The Constitution of Kenya (2010) has multiple provisions that govern representation, but the two-thirds gender principle has been the most difficult to implement. Article 27(8) states that the State shall take legislative and other measures to implement the principle that not more than two-thirds of the members of elective or appointive bodies shall be of the same gender. Article 81(b) states that not more than two-thirds of the members of elective public bodies shall be of the same gender. Article 175(c) also states that no more than two-thirds of the members of representative bodies in each county government shall be of the same gender.
It has been 8 years now since we passed the constitution, but we have yet to enact legislation that enforces these constitutional provisions. Today, we're joined by Marilyn Kamuru, a lawyer, writer and consultant, to talk about how this refusal to enact this principle has put Kenya in a constitutional crisis. Press play!
Resources
Where Women Are: Gender & The 2017 Kenyan Elections
MPs divided over Bill as lobbying steps up
Uhuru urges MPs to pass the two-thirds gender Bill tomorrow
Uhuru, Raila appeal to MPs as gender bill goes to the vote
A Gender Analysis of the 2017 Kenya General Elections
OUR UNLAWFUL LAWMAKERS: Parliament, the Supreme Court and the Gender Principle
Why we cannot change the Constitution without violating it
Flower Girls, Girlfriends and Sexist Discourse: The Politics of the Two-Thirds Gender Bill
The F-word: The Place of Feminism In Contemporary Kenya
Episode 49: Women and Youth in Kenyan Politics