LSK President Faith Odhiambo Calls for Stronger Enforcement of the Two-Thirds Gender Rule

By Jared Odhiambo 

Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has called for the enforcement of the two-thirds gender rule in Kenya.

Highlighting the persistent underrepresentation of women in leadership, Odhiambo called for more decisive action to ensure gender parity, particularly in political spheres.

Addressing the audience at LSK Annual Conference, Odhiambo emphasized the need to see more women in leadership roles, not only in professional settings but also within the political arena.

"We need to see more women rising to the top, more women as partners, and more women in decision-making positions," she stated.

However, she pointed out the significant challenge that remains: the continued lack of female representation in Parliament.

Odhiambo revisited the historical context of the gender rule, referencing the 2012 advisory opinion by former Chief Justice David Maraga, which called for the dissolution of Parliament due to its failure to meet the two-thirds gender requirement.

"The question is, was David Maraga writing a dissenting opinion back then, or should we have just implemented the ruling?" she asked, underscoring the missed opportunity to enforce gender equality in legislative representation.

The LSK president also criticized the government's lack of commitment to addressing the gender imbalance, noting that even the committee tasked with analyzing the two-thirds gender rule was led by the Cabinet Secretary, not Parliament.

"Why is this issue not part of the discussion, even as we talk about constitutional amendments?" she questioned, calling for a more prominent role for women in these critical debates.

Odhiambo's call to action was clear: it is time to make hard decisions and ensure that women are not only included in leadership discussions but are also actively leading them.

She suggested that resources such as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) be redirected to support more women in Parliament, arguing that the excuse of gender representation being too expensive is no longer valid.

"We have money for corruption, for international trips, but not for representation. This is unacceptable," she declared.

She also challenged women in power to actively support other women, ensuring that once they secure a seat at the table, they pave the way for others.

"It's about making changes in the constitution to guarantee that today you are nominated, and tomorrow, you ensure continuity of women's representation," she urged.

In a poignant conclusion, Odhiambo stressed the importance of holding Members of Parliament accountable for their role in advancing gender equality.

She praised the younger generation, particularly Gen Z, for their activism and urged them to continue pushing for accountability.

"If the US can consider a woman for president, why can't we?" she asked, challenging Kenya to think progressively about women's leadership.

Odhiambo's speech has sparked a renewed call for action, with the LSK and other stakeholders expected to intensify efforts to achieve the two-thirds gender rule in all levels of government.