Nairobi, July 6, 2026 — Members of Parliament, civil society organisations, gender advocates and media practitioners have renewed calls for the implementation of the constitutional two-thirds gender principle, describing it as a critical democratic reform that must be achieved before the 2027 General Election.
The renewed push was made during the Women's Legislative Forum held in Nairobi to commemorate the International Day of Parliamentarism. The forum, organised by Mzalendo Trust in partnership with the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) and supported by the National Democratic Institute (NDI), brought together legislators, political leaders, civil society organisations and journalists to develop a coordinated strategy for advancing gender parity in elective leadership.
Speaking during the forum, KEWOPA Vice Chairperson Senator Catherine Mumma urged Parliament to rise above political differences and pass the pending constitutional amendments aimed at implementing Article 81(b) of the Constitution, which requires that no more than two-thirds of members of elective public bodies be of the same gender.
She warned that the 13th Parliament risks leaving behind a legacy of unfulfilled constitutional obligations if it fails to enact the reforms before the next General Election.
Senator Mumma also expressed concern that political competition often overshadows national interest, arguing that some legislative proposals are rejected because of the personalities behind them rather than their value to the country.
Discussions at the forum highlighted that, despite women legislators sponsoring significant legislation on gender-based violence, disability rights, public health and civil registration, women remain underrepresented in key parliamentary leadership positions.
Participants noted that while progress has been made, Kenya is yet to fully implement the constitutional gender requirement more than 15 years after the adoption of the 2010 Constitution.
The meeting reviewed ongoing legislative proposals, including constitutional amendments seeking to introduce a post-election gender top-up mechanism and reforms to political party nomination lists to enhance women's representation in Parliament and county assemblies.
According to organisers, the forum sought to evaluate progress made since the promulgation of the Constitution, identify barriers slowing implementation of the two-thirds gender rule, and develop an advocacy roadmap to guide legislative and civic engagement over the next 12 months leading to the 2027 elections.
Participants also committed to strengthening collaboration between women legislators, civil society organisations and the media to increase public awareness and support for gender inclusion. The forum is expected to produce a joint communiqué outlining key commitments and recommendations to accelerate the implementation of the constitutional requirement.
Senator Mumma further revealed that Parliament is developing a comprehensive sexual harassment policy intended to strengthen protections within the institution by addressing existing policy gaps.
The forum concluded with renewed calls for civic education, grassroots mobilisation and the formation of a Women's Elections Movement to encourage greater participation of women in leadership and elective politics ahead of the 2027 General Election.
