Episode 80: The Two-Thirds Gender Principle

Otherwise?

The Constitution of Kenya (2010) has multiple provisions that govern representation, but the two-thirds gender principle has been the most difficult to implement. Article 27(8) states that the State shall take legislative and other measures to implement the principle that not more than two-thirds of the members of elective or appointive bodies shall be of the same gender. Article 81(b) states that not more than two-thirds of the members of elective public bodies shall be of the same gender. Article 175(c) also states that no more than two-thirds of the members of representative bodies in each county government shall be of the same gender.

It has been 8 years now since we passed the constitution, but we have yet to enact legislation that enforces these constitutional provisions. Today, we're joined by Marilyn Kamuru, a lawyer, writer and consultant, to talk about how this refusal to enact this principle has put Kenya in a constitutional crisis. Press play!

Resources

Where Women Are: Gender & The 2017 Kenyan Elections

MPs divided over Bill as lobbying steps up

Uhuru urges MPs to pass the two-thirds gender Bill tomorrow

Uhuru, Raila appeal to MPs as gender bill goes to the vote

A Gender Analysis of the 2017 Kenya General Elections

OUR UNLAWFUL LAWMAKERS: Parliament, the Supreme Court and the Gender Principle

Why we cannot change the Constitution without violating it

The Elephant in Kenya’s Room

Flower Girls, Girlfriends and Sexist Discourse: The Politics of the Two-Thirds Gender Bill

The F-word: The Place of Feminism In Contemporary Kenya

In The Name Of Freedom

Are Kenyans Over-represented?

Episode 49: Women and Youth in Kenyan Politics

Episode 68: Women and the 2017 Elections

Image Credit: The Informer