Murang’a County Woman Representative Sabina Chege says the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report should clearly state how the Two Thirds Gender rule will be realized in the National Assembly.
Chege observed that the issue of gender rule is well addressed in the Senate and County Governments in the report, but it is not clear how the same will be addressed in the National Assembly.
She said there is need to re-negotiate on the report to ensure the issue is well addressed before the report is adopted and implemented.
The Woman Representative was speaking as Kambiti primary school in Maragua Sub County where Safaricom donated a water tank to the school.
“We are waiting for launching of the report on Monday but parts of the document suggest that women representatives will be under the senate and this will address the gender rule in the house, but it’s not clear how the rule will be met at the National Assembly,” she stated.
The legislator argued that the issue should not be left to be dealt with by the National Assembly as has been the case, saying such a move may not yield any solution.
“What I am against is to throw the issue to parliament directing formulation of an Act like it has been the case. Let BBI come up with a clear decision if the additional 70 positions for nomination in the national assembly will be occupied by women,” she noted.
Chege praised the report saying it would ensure inclusivity in the government such that no community will feel left out in government.
“The proposal by the report to have the person who has emerged second in presidential election be in the parliament is much welcomed. Those who will be appointed as prime minister and deputies are supposed to be elected MPs and on my side I support such a proposal,” She added.
She continued, “The report is also advocating for better ways of distribution of resources so there will be no claims that some people are more marginalized than others. Resources will fairly be distributed to all parts of the country.”
The BBI report which was presented to president Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to be launched at Bomas of Kenya on Monday.
Meanwhile, Chege requested the Ministry of Health to fast track distribution of reusable masks to schools.
Chege who is also chairperson of Parliamentary Committee for Health observed that Sh300 million was allocated to buy and distribute masks to schools by the government but currently learners who have reported back to schools are yet to be issued with the protective gear.
“Some pupils and students have been going to school without masks and I appeal to the Ministry of Health to fast-track the exercise,” said Chege, adding that learners need to be sensitized on how to adhere to health protocols in order to contain the spread of coronavirus.
By Bernard Munyao
