The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in Kenya has announced plans to closely examine party lists submitted for next year's elections. The goal is to ensure these lists comply with the constitutional two-thirds gender principle. Commissioner Ann Nderitu emphasized the commission's commitment to increasing the number of women on the ballot papers. This move is part of a broader effort to enhance gender representation in Kenyan politics.
The two-thirds gender principle, enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution, aims to ensure that no more than two-thirds of the members of elective or appointed bodies are of the same gender. Despite this constitutional requirement, its implementation has been challenging. The IEBC is now seeking to work with political parties to ensure they nominate women for areas where they have a stronghold, thereby increasing their chances of being elected.
Commissioner Nderitu revealed that the IEBC proposes that any list of candidates submitted to the commission must meet the two-thirds gender threshold. This proposal is part of a broader strategy to engage political parties in negotiations. The goal is to encourage parties to indirectly nominate women for certain areas through affirmative action. This approach, Nderitu believes, can increase the number of women on the ballot papers.
The IEBC's push for the two-thirds gender principle is supported by various stakeholders, including the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC). The NGEC has been advocating for practical mechanisms to advance the implementation of this constitutional principle. During a recent forum, stakeholders deliberated on strategies to increase the representation of women in elective positions.
The forum, attended by representatives from Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA), Kenya Women Senators Association (KEWOSA), UN Women, and constitutional commissions, called for heightened mobilization. The aim is to encourage more women to seek elective seats ahead of the next general elections. Stakeholders also emphasized the need for a law to govern the gender principle.
Currently, two bills are before Parliament, seeking to give effect to the two-thirds gender principle. The Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, sponsored by Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, and another bill sponsored by MPs Gladys Boss, Jane Kagiri, and Beatrice Elachi, propose the creation of special seats. These seats would ensure the principle is realized in Parliament.
The proposed Election Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, could also compel political parties to field more women in next year's elections. If passed, the law would require parties to ensure that no more than two-thirds of their parliamentary candidates are of the same gender. This could significantly change how parties prepare their tickets for the upcoming elections.
Key points
- The IEBC will scrutinize party lists to ensure compliance with the two-thirds gender principle.
- Stakeholders are calling for a law to govern the gender principle.
- The proposed bills aim to increase women's representation in elective positions.
