GENDER FORUM: “117 women into Parliament - Responsibilities of the Parties”

In the absence of affirmative action legislation, it is very likely that more than two thirds of the members of Kenya’s next parliament will be men. What can the political parties still do to mitigate this foreseeable constitutional crisis and demonstrate their commitment to women’s political representation?

The Constitution of Kenya 2010 recognizes women, youth, persons with disabilities and ethnic minorities as special groups deserving constitutional protection. It espouses the rights of women as being equal in law to men. So women are entitled to enjoy equal opportunities in the political, social and economic spheres.

Specifically, Article 81 (b) which refers to the general principles of Kenya’s electoral system states ‘the electoral system shall comply with the ... principle - (b) not more than two-thirds of the members of elective public bodies shall be of the same gender’. Article 27 even obligates the government to develop and pass policies and laws, including affirmative action, to address past discrimination that women have faced and to ensure that, not more than two-thirds of elective or appointive bodies shall be of the same sex.

The deadline to put such legislation in place lapsed in August 2015. There still is no two thirds gender bill as Kenya heads to elections, and time to address this challenge through legislative means has run out. It is foreseeable that the constitutionality of the electoral process and of the next parliament will be questioned in court.

Against this background, this gender forum will discuss how political parties can secure women’s spaces during the nominations process, the campaign period, and after the elections.

Key discussion points:

• What are the political parties doing to ensure that more female candidates are nominated to prospective tickets?
• How are the parties supporting women who vie for office?
• In the absence of two thirds legislation, what more can be done to achieve the two-thirds rule?
• How do the parties look at the likely constitutional violation of the electoral process and the next parliament, what proposals are there to address this?

Invited Speakers:  

• Jane Njiru - Vice Chairperson, Political Party Liaison Committee
• Ogla Karani - National DP Treasurer, Orange Democratic Movement
• Irene Oloo - Gender Director, Orange Democratic Movement
• Hon. Ken Okoth - Member of Parliament, Kibra

Facilitated By:

• John–Allan Namu

Format of Discussion:

A panel discussion contextualizes issues to the audience. This is infused with public dialogue and Q&A where the audience engages with the panel and forum.

About the Foundation

Being part of the Green political movement that has developed worldwide as a response to the traditional politics of socialism, liberalism, and conservatism, the Heinrich Böll Stiftung is a Green Political Foundation, affiliated to the German political party “Alliance ’90 / The Greens”. The regional office for East and Horn of Africa is a people-centric green think-tank, based in Nairobi since 2001. In our work, we facilitate open dialogue, undertake studies and forge partnerships with and among communities in East & Horn of Africa along the core themes of Gender, Environment, Democracy and International Dialogue.

About the Gender Forum

The Gender Forum is a monthly public dialogue convened by the Heinrich Böll Stiftung since 2001, encouraging dialogue on pertinent national social issues with a gendered lens. It brings together scholars, law- makers and implementers, civil activists, government institutions, students and the general public, aiming at sharing knowledge and inspiring gendered analysis of policy and programmes. 

Join the conversation online via #GenderForum.

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