Kamar opposes fee for women fees

By Titus Too

Higher Education Minister Margaret Kamar has joined women in Rift Valley in opposing proposed fees for women seeking elective positions.

Kamar who attended an emergency meeting of Rift Valley Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Organisation (MYWO) in Eldoret, said she will join parliamentarians in rejecting the draft election regulation proposed by IEBC to charge women Sh500,000 for clearance.

“More women have declared interest in elective posts in the province. The proposed fee imposed for clearance may bar potential leaders from contesting,” said Kamar.

Rift Valley Province is leading in the number of elected female legislators in the current Parliament.

Kamar on Saturday said clearance fees for potential candidates should be as low, to create a fair and level ground for those seeking elective positions.

“Most aspirants who have shown interest have never had Sh500,000 in their bank accounts. It will be unfair to bar those with leadership skills from elections,” she said.

She added: “The proposed figures are ridiculous and will favour the rich parties and individuals. I will be joining other parliamentarians to reject the proposed fees.”

She said MYWO would carry out civic education to enlighten voters on picking candidates based on their development record and integrity

The Eldoret East MP said leaders who perform should be given opportunities to steer development in their counties.

Ms Mary Mariach from Pokot county and Lucy Sadera from Narok said if the fee is imposed, women from the pastoral regions of the country will be more disadvantaged because they will not afford. They said those contesting for MPs should pay Sh100,000.

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