Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has responded after President William Ruto revealed plans to front women as running mates for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidates in future elections.
Addressing attendees during the International Women’s Day celebrations in Embu on Friday, March 8, 2024, Gachagua affirmed that indeed discussions had taken place regarding the inclusion of women in leadership positions within the National Government, with bigger roles. However, he clarified that the implementation of this plan would occur after the current terms have concluded.
“It’s true the president and I talked about including women in leadership roles in the National Government, with better roles,” Gachagua stated.
The second in command further corrected those claiming the plans were taking effect immediately, explaining the need to take time before implementing decisions of such magnitude.
“Some of you thought that it's now, no, you have to wait I first help the president in this term, and then at the end, he will himself guide us on how to include the women,” Gachagua stated.
Speaking on matters concerning gender equality, Gachagua lauded President William Ruto’s efforts in fighting for women's rights by agreeing to the two-thirds gender rule fronted in the NADCO report.
“I bear witness, the President is the biggest fighter for our Kenyan women. We have sat down many times to make plans, and he always questions the absence of women in various plans,” he added.
President William Ruto while speaking during the same function promised to continue his support for women after appointing 16 women to ambassadorial roles to represent the country internationally.
Ruto further noted that he had written a notice to the national assembly to consider amending the law to incorporate more leadership roles for women in the government.
"I want to announce to all women that later today, I will receive a detailed report from the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) and one of the key issues on the report is the two-third gender rule," Ruto stated.
"We have decided as a party and as a government that the national assembly through the parliamentary group and all the structures that we have will make sure we pass the matter," the head of state added.
In addition to his efforts in support of women, Ruto promised to remove the collateral requirement when borrowing from the Women Enterprise Fund, lower the interest rate to six per cent, and increase the fund to serve more women.
