Civil Society Organizations (CSO’s) in Kisumu have petitioned Governor Prof. Anyang Nyong’o to include more women, youth and People with Disability (PWD’s) in his cabinet.
In a statement to the media, the CSO’s faulted Nyong’o for nominating only one woman to the cabinet, a move they said was in contravention of the constitution.
Early this month, Prof. Nyong’o nominated Dr. Gregory Ganda (medical Services, Public Health and Sanitation), George Okong’o (Finance, Economic Planning and ICT), Kennedy Hongo (Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development), Farida Salim (Trade, Tourism, Industry and Marketing), Salmon Orimba (Infrastructure, Energy and Public Works), Ken Onyango (Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Development) and John Awiti (Education, Technical Training, Innovation and Social Services).
Nyong’o further gave additional duties to three of the nominees, Salmon Orimba, George Okong’o and John Awiti to act as County Executive Committee Members (CECM’s) in Environment, Public Service and Sports dockets respectively.
The CSO’s claimed that the three remaining cabinet slots should have been given to women, youth and PWDs to enhance inclusivity in the government.
“In Kisumu County women, youth and PWDs account for over half of the population and have a right to be represented in government. Their presence in leadership positions is crucial in enhancing governance and improving overall effectiveness in service delivery,” they said.
They further called for the establishment of a gender department within the county government structure to ensure a gender responsive approach on issues affecting women, youth and PWDs.
The push comes two days after the Employment and Labor Relations Court in Kisumu suspended the vetting of seven County Executive Committee Members nominated by the Governor, pending the hearing and determination of a petition filed by a voter.
The ruling was issued on Monday by Lady Justice Christine Baari after a virtual hearing of the application filed by Evans Otieno Oloo seeking to quash the nomination of the seven.
Filed under certificate of urgency the petitioner who listed the governor, Kisumu County Government and the County Assembly as respondents argued that the list did not meet the gender threshold adding that special groups were not considered.
“Pending hearing of the application, an order is hereby issued staying the effect of the notice dated 7/10/2022 issued by the first and second respondents, their agents, proxies or anybody acting on their behalf from continuing with the process of vetting and appointing of the nominees,” said Justice Baari.