Deputy President William Ruto emphasized the government's resolve to fulfill the constitutional mandate for a two-thirds gender quota during a graduation ceremony at Kamwenja Teachers Training College in Nyeri County on March 8, 2019. The event coincided with International Women's Day, where Ruto addressed challenges in achieving gender parity in leadership roles.
Despite repeated legislative failures by both the 11th and 12th parliaments to pass the gender parity bill, Ruto asserted that the requirement remains a constitutional obligation. 'The government is committed to eliminating barriers that hinder women's participation in leadership,' he stated, vowing to pursue the policy through alternative avenues if necessary.
The deputy president also outlined plans to strengthen the education sector, including implementing a competence-based curriculum, increasing teacher numbers, and upgrading school infrastructure. His remarks came amid criticism from Jubilee Party representatives, who condemned ODM leader Raila Odinga for alleged remarks implying Ruto had engaged in theft, urging him to show respect for the vice president.
