MPs urged to back bill aimed at enforcing two-thirds gender rule

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Senator Veronica Maina during an interview on Spice FM, July 16, 2025. [Spice FM]

A fresh push to implement the Constitution’s two-thirds gender rule has gathered momentum, with lawmakers and governance advocates calling for the passage of a constitutional amendment they say could end a 16-year stalemate on women’s representation in Parliament.

Speaking during a stakeholders forum convened by Mzalendo Trust, leaders urged Parliament to support a Senate-sponsored amendment bill that seeks to amend Articles 97 and 98 of the Constitution to allow for the top-up of women legislators after a general election if either House fails to meet the two-thirds gender requirement.

Nominated Senator Veronica Maina said the proposal offers a practical solution to a constitutional obligation that has remained unmet since the 2010 Constitution came into force.