By Bryan Tumwa

National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) wants special interest groups to seek public service positions ahead of the formation of the new Government.

Winfred Lichuma, the Commission’s chairperson, has asked women, persons with disabilities and members of marginalised and minority groups to present their applications for elective and competitive positions such as cabinet secretaries, principal secretaries, County executive committee members, County public service board members among other vacancies available.

“We look forward to working closely with the National Assembly, the Senate, County Assemblies, the National and County Governments to ensure equitable representation,” said Lichuma.

However, Lichuma noted that because of failure by the electorate to elect women to County assemblies, in excess of 600, women will have to be nominated to meet the two- thirds gender requirement set out in the constitution under Article 27 (8). Only 88 women representatives were elected in the all 47 County Assemblies.

“NGEC is most grateful to Kenyans and Communities who overwhelmingly voted in women, persons with disabilities, youth and elderly persons.

“It is their constitutional right that they should be represented in governance and development in all spheres of life,” said Lichuma.

The National Assembly has a total of 16 elected women members and three persons with disabilities. According to Lichuma, members of parliament should be reminded that they have a duty to ensure that the house realises the Two- thirds gender rule in line with the ruling of the Supreme Court of December 11, 2012.

Meanwhile in Kakamega County, Prof. Shanyisa Khasiani, who unsuccessfully vied for the position of senator,  has called on women who were not successful in their attempts in the elections not to give up.

“Those women, who were not successful like myself should rise up and move on. They should keep demanding for their rights so that they can be part of the leadership of this country,” said Shanyisa.

She said women have made significant progress in the last few years and they should be encouraged to pursue competitive positions on an equal footing with men.