution to a problem that has stalled for more than a decade. If passed, it could finally deliver the gender balance envisioned in Kenya’s 2010 Constitution.
