Press Release Kenya Almost Reaches Gender Equality .

PRESS RELEASE

KENYA ALMOST REACHES GENDER EQUALITY IN GOVERNMENT NOMINATIONS WITH 8 WOMEN OUT OF 18 CABINET SECRETARIES

ACORD Kenya takes this opportunity to applause the President of the Republic of Kenya Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta on the nomination of six women out of the total 16 named so far to the cabinet. Not only has the president met the not more than two thirds gender threshold as provided for in the constitution, but also bestowed key ministries of Defence, Devolution and planning, foreign affairs, tourism, Land, housing and urban development and Environment to women.

For the first time in the history of Kenya and East Africa, the Defence department has been allocated to a woman. This shows that our respect for women has come of age and women are beginning to reap the fruits of their unfailing advocacy work - gender equity that we have fought for, for decades.

It also worth noting that although the constitution provides for 22 positions for cabinet secretaries, the President and team in the interests of cost effectiveness and efficiency,  choose to work with 18 ministries only, which is seen as a welcome break from the past bloated cabinets . Further, in the spirit of integration and cohesion, the president ensured that all regions of the country were represented, this is especially important in this times of division on ethnic lines towards peaceful coexistence and ensuring that all Kenyans feel part of the nation.

With a very capable cabinet in place, we look forward to the effective implementation of the constitution and to the delivery of the manifesto that promises on highest standards of health, education, women’s empowerment and collaboration with civil society towards moving this country to the next level not only economically but socially (respect for human rights and equality).

We appreciate the faith that the president has shown in the women of Kenya in recognizing that women play an integral role in economic, social and political development of any given society.

OUR APPRECIATION

 

For further information please contact:

Emmah Nungari, ACORD Kenya Country Director

Email: emmah. nungari@/info@/

Telephone: 0202721172/85