The National Gender and Equality Commission held a meeting with Nakuru County stakeholders to sensitise them on the gender rule.
Participants for the one-day meeting held on Thursday were drawn from youth groups, activists, NGOs, journalists, women groups, aspirants, business leaders and educationists.
They were in agreement that the two thirds gender rule as outlined in the constitution is vital for good governance as it will ensure the rights of minority are considered as well as equality taken care of.
The National Gender and Equality Commission officials lead by the director of communication Mr Daniel Waitere, took the participants through the constitution clauses on equality and rights of minority and the processes that took to the amendment of article 27 (8) which is now before the National Parliament.
"To be honest, the ball is in Parliament's court to vote for number 4 Bill 2015. This will ensure that the august House is constitutionally constituted and it guarantees realisation of the two thirds principle,” explained Mr. Waitere.
He informed participants that the gender rule means that any gender, whether male or female, should not have more than two thirds representation in the National Assembly.
“This is for purposes of equity, to ensure the minority are represented as well as enhance development,’’ added Waitere.
The commission’s coordinator for Rift Valley region George Wanyonyi, informed the stakeholders it is high time they let the MPs know that failure to pass the law now will lead to a constitutional crisis in the next Parliament.
"Let our MPs know that, the principle is already in the constitution and what we are talking about is the formula of attaining the balance. It’s not an option, because to do away with the whole principle, Kenyans will have to go for a referendum,’’ revealed Mr. Wanyonyi.
Mr. Job Manani from the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa requested participants to enlighten wananchi on the constitution as majority were not informed.
"Let us sensitise our people on sustainable democracy so that we can vote visionary and development-oriented leaders,’’ said Manani.
The stakeholders agreed to put to task their elected leaders especially those in Parliament to pass the law.