President William Ruto on Thursday, 7 March 2024 committed to ensuring the full implementation of the two-thirds gender rule within his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party and the broader Kenya Kwanza government.
Speaking at the launch of the Women Governors Caucus G7 Strategy in Nairobi, the president emphasized that his government has actively pursued radical strategies to meet the constitutional gender inclusion threshold and pledged to lead by example.
During the event, the president assigned the task of formulating new laws requiring a male presidential candidate to have a female running mate and vice versa to UDA party chairperson Cecily Mbarire. He emphasized the need for deliberate and intentional efforts, stating, “We must be deliberate and intentional about it, otherwise it will never happen.” The president further proposed extending this requirement to Governors and all leadership positions within the UDA party.
Expressing confidence that other party leaders would support the proposal, the president alluded that the move was not to instigate anything against men, but rather to balance so that the parties can move together. He acknowledged the pivotal role women have played in supporting his political career, citing their reliability and backing during challenging times.
The President commended the Women Governors Caucus G7, a coalition of seven elected women governors in Kenya, including Ann Waiguru, Kirinyaga County, Susan Kihika, Nakuru County, Wavinya Ndeti, Machakos County, Fatuma Achani, Kwale County, Kawira Mwangaza Meru County, and Cecily Mbarire Embu County. The conference is aimed to empower and support women leaders, fostering efficient, transformational, and strategic governance within the devolved structures.