AG to table Bill on gender rule

Attorney General Prof Githu Muigai has said he is ready to table a Bill before Cabinet on Thursday on the two-thirds gender rule, before he can present it to Parliament for debate.

The AG, who headed a technical working group to come out with proposals on how to meet the constitutional requirement for affirmative action, says he is keen on ensuring minimal alterations are made to the constitution, and that the quest for more female numbers in Parliament does not lead to an even more bloated Parliament.

Pressure has been mounting on the attorney general to move with speed and present a Bill in time before the August deadline set by the Supreme Court.

Kenya Women Parliamentarians (Kewopa) say they are ready to be taxed extra to accommodate more women in Parliament.

The gender commission and Kewopa on Wednesday met the parliamentary leadership and other stakeholders, including the IEBC and the registrar of political parties, in a quest to build consensus and find a middle ground.

A number of meetings are expected to be held between the Kewopa, the AG, the gender commission, the speakers of Parliament and relevant House committees to agree on a middle ground before the Bill can go to Cabinet on Thursday.

Jacque Maribe contributed to this article