Kenya: Women protest in Nairobi Jan. 22

Event

Hundreds of women activists marched in the capital city of Nairobi on Monday, January 22, to protest the government’s repeated failure to comply with a law requiring more female representation in government.  President Uhuru Kenyatta won re-election in October 2017 and has so far named an all-male cabinet, although vacancies remain. According to one activist, out of the possible 13 positions that remain, the president must by law ensure that at least nine go to women in order to comply with the legal requirement that women hold at least one-third of government seats. Further protests are possible in the coming days.

Context

According to Kenya’s 2010 constitution, women must hold at least one-third of all parliamentary seats as well as one-third of all appointed positions. Despite this legal requirement, successive parliaments and governments have failed to comply with these guidelines.

Advice

Individuals present in Nairobi are advised to monitor the situation and to avoid all public gatherings due to the risk of violence.