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National Assembly Speaker, the Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang'ula engaged the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) team led by the Commissionβs Chairperson Dr. Joyce Mwikali on legislative inclusion on gender and equality areas for purposes of enhancing a fair and a just society.
Dr. Mwikali presented π‘βπ πΏππππ πππ‘ππ£π π»πππππππ ππ ππππππππππ ππ πΈππ’ππππ‘π¦ πππ πππ- π·ππ ππππππππ‘πππ, during a courtesy call in the Speakerβs office which she said is a tool developed to provide MPs with basic checklist and standards for drafting legislative instruments that are gender sensitive, gender specific, inclusive and responsive to the interests of the special interest groups as well as gender transformative.
βSince 2018, we have submitted in excess of 229 memoranda on various Bills. We are keen to ensure that legislations are gender inclusive and fairly balancedβ, said Dr. Mwikali
The Speaker commended the Commission for taking a lead role in ensuring gender and equality mainstreaming in operations of the country.
He noted that the institution of Parliament encompasses a great responsibility as carries the face of the country where all regions are represented by elected legislators.
βParliament is the face of the country. All constituencies are represented here. There have been progressive efforts in achieving the Two Third Gender rule which is highly supported by the government of the day.β said Speaker.
Hon Wetang'ula highlighted opportunities of mutual interests for collaborations and partnerships between the Commission and the National Assembly on legislation, peer knowledge exchange saying that they will effectively address the needs and challenges faced by special interest groups including; Children, PWDs, Women and the Youth.
However, Dr. Mwikali noted the need for Parliament to embrace the use braille technology and sign language for purposes of ensuring that all persons are involved in the legislative process.
βMr. Speaker, it is important that people with disability are considered and included in legislative matters. They also should be involved during public participation and following of plenary mattersβ, said Dr. Mwikali.
Dr. Mwikali further noted that lack of adequate funding for implementation of the Commissionβs mandates has hampered their efforts to effectively deliver on their mandate.Β
The Commission's responsibility as stipulated in the NGEC Act No. 15 of 2011 is to champion the rights of all Kenyan citizens, with a special emphasis on marginalized groups, demonstrates dedication to creating a more inclusive and just society.
Present in the meeting included; The Vice- Chair of the Commission Dr. Muriithi Choma Munyi, Commissioners; Thomas Okoth Koyier, Caroline Lentupuru and Dr. Margaret Karungaru and Director and Chief of Staff Speakerβs Office Mr. Steve Apopo.