Women legislators have intensified calls for urgent national action to implement the long-awaited Two-Thirds Gender Rule, urging Parliament, political leaders, civil society, the media, development partners, and the public to work together in ensuring Kenya finally fulfills one of the Constitution's key promises ahead of the next General Election.

The renewed push came during a high-level legislative forum convened by Mzalendo, with support from Uraia and the Embassy of Denmark in Kenya and Somalia, where members of the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) agreed that achieving gender parity in leadership can no longer be left to isolated efforts.

Leading the call was Gilgil MP Martha Wangari, who expressed concern that despite the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, Kenya has yet to meet the constitutional requirement that no more than two-thirds of elective or appointive public bodies be of the same gender.

She described the continued failure to implement the constitutional provision as a missed opportunity to strengthen inclusive governance and called for a change in strategy.

"It's time we changed tact and work together with the media, civil society and development partners to build consensus on practical measures to realise the Two-Thirds Gender Rule," Wangari said.

The lawmaker argued that meaningful progress will only be achieved through broad-based collaboration that brings together all stakeholders, including male leaders, political parties, electoral institutions, and grassroots communities.

Leaders Rally Behind Bipartisan Approach

Several women parliamentarians echoed Wangari's call, emphasizing that the campaign for greater women's representation must transcend political affiliations.

Among those backing the proposal were Machakos MP Joyce Kamene, Mandera Woman Representative Umul Ker Kassim, Nominated MP Irene Mayaka, and nominated Senators Veronica Maina, Catherine Mumma, and Esther Okenyuri.

The leaders stressed that bipartisan cooperation is critical if Kenya is to increase the number of women serving as Members of Parliament, Senators, Governors, and Members of County Assemblies (MCAs).

They also urged male legislators to actively support legislative and policy reforms aimed at eliminating barriers that continue to hinder women from seeking elective office.

Mentorship Key to Growing Women Leadership

Hon. Joyce Kamene challenged women already serving in leadership positions to mentor the next generation of female politicians, saying experienced leaders have a responsibility to inspire and prepare more women to contest elective seats.

She noted that female leaders often face greater public scrutiny than their male counterparts and therefore have a duty to demonstrate integrity, competence, and accountability.

"The electorate are always watching and female leaders are judged by harsh standards. We should be good role models," Kamene said.

She added that building public confidence in women leaders will encourage more young women to pursue political careers and strengthen gender equality in governance.

Grassroots Mobilization Needed

Mandera Woman Representative Umul Ker Kassim argued that discussions on gender equality should move beyond conferences and policy forums and instead focus on engaging communities across the country.

She said lasting change will only be achieved when citizens at the grassroots understand the importance of electing more women into leadership positions.

"We should get out of the boardrooms and go to the grassroots if we are serious about increasing the number of female MCAs, MPs, Senators and Governors," Kassim said.

According to the legislators, grassroots civic education, political mentorship, and stronger support systems for female candidates will be essential in increasing women's participation in the 2027 General Election.

Renewed Push Ahead of 2027 Elections

The forum comes as Kenya prepares for the next electoral cycle, with pressure mounting on policymakers to finally address the constitutional requirement that has remained unfulfilled for more than a decade and a half.

Participants noted that while women have made notable gains in political leadership since the adoption of the 2010 Constitution, representation in elective offices remains below the constitutional threshold.

They warned that unless deliberate legislative, political, and societal interventions are implemented soon, the country risks entering another election without meeting the Two-Thirds Gender Rule.

A Constitutional Promise Still Unfulfilled

The women leaders concluded that achieving gender equality in political leadership is not solely a women's issue but a national governance priority that requires collective commitment from all sectors of society.

As momentum builds ahead of the 2027 General Election, the lawmakers expressed optimism that stronger partnerships between Parliament, political parties, civil society organizations, the media, development partners, and citizens can help break longstanding barriers and finally deliver on the Constitution's promise of inclusive representation.

Their renewed campaign signals what could become one of the defining governance debates in the run-up to the next elections, with growing calls for practical reforms to ensure more Kenyan women have an equal opportunity to seek and hold elective office.