Garissa Governor Ali Korane after meeting chief officers. He wants more women to be considered by clans. [Photo/the-star.co.ke]
Garissa Governor Ali Korane has said that he could not appoint more women in the county’s top jobs because of clan decisions.
Mr Korane said he was unable to meet the two-thirds gender rule while appointing chief officers because his hands were tied adding that his options were limited by clans’ decisions.
Speaking on Tuesday after introducing the new team at a Garissa hotel, the governor said clans in the region are unwilling to give women positions.
Out of the 27 chief officers in Garissa, only four are women as appointments in the county are done through clan balancing and rewarding political loyalty.
Governor Korane said he wanted more women in his administration adding that women play a vital role in leadership and that the elders should consider them.
“We wanted more women in my administration, but, unfortunately, no clan is willing to be represented by a woman. Our society has its own limitations. There is nothing wrong with the women, in fact, some are very qualified.”
“As policymakers, and people who are part of the society, we must overcome these challenges. This is the 21st century, we’re all equal. Our women also deserve positions. They shouldn’t miss opportunities because men discriminate against them,” said the governor.
Mr Korane noted that the decision by the clans is meant to marginalise women and should end adding that clanism is a big challenge and hampers development in the area.