DP Ruto says fight for two-third gender rule wont stop

Deputy President William Ruto has said the Government will continue with its efforts in ensuring the realisation of two-third gender rule.

Speaking during the International Women Day, Dr Ruto said the two-third gender bill is a Constitutional requirement that must be fulfilled.

Dr Ruto said although several attempts had been made to ensure the bill is passed unsuccessfully, he was confident that it will eventually be passed.

“I want to tell the women of Kenya that it doesn’t matter how long it takes, this two-third gender rule will one day be a reality in our lifetime,” said Dr Ruto.

The Deputy President spoke at Kamwenja Teachers Training College in Nyeri County during its 91st graduation ceremony, also attended by Cardinal John Njue.

He was accompanied by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, MPs Gichuki Mugambi (Othaya), Rigathi Gachagua (Mathira),James Gichuhi (Tetu) and Rahab Mukani (Nyeri County).

The Deputy President assured women across the country that the Government was committed to eliminating barriers hindering their participation in the leadership of the country.

“I want to say on this International Women’s Day that the Government of Kenya will go out of its way to ensure that women get their rightful share as leaders in our nation,” said Dr Ruto.

The Deputy President said the Government will equip teachers to enable them to mentor students to be responsible citizens.

The move ,he said aims at addressing challenges facing the country citing corruption, integrity, incompetence and drug abuse.

Dr Ruto said: “The solution lies in the empowerment of the teachers to lay a firm foundation so that we can have a nation with citizens that have integrity and are responsible.”

He said all gaps in the education system wil be addressed including the implementation of the competence based carriculum, increasing the number of teachers and upgrading infrastructure in schools.

The Deputy President said the Government was committed to ensuring one hundred per cent transition from primary to secondary school.

Dr Ruto, at the same time, said disciplinary action would be taken against school managers denying students in day schools the opportunity to learn.

The Deputy President maintained that day secondary school education was free for all, adding that no one should be denied the opportunity to learn for lack of money.

He said: “I am aware that we have reports of day secondary schools excluding students from class for all manner of reasons.”

He went on: “Any board of management or teacher who excludes a child in a day school from class for any reason, we are going to take disciplinary action against them.”

Dr Ruto asked MPs to support Government’s efforts of ensuring one hundred per cent transition to secondary schools by making CDF resources available for the expansion of infrastructure in primary and secondary schools.

Governor Kahiga lauded the Government for putting in place measures to ensure one hundred per cent transition from primary to secondary schools citing Nyeri County as an example where the initiative has worked.

Cardinal Njue asked the graduates to be individuals that others in the society can emulate and help manage challenges facing the country.

Mr Njue asked the graduates to be role models so as to be emulated by the society.

He said: “Let us look at you as a solution to the problem and not part of the problem”.