Raila, CS Jumwa meet at Capitol Hill, discuss two thirds gender rule

Opposition leader Raila Odinga on Tuesday held a meeting with Gender CS Aisha Jumwa over the elusive two-thirds gender rule.

Raila through his X handle said the meeting had been held at his Capitol Hill office.

"This morning at Capitol Hill Square, I held discussions with the Multi-sectoral Working Group on the Two-Thirds Gender Principle, led by CS Aisha Jumwa," Raila said.

"There was consensus that enhanced collaborative efforts are essential for fully realising its implementation as intended."

In a separate post, Jumwa thanked Raila for creating time to meet members of the multi-sectoral working group.

Jumwa said President William Ruto submitted a Memorandum to Parliament in December 2022 requesting it to consider a constitutional amendment to enact the not more than two-thirds gender principle.

She said it is against this background that the Multi Sectoral Working Group was established.

According to Jumwa, the team engaged the National Dialogue Committee and submitted preliminary proposals for their consideration.

In its final report, NADCO recognised the mandate of the MSWG and ceded the issue to be addressed by the MSWG and submitted its report to Parliament for consideration.

The group brings together the 7 elected governors including Council of Governors Chair Ann Waiguru, Nakuru governor Susan Kihika, Machakos governor Wavinya Ndeti, Kwale's  Fatuma Achani, Meru's Kawira Mwangaza and Embu's Cecily Mbarire.

Waiguru in her address unpacked the objective of the G-7 strategy saying it is key in bringing positive change in leadership.

"As women Governors, we are focused and determined to ensure that we bring positive change and stand together towards ensuring more women come to power and achieve the two-thirds gender rule," Waiguru said.

They further outlined an increase in women's participation in devolution and voice in decision-making, unity between women governors with women senators to deliver devolution promises and ensure good governance and financial accountability.

She further noted that the MSWG has since fulfilled its mandate and developed a framework for the implementation of the not more than two thirds gender principle.

"The MSWG has prepared a report detailing the considerations made in arriving at the proposed framework," she said.

"However, the consultations cannot be complete without the insights of leaders including the ODM leader and that is why the team and I met Raila. The insights of all stakeholders is key in achieving this," she added.

The meeting comes barely  day after women governors in the country  unveiled their  10 Point Homa Bay Declaration after the successful Pre-Launch event of the G7 - Strategy.