Multi-Sectoral Working Group Proposes Constitutional Amendment on Nomination of MPs

by Kioko Nyamasyo on Wednesday, 28 February 2024 - 7:42 am

Nominated Member of Parliament Sabina Chege meets Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on January 20, 2023.

DPPS

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula on Tuesday, February 27, revealed that there was a move to amend the constitution regarding the nomination of members of parliament.

This was communicated after receiving a report from President William Ruto’s multi-sectoral working group that had been mandated to formulate a framework towards the realisation of the two-thirds gender principle.

The report which was presented by Cabinet Secretary Aisha Jumwa sought to amend Article 97 of the constitution to entrust gender top-ups to political parties.

“I have had a chance to peruse the report and I have observed that the report recommends constitutional amendments to provide for gender top-up through party lists,” Wetangula told the House.

Public Service, Affirmative Action and Gender Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aisha Jumwa presiding over the launch of the Public Service Mental Health Champions Initiative on February 24, 2023.

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Aisha Jumwa

The Constitution in Article 97 dictates that the National Assembly have 12 nominated MPs who are picked by political parties according to their numerical strength.

This must be done in a way that they represent special interests including the youths, people with disabilities and workers.

In the new proposal, the Article will be amended to mirror the nomination of Members of the County Assembly as outlined in Article 177.

“A county assembly consists of a number of special seat members necessary to ensure that no more than two-thirds of the membership of the assembly are of the same gender,” the article reads in part.

With the report now being tabled to the National Assembly and Senate for consideration, Wetangula remarked that there was already a plan in progress to ensure the recommendations are implemented.

“Last week the leadership of both houses of Parliament held a meeting with the CS for Gender and the multi-sectoral working group and during the meeting, the commitment of Parliament towards ensuring the implementation of the two-thirds gender principle was reiterated and reaffirmed,” Wetangula told MPs.

Wetangula remarked that upon tabling the report, it would be referred to the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs for consideration.

In that regard, the Speaker advised the House Business Committee to prioritize the consideration of the report.