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{
    "id": 740647,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/740647/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 241,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Onyura",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 12833,
        "legal_name": "Michael Aringo Onyura",
        "slug": "michael-aringo-onyura"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker. I rise to support this Bill. In fact, I support it in principle. It is true that there are certain areas that might need cleaning up and improvement. I think the principle is right. The Kenyan people, exercising their rights and choices at the time of making the Constitution, decided that elective and appointive positions should conform to the two-thirds gender rule. It is upon us in this House and all the other Kenyans to ensure that, that is fulfilled. That was a way of providing an affirmative action to ensure that, that happens. As I support this Bill, I ask myself: Would it be good for this country if women were facilitated to participate in various activities as fully as possible? I think it would be a good thing. Therefore, we should look for ways of implementing this law. This Bill will ensure that we achieve the two-thirds gender rule in this House. I am happy with certain provisions, including the sunset clause that provides for 20 years. It shows that we are now working towards a certain target. I have no problem with the extension of tenures. The clause states that after the 20 years, if we have not achieved the one-third gender representation, then Parliament may--- It does not say, “Parliament shall”. My take on this matter is that after the 20 years, depending on the prevailing circumstances, the House in its wisdom, will decide whether there is the sense in extending or not. I am also happy that there is a provision that those who will benefit from this nomination can only serve for a maximum of two terms. That is good because it ensures that we do not have people here benefitting forever. I am also encouraged that a good number of the ladies nominated in this House have decided to run in the coming elections. They may not have succeeded in the nomination exercise, but going out there to contest is good enough. I know that some of the nominated women Members have done well in the nominations and that is very encouraging."
}