Africa-Press – Kenya. President William Ruto has reaffirmed his commitment in ensuring the two thirds gender rule is realised in the country.
Speaking on Friday during the International Women’s Day celebrations in Embu, the President said male legislators have also pledged to ensure a solution to the matter is found once and for all.
“On the matter of two-thirds gender rule, I’m happy that male members of Parliament have now committed that the search for this solution will be found this time,” the President said.
Ruto said the provision that women in the country get two thirds of leadership positions is not negotiable, noting that through amending the Constitution, it will make it mandatory for this to be achieved.
The President said he had already written to Parliament to request the legislators to consider the amendments.
“The Constitution says that women must be given leadership chances in our country. Because of that we have tried to amend the Constitution to ensure that happens without fail,” he said.
“I want to assure our women that I wrote to Parliament to request that this challenge we have had we should come together as both men and women to amend the law to ensure our women get their leadership positions,” the President added.
On Thursday, Ruto said he will have a discussion with his deputy Rigathi Gachagua to ensure in future, UDA presidential candidates observe the gender rule.
The President said a presidential candidate will be required to have a woman as a running mate or vice versa, with the same being cascaded to the gubernatorial seats.
In honour of women, President Ruto on Friday announced the appointment of 16 women as ambassadors to various countries across the world.
Ruto said the appointments are in honour of the contribution of women in the leadership of the country.
Of the 16 appointments, 10 will serve as ambassadors while the remaining six will be deputy ambassadors.
The President said the government has also resolved to be highly intentional in ensuring constitutional gender inclusion is achieved.
The Head of State advised women that even as they seek to be in leadership, they must start by believing in themselves first.
He added that his administration will do everything in its power to ensure women are protected.
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