STATEMENT ON CABINET SECRETARY NOMINATIONS

The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) is mandated to monitor, facilitate, and advise on the integration of the principles of equality and freedom from discrimination across all national and county policies, laws, and administrative regulations within public and private institutions. In light of the recent nominations of new Cabinet Secretaries by H.E the President, the Commission has conducted a preliminary review and made the following observations:

SN	Name	Portfolio	Gender	Age
	Hon. John Mbadi Ngo’ngo, EGH	Ministry of National Treasury and Economic Planning	Male	>35
	Hon. Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen, EGH	Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports	Male	>35
	Hon. Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, EGH	Ministry of Cooperatives and Micro Small Medium Enterprise Development (MSME)	Male	>35
	Ms. Stella Soi Langa't	Ministry of Gender, Culture, Arts and Heritage	Female	>35
	Ms. Rebecca Miano, EGH	Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife	Female	>35
	Hon. James Opiyo Wandayi, EGH	Ministry of Energy and Petroleum	Male	>35
	Hon. Justin Bedan Njoka Muturi, EGH	Ministry of Public Service and Human Capital Development	Male	>35
	Hon. Salim Mvurya Mgala, EGH	Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry	Male	>35
	Hon. (Dr.( Alfred Nganga Mutua, EGH	Ministry of Labour and Social Protection	Male	>35
	Hon. Hassan Ali Joho, EGH	Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs	Male	>35
	Hon. Prof. Kithure Kindiki PhD, EGH	Ministry of the Interior and National Administration	Male	>35
	Dr. Debra Mulongo Barasa	Ministry of Health	Female	>35
	Hon. Aden Barre Duale, EGH	Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry	Male	>35
	Mr. Davis Chirchir, EGH	Ministry of Roads and Transport	Male	>35
	Hon. Roselinda Soipan Tuya, EGH	Ministry of Defence	Female	>35
	Mr. Eric Muriithi Muuga	Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation	Male	32
	Mr. Julius Migosi Ogamba	Ministry of Education	Male	>35
	Hon. Alice Wahome, EGH	Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development	Female	>35
	Dr. Andrew Mwihia Karanja	Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development	Male	>35
	Dr. Margaret Nyambura Ndungu	Ministry of Information, Communication and the Digital Economy	Female	>35
	Hon. Musalia Mudavadi, EGH	Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Prime Cabinet Secretary	Male	>35

Key:

>35: Above 35 years of age

Statistical Display

Parameter	Count	Percentage	Notes
Gender Composition
- Male	15	71.43%
- Female	6	28.57%
Persons with Disabilities (PWD)
- PWD Representation	0	0%
Youth Representation
- Youth	1	4.76%	Eric Muriithi Muuga, aged 32
Marginalized Communities	5	23.81%

Advisory on Gender, PWD, and Youth Consideration in accordance with the Constitution of Kenya 2010.

Article 152. (1) of the Constitution of Kenya states that: "The Cabinet consists of— (a) the President; (b) the Deputy President; (c) the Attorney-General; and (d) not fewer than fourteen and not more than twenty-two Cabinet Secretaries."

1. Gender Composition:

The current nominations consist of 15 male and 6 female candidates. Including the President and Deputy President, who are both male, the total composition is 17 males and 6 females.

This composition does not comply with Article 27(8) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, which stipulates that no more than two-thirds of the members of an appointive body should be of the same gender. For a Cabinet with a maximum of 25 members (including the President, Deputy President, Attorney-General, and 22 Cabinet Secretaries), no more than 16 members should be of the same gender. To comply with this requirement, women must fill the remaining two positions for the Attorney-General and one Cabinet Secretary. Additionally, at least one of these female candidates should be a person with a disability.

The final composition would then be 17 males and 8 females, ensuring that no more than two-thirds of the members are of the same gender.

1. Representation of Persons with Disabilities (PWD):

There is no representation of persons with disabilities among the nominees. This is a missed opportunity for the progressive realization of the 5% representation requirement stipulated in Article 54(2) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010. Any subsequent nomination must bring in a member with disability as noted above.

1. Youth Representation:

The nomination of Eric Muriithi Muuga, aged 32, is noted as a positive step towards complying with Article 55 (b) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 which obligates the State to take measures, including affirmative action programmes, to ensure that the youth have opportunities to associate, be represented and participate in political, social, economic and other spheres of life. His inclusion represents an effort to address the youth constituency's need for representation in high-level decision-making.

1. Marginalized Communities:

The Commission notes that the list of nominees includes members who, by the definition of ‘marginalized communities’ in Article 260 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, fit that description. This inclusion is appreciated as it demonstrates an effort to comply with Article 56(c) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, which  obligates the State to put in place affirmative action programmes designed to ensure that minorities and marginalized groups  are provided special opportunities for access to employment

The Commission strongly encourages the appointing authority to ensure that the final Cabinet list fully complies with Articles 27, 54, and 55 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010. It is imperative that the National Assembly undertakes meticulous vetting of the nominees and approves only those who meet the stringent requirements outlined in Chapter 6 of the Constitution regarding leadership and integrity. This rigorous process will ensure that all appointed individuals embody the principles of equality, non-discrimination, and ethical leadership.