NGEC Gives President Ruto’s CS Nominations a Thorough Once-over

The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), through its Chairperson, Dr Joyce Mutinda, has disseminated a statement scrutinizing the nominees presented by President Ruto for ascension into Cabinet Secretary title roles.

Following its mandate to promote and ensure the equality and non-discrimination of all persons, the Commission has expressed concern with the representation of Special Interest Groups (SIGs), including women, people with disabilities (PWD), youths, and marginalized groups.

The female nominees are Stella Soi for the Ministry of Gender, Culture, Arts and Heritage, Rebecca Miano for the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, Dr. Debra Mulongo for the Health docket, Alice Wahome for the Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development docket, Soipan Tuya for the Defence Department, and Margaret Nyambura for the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy.

NGEC has expressed discontentment with the six female nominees out of a 21-member Cabinet, hinting at defiance of the two-thirds gender rule. This is expected as stipulated in Article 27(8) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010.

The Commission has additionally urged the President to ensure the remaining positions (Attorney-General and one Cabinet Secretary) be filled by female individuals.

Unveiling the tapestry of scrutiny, the Chairperson has denounced the lack of representation of people with disabilities among the nominees, directing the inclusion of a member with disability in any subsequent nominations.

“There is no representation of persons with disabilities among the nominees. This is a missed opportunity for the progressive realization of 5% representation requirement stipulated in Article 54(2) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010,” the statement read in part.

In the search for all-round excellence, NGEC faintly commends the nomination of Eric Muriithi (aged 32), terming it a positive step towards adequate youth representation and involvement in high-level decision-making.

NGEC has further appreciated the inclusion of members from marginalized communities, honoring Article 56(c), which obligates the State to implement affirmative action programmes fashioned to ensure that minorities and marginalized groups are provided chances for access to employment.

The Board has concluded with a pledge to the National Assembly to vividly scrutinize the nominees and ensure the appointed individuals exemplify the principles of equality, non-discrimination and ethical leadership.

“It is imperative that the National Assembly undertakes meticulous vetting of the nominees and approve only those who meet the stringent requirements outlined in Chapter 6 of the Constitution regarding leadership and integrity,” the dictum winded up.