The Coalition on Violence against Women – Kenya (COVAW) is greatly disappointed and saddened by the extremely low female representation in the Grand Coalition Government.

During the election campaign period both Parties, that is, Party for National Unity (PNU) and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) made several promises and declarations that they would ensure that women would receive at least one third representation in all their appointments. To date this has not been honored. His Excellency the president Hon. President Mwai Kibaki is on record on need for observance of the principle of gender equality in government employment having directed that 30 per cent of all appointments, recruitment, promotions and training be reserved for women. To date this has not been honored.

Out of the fifty nine appointments of permanent secretaries and others officials made yesterday only eight are women, this is a mere 13% and not the 33% that was promised. Out of the forty cabinet ministers that were sworn in on the 17th of April 2008 only seven are women, a mere 17% and not the 33% that was promised. Out of the fifty two Assistant Ministers that were sworn in on the 17th of April 2008 only six are women, a mere 11% and not the 33% that was promised.

This is a clear slap in the face for all women in Kenya; a clear disregard for election promises that were made and platforms campaigns are hinged on; a clear lack of commitment to the empowerment of women in Kenya.

Our message to Hon. President Mwai Kibaki and Hon. Prime Minister Raila Odinga is that the women of Kenya are watching, the women of Kenya want justice, the women of Kenya want gender equality, women of Kenya want you to both deliver on the promises you made.

The Coalition of Violence against Women (COVAW) would like to draw the Government’s attention to:

   1. The Kenyan Government’s international and regional obligations and commitments to ensure the elimination of discrimination of women and equal participation of women in key decision making positions;

   2. The fundamental right of non discrimination on the basis of gender;

   3. The President is obligated under the Constitution to observe the principle of gender equality in his appointments.

Faith Kasiva- Opare

Executive Director

Coalition on Violence against Women (COVAW)

Leroghi Gardens, Off Mbaazi Avenue,

Off King’ara Road, Lavington

P O Box 10658-00100, Nairobi

Tel:  3874357/8 / 594794

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