Former Chief Justice (Emeritus) David Maraga has pledged that women will occupy half of all leadership positions in his administration if he is elected President.
Speaking on Wednesday, Maraga said his government would prioritise gender balance by ensuring equal representation of men and women in key decision-making roles.
He explained that incorporating the strengths of both genders would promote a more effective and inclusive government.
“Men excel in some areas, women excel in others. If you put them together, you have a balanced government,” Maraga said.
He added that the 2010 Constitution introduced reforms that were meant to enhance inclusivity and equality, including the two-thirds gender principle.
“The Constitution provides that no more than two-thirds of members of any elective or appointive body shall be of the same gender,” he said, expressing concern that the requirement has not been fully implemented since the Constitution came into effect.
Maraga recalled the period when, as Chief Justice, he advised then-President Uhuru Kenyatta to dissolve Parliament for failing to enact legislation to actualise the two-thirds gender principle — a move that drew significant political debate at the time.
As part of his campaign agenda, Maraga said his leadership would ensure gender parity across all levels of government.
He also stated that his political party has adopted a co-leadership model in which every top position will be jointly held by a man and a woman.
“In our party, if there is a chairperson, there will be both a man and a woman. If there is a secretary general, we will do the same. It will be a co-leadership model to give both men and women equal opportunities to lead,” he said.
Maraga further noted that women have demonstrated strong leadership in sectors such as health and education and should therefore be given equal opportunities to contribute to governance.
