Uhuru Kenyatta tells Duale to prioritise Gender Bill

State House Spokesperson Manoah Esipisu addressing journalists at the Kisumu State Lodge on April 17, 2017. PHOTO | PSCU

What you need to know:

  • President Kenyatta is optimistic that MPs will come together in a bi-partisan way to get the job done.
  • The President last week urged the private sector to increase salaries of workers.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has instructed National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale to put the Gender Bill at the top of the House agenda before its current term expires.

State House Spokesperson Manoah Esipisu said the President believes the 11th Parliament has an opportunity to stamp its authority on the matter and be remembered as the House that put issues related to women leadership at the top of its agenda.

“I can reiterate that the President is keen to see movement on the subject, in the context of a clear framework set out in our Constitution.

“The President is optimistic that MPs will come together in a bi-partisan way to get the job done,” said Mr Esipisu.

HIGHER MINIMUM WAGE

Addressing journalists at the Kisumu State Lodge on Monday, Mr Esipisu also assured workers that an increase in the minimum wage is on the way despite doubts owing to statements from some stakeholders.

Last week President Kenyatta urged private-sector companies to raise the salaries of their workers.

The government, the Central Organisation of Trade Unions and the Salaries and Remunerations Commission (SRC) are discussing a higher minimum wage for public-sector workers.

“Government has not increased the minimum wage in two years, and the President favours an increase this year. It is something that workers can look to,” said Mr Esipisu.

He also said President Kenyatta is waiting for recommendations from the National Police Service Commission and the SRC on salaries for members of the security agencies.

“The President recognises that while overall the Kenyan economy remains robust, ordinary citizens still experience difficulties in their daily lives, and he is working to help tackle these challenges,” he said.