The National Cohesion and Equal Opportunities Committee has expressed concern over the underrepresentation of female officers in the provincial administration across Kenya.
During a session chaired by Mwingi North MP, Hon. Eng. Paul Nzengu, the Committee highlighted the disparity between the number of female chiefs and their male counterparts.
Hon. Charles Were (Kaspul) noted the issue was evident during public participation exercises conducted in various parts of the country. “We established that female chiefs and their assistants were minimal,” he stated, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into why the Interior Ministry is not providing more opportunities for women in these roles.
Hon. Were’s concerns were echoed by Chairperson Hon. Adan Haji, who revealed that his Mandera West constituency has only one female chief. “Female chiefs are as competent as their male counterparts and should be given a chance to serve in these positions,” he asserted, emphasizing the importance of equal opportunities in employment.
The Committee is dedicated to addressing this imbalance and ensuring that women have equal access to administrative roles in rural areas. Hon. Haji stressed that the days when women were marginalized in employment matters are long gone, and it is crucial to reflect this in current administrative appointments.
To further investigate and address the issue, the Committee resolved to invite Interior Principal Secretary Mr. Raymond Omollo to provide insights and explanations. This move underscores the Committee’s commitment to fostering gender equality and ensuring that all Kenyans have equal opportunities in employment, regardless of gender.
The National Cohesion and Equal Opportunities Committee’s proactive stance aims to rectify the gender disparity and promote a more inclusive approach to administrative appointments in Kenya, aligning with the nation’s broader goals of equality and social justice