Women candidates who lost in the recently concluded general election are asking the state to give them jobs.
Under the Women Political Leaders Kenya, which comprises women who successfully reached the ballot to vie for elective seats, they asked to be considered for appointive positions.
Former Nairobi senatorial candidate and chairperson of the group Pamela Ateka said women who fought successfully against men at the ballot are great assets.
“We understand that there are 4,000 positions in public service and we are requesting, demanding and pleading with the new government and the President-elect to give first priority to the women who reached the ballot but lost,” she said.
Ateka said the appointive and nominative positions can be at the national government, commissions, counties, boards, ambassadorial and diplomatic positions, as well as special mission placements like the AU, UN and Comesa.
“By running as governors, senators, Members of Parliament and of county assembly, we believe that we showed leadership and we are fit for public service,” the chairperson said.
Ateka said that for the last 12 years, women have been nursing their disappointment over the state’s failure to take legislative measures to ensure state agencies meet the two-thirds principle.
For the first time in the history of Kenya, she said, women from different political parties, coalitions and those vying as independent candidates came together to support each other.
“As women candidates, part of our duty was to rally fellow women to vie for various leadership positions,” she said.
“We also encouraged each other to vote for fellow women so that we can advance our numbers in leadership.”
Ateka said that as a result, more women managed to reach the ballot compared to previous general elections.
“Therefore, it is time for a revolution. We need a radical change in government and public appointments by giving these women first priority for absorption into public service,” she said.
She further said that it was time Kenya and the rest of the world recognise the benefits of women’s leadership and commit to placing even more women in positions of power, leadership and governance.
“We know that we as women are powerful agents of change and we demand that the far-reaching benefits of diversity and gender parity in decision making be recognised, especially in public service,” she said.
The women also lauded President-elect William Ruto and Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga for their peaceful conduct after the announcement of the presidential results.
Ateka said that peace and justice are conjoined twins, assuring Kenyans that the matter will and should be concluded with firmness and finality to let the country and the economy rebound.
(edited by Amol Awuor)
