Garissa Governor Ali Korane. He says it difficult to achieve the two-thirds gender rule in Garissa County. [Photo/Nation Media]
Garissa Governor Ali Korane on Monday revealed why he was not able to get Two-thirds gender rule requirement in appointing of Chief Officers to various departments.
Speaking after unveiling the 27 chief officers at Garissa, Korane said clans were not willing to front a lady as their representative in the county government, something he said had given them little options.
Out of the 27 chief officers, only four were women. The appointment had been challenged in court over gender issues, however, Korane said he had a meeting with the petitioners who have agreed to drop the case.
With intense lobbying from different clan elders fronting their favorite candidates, appointments in the county are done in line with clan balancing as well as political loyalty.
"We wanted to follow the constitution and lay down procedures to ensure ladies in the county are well represented in my administration but unfortunately no clan was willing to be represented by a woman in the county," he said.
“Our society has its own limitation. It’s unfortunate that no community wanted to be represented by a lady. Not that there is anything wrong with them but the community just wants them despite some of them being more qualified for the positions, “said Korane.
He added: “as policymakers and people who are part of the society, we must overcome this challenges because in the 21st century we are all equal. Our ladies deserve an opportunity to serve, they have got the right education and experiences and we don’t want to miss the opportunities simply because we the male fold do not want them to be part of the society,”.
Korane has cited clanism as the biggest challenge in the county’s prosperity.
“Our society is divided. Nepotism is the biggest we have as a county. We have used it as a political and social mobilization in the process it creates conflicts and ill will between communities, “he said.
He added; “I want you to use every opportunity to see how our people can leave together peacefully without anybody feeling that they have been discriminated, oppressed or are being denied their right.this can only be possible through the services you give, “said Korane.
On his parts, Deputy Governor Abdi Dagane told the chief officers that they are expected to work with high integrity saying they should not soil their good name by engaging in malpractice.