The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has pointed out that no county has complied with the two thirds (2/3rd) gender rule in appointing County Executive Committee Members (CECMs)and Chief Officers (CO).

The Commission informed the Senate Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity and Regional Integration Chaired by Marsabit Senator, Mohamed Chute, that no county has more women CECMs or COs compared to men.

"It is important to note that in all counties, women CECMs or COs constitute the third (where counties have complied with the not more than two thirds gender principle)"the Commission Chair stated.

The Commission also noted that counties have also not complied with other domains of inclusion and diversity such as representation of youth,PWDs,minority and marginalized people.

The Gender Commission was responding to a statement sought by Nominated Senator Beth Syengo, seeking information pertaining to the audit of appointments of CECMs and COs in all counties.

The statement further sought information about the affirmative action being taken by Counties in the promotion of women to leadership positions.

While responding to concerns by Senator Syengo,the Commission said that in the last three months,they had also received complaints on alleged discrimination or exclusion in the appointments of CECMs and COs positions from various quarters.

"The Commission is keenly following on these complaints and we aim to apply alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and appeal to parties to reach mutual but positive resolution directed towards greater inclusions and representation,"she told the Senate.

The Commission asked the Senate to work together with Council of Governors to develop guidelines to manage transitions between elections in County Governments.

"There are cases where appointment of CECMs and COs in the County Government are halted unnecessarily for too long due to court injunctions and community acrimony,"Mutinda said.

The NGEC further called for support from the development partners to increase investment on gender agenda.

There is also need,the Commission said,for public education directed to the communities to ensure they remain vigilant to protect and claim their right of representation.

Members of the Committee present were Senators Joseph Githuku (Lamu) and Betty Montent.Senator Syengo was also present.