Women lobby group ‘reminds’ Ruto of his promise for government positions
The Kenya Women Leaders Association (Kewola) has asked President William Ruto to keep his promise of appointing women to make up half of his cabinet. President Ruto made the promise during the campaign season ahead of the August 2022 polls.
Speaking at a press briefing in Nairobi, Damaris Too, a Kewola member, said the Head of State is yet to deliver his promise of handing over the required number of seats in Parliament.
“We have able women leaders who are capable of delivering the agenda of your administration if given a chance,” said Mrs Too.
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“We appeal to Parliament to prioritize the passage of enabling legislation to facilitate the implementation of the two-thirds gender law. This has been long overdue and Kewola wants it achieved within a period of 1 year,” she continued.
The lobby group however said with the tough times in the country, women and children are the most vulnerable asking the government to work on the appointments.
“We want to see the government giving this issue the attention it deserves even as we look forward to supporting efforts towards economic recovery and progress.”
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President Ruto’s inaugural cabinet comprises seven women out of 22 positions, which translates to 30 per cent cabinet positions for women.
Among the women, President Ruto has appointed as Cabinet Secretaries are Aisha Jumwa (Public Service, Gender) Alice Wahome (Water and Irrigation), Rebecca Miano (East African Community), Roselinda Soipan (Environment), Peninah Malonza (Tourism), Susan Nakumincha (Health) and Florence Bore (Labour). They will serve in government subject to vetting by the National Assembly.
However, the Head of State is yet to name his Principal Secretaries and Chief Administrative Secretaries.