The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (Kewopa) has called on all MPs to be present in the National Assembly on Thursday during the vote on the Constitution Amendment Bill (No.4), 2015 on the two thirds gender principle and to vote ‘Yes’ to the Bill.
The Association noted that the Constitution recognises the rights of women as being equal in law to men.
In a statement signed by Chairperson Cecily Mbarire, the women MPs said they are entitled to the enjoyment of equal opportunities in the political, social and economic spheres to men.
“Article 81 (b) which refers to the general principles of Kenya’s electoral system states ‘the electoral system shall comply with the following principle - (b) not more than two-thirds of the members of elective public bodies shall be of the same gender."
“Article 27 goes further to obligate the government to develop and pass policies and laws, including affirmative action programs and policies to address the past discrimination that women have faced. Despite Article 177 ensuring that Articles 81(b) and 27 (8) of the Constitution of Kenya are complied with at the County level through the nomination of special seat members, the same is not guaranteed at the National Assembly and the Senate,” Mbarire said on Wednesday.
The lawmaker said the vote presents an opportunity for MPs to demonstrate their commitment to the full implementation of the constitutional provisions on gender equity, including the principle of not more than two thirds of either gender representation.
"We appreciate all the 136 Male Members of Parliament who voted for the Bill when it was called to vote last week, and we further urge them to turn up once more for the vote tomorrow to ensure that this Bill passes," she urged.
She urged MPs who voted No to the Bill last week to reconsider their decision and vote for the amendment.
The Bill which requires 233 votes to be passed was supported only by 195 members last week.