The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA), alongside lawmakers, civil society organizations, development partners, and media stakeholders, is calling for urgent action to fully implement the constitutional Two-Thirds Gender Rule before the 2027 General Election.
At a legislative forum convened by Mzalendo Trust, stakeholders emphasized that equal representation is not just a constitutional requirement—it is essential for stronger governance, better decision-making, and a more inclusive democracy.
The meeting reaffirmed that while the Constitution is clear, political commitment is now needed to turn constitutional promises into reality.
What is the Two-Thirds Gender Rule?
Kenya’s Constitution, under Article 27 and Article 81(b) , indicates that no more than two-thirds of members of elective or appointive public bodies should be of the same gender.
The provision was introduced to promote equal representation and ensure women, youth, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities have a meaningful voice in governance.
Despite being part of the 2010 Constitution, Parliament has yet to pass the legislation necessary to fully implement the rule, leaving Kenya in continued violation of its constitutional obligation.
KEWOPA: Gender Equality Strengthens Governance
KEWOPA emphasized that women’s leadership goes far beyond meeting constitutional quotas.
According to the association, increasing women’s representation improves governance, strengthens accountability, and leads to better public policy by ensuring diverse perspectives are reflected in national decision-making.
The organization also stressed that legislation alone will not deliver equal representation. Women seeking elective office continue to face significant barriers, including political violence, limited campaign financing, online harassment, inadequate political party support, and deeply rooted cultural stereotypes.
KEWOPA reaffirmed its commitment to working with Parliament, political parties, civil society, development partners, the media, and citizens to build consensus around a practical implementation framework.
Parliament Urged to Act Before 2027
During the forum, KEWOPA Vice Chairperson Catherine Mumma urged lawmakers to rise above political divisions and support the constitutional amendment needed to operationalize the Two-Thirds Gender Rule.
She warned that Kenya’s 13th Parliament risks being remembered for failing to fulfill one of the Constitution’s most important promises.
Mumma also observed that some Bills are opposed because of who sponsors them rather than their substance, urging legislators to prioritize national interest over political rivalries.
Women Continue to Face Leadership Gaps
Data presented by Mzalendo Trust showed that although women parliamentarians have championed major legislation on gender-based violence, public health, disability rights, and civil registration, they remain significantly underrepresented in parliamentary leadership.
The findings revealed that the Senate Speaker’s Panel is the only parliamentary leadership structure meeting the constitutional one-third gender threshold, while other leadership positions remain below the required level.
Participants concluded the forum by calling for nationwide civic education, grassroots mobilization, and the creation of a Women’s Elections Movement to increase women’s political participation ahead of the 2027 elections.
The discussions also highlighted ongoing efforts to develop a comprehensive sexual harassment policy for Parliament that would extend protections beyond parliamentary staff to include elected leaders.
More than 15 years after the Constitution was adopted, advocates say the time has come to move beyond promises and finally implement the Two-Thirds Gender Rule, ensuring Kenya’s leadership truly reflects the diversity of its people.
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