{"count":1608389,"next":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/?format=json&page=150565","previous":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/?format=json&page=150563","results":[{"id":1523832,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1523832/?format=json","text_counter":68,"type":"speech","speaker_name":"Hon. Kingi","speaker_title":"The Speaker","speaker":null,"content":" Order! Senate Majority Leader, welcome to Bunge."},{"id":1523833,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1523833/?format=json","text_counter":69,"type":"scene","speaker_name":"","speaker_title":"","speaker":null,"content":"(Laughter)"},{"id":1523834,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1523834/?format=json","text_counter":70,"type":"speech","speaker_name":"Sen. Kibwana","speaker_title":"","speaker":{"id":277,"legal_name":"Kibwana Kivutha","slug":"kibwana-kivutha"},"content":"Mr. Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.52(1) to make a Statement on an issue of general topical concern namely the Commemoration of International Women’s Day, 2025. This day is not only a global celebration of the achievements of women, but also a solemn reminder of the work that still lies ahead in our quest for gender equality. This year’s theme; Accelerate Action for Gender Equality, resonates deeply as we prepare for the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), where Kenyans progressed in implementing the Beijing Declaration and platform for action will come under review. Kenya has made commendable strides in advancing the women’s agenda. The Constitution of Kenya, 2010 firmly enshrines gender equality. We have witnessed increased representation of women in leadership; with 47 elected Women Representatives, 29 in single constituencies and 12 Nominated Members in the National Assembly. In the Senate, we have three elected women Senators and 18 nominated. We also have seven women elected as county governors. Women now head seven key Ministries, including health, defence, and lands, public works, housing and urban development. Prominent women hold constitutional offices such as Attorney-General, Auditor-General, Controller of Budget (CoB) and Chief Justice. Additionally, women lead independent commissions like the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) and the Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ) also known as the Office of the Ombudsman. We also celebrate the appointment of Chief Justice Martha Koome, the first woman to hold this esteemed position in our nation’s history. Beyond leadership, Kenya has rolled out critical women empowerment programmes such as the Women Enterprise Fund (WEF), the Uwezo Fund and the The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard and AudioServices, Senate."},{"id":1523835,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1523835/?format=json","text_counter":71,"type":"speech","speaker_name":"Sen. Kibwana","speaker_title":"","speaker":{"id":277,"legal_name":"Kibwana Kivutha","slug":"kibwana-kivutha"},"content":"National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), which have collectively improved women’s access to capital and fostered economic independence. Regarding legislative agenda, we have enacted the Sexual Offences Act, the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act and the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act, all which are pivotal in protecting women’s rights and addressing Gender Based Violence (GBV). Furthermore, gender desks in police stations and the establishment of GBV recovery centres in hospitals are tangible steps in supporting survivors. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I am proud to highlight the impact of the work of the Kenya Women Senators Association (KEWOSA). It has been on the frontline mentoring women Members of County Assemblies (MCAs), having so far mentored women leaders from seven counties. The initiative has empowered these women to effectively engage in legislative processes and leadership roles, strengthening the pipeline of future female leaders. Furthermore, KEWOSA has played a pivotal role in supporting women petty offenders who are unable to afford bail by facilitating payment of their bail amounts. The compassionate initiative not only restores the dignity of these women but also ensures that minor economic hardship do not unjustly rob them of their freedom. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the women Senators for their unwavering support and invaluable contributions to these programmes. Their collective efforts have made a meaningful difference in advancing women’s empowerment and gender equality across the nation. While we acknowledge these strides, we must also confront the persistent challenges. The two-thirds gender rule remains an unfulfilled constitutional requirement and GBV continues to rob women and girls of their dignity and safety. Economic disparities still limit women’s access to land ownership and formal financial systems. As we mark this important day, I call upon the House and all stakeholders to- (1) Expedite the full implementation of the two-thirds gender rule through legislative and policy action; (2) Strengthen women’s economic empowerment by expanding access to affordable credit and financial literacy programmes; (3) Invest in mentorship and leadership training for young women, supported by KEWOSA and other mentorship platforms; (4) Enhance the fight against GBV by increasing funding for shelters, expanding gender desks, and ensuring swift justice for survivors; and, (5) Amplify the voices of women in climate action, digital innovation, and close the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects, as well as ensure equal opportunities in emerging industries. Empowering women means strengthening our nation. Let today serve not only as a celebration, but also as a renewed call to action. Let us move from counting women in leadership to making women in leadership count. Happy International Women’s Day."},{"id":1523836,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1523836/?format=json","text_counter":72,"type":"speech","speaker_name":"Sen. Kibwana","speaker_title":"","speaker":{"id":277,"legal_name":"Kibwana Kivutha","slug":"kibwana-kivutha"},"content":"The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard and AudioServices, Senate."},{"id":1523837,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1523837/?format=json","text_counter":73,"type":"scene","speaker_name":"","speaker_title":"","speaker":null,"content":"[The Speaker (Hon. Kingi) left the Chair]"},{"id":1523838,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1523838/?format=json","text_counter":74,"type":"scene","speaker_name":"","speaker_title":"","speaker":null,"content":"[The Deputy Speaker (Sen. Kathuri) in the Chair]"},{"id":1523839,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1523839/?format=json","text_counter":75,"type":"speech","speaker_name":"Sen. Kibwana","speaker_title":"","speaker":{"id":277,"legal_name":"Kibwana Kivutha","slug":"kibwana-kivutha"},"content":"Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, kindly, allow me to read the second one. Before I do that, since it is the International Women’s Day, I would like to send my deepest condolences to one of our sisters, Sen. Betty Montet, who has lost her spouse this afternoon. Some of our colleagues have rushed there. We would also like to go there to support her."},{"id":1523840,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1523840/?format=json","text_counter":76,"type":"speech","speaker_name":"Sen. Kathuri","speaker_title":"The Deputy Speaker","speaker":{"id":13590,"legal_name":"Murungi Kathuri","slug":"murungi-kathuri"},"content":" Proceed to read the other Statement under Standing Order No.52(1)."},{"id":1523841,"url":"http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1523841/?format=json","text_counter":77,"type":"heading","speaker_name":"","speaker_title":"","speaker":null,"content":"WIN BY BIEN BARAZA AS THE BEST EAST AFRICAN MUSICIAN"}]}