04/10/2026
What is the Two-Thirds Gender Rule?
The Constitution requires that no more than two-thirds of an elected or appointed body should be of the same gender. In simple terms, at least one-third should be women and at least one-third men.
Why does it matter?
Women make up 49% of registered voters, yet their representation in the National Assembly remains significantly lower. The rule is about ensuring women have a fair voice in decisions that shape our laws, budgets and services.
Sixteen years after Kenyans approved the Constitution, Parliament has yet to fully realise this principle. Two Bills currently propose a mechanism through special seats to ensure the gender principle is achieved.
The proposed Senate Bill No. 16 of 2025 and National Assembly Bill No. 29 of 2025 would provide for additional special seats after an election, with parties nominating candidates from lists and seats allocated based on the number of seats won by each party.
At a dialogue organised by the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) last Friday, CDPOK called for gender data to be disaggregated to make women with disabilities visible in conversations on representation and inclusion.
We cannot talk about gender equality without asking: Which women are being represented?
Disaggregated data is essential to understanding the participation and representation of women with disabilities and ensuring their voices are included in the implementation of the Two-Thirds Gender Rule.
