Green Thinking Action Party waives nomination fees for women aspirants

Green Thinking Action Party has waived nomination fees for women aspirants seeking elective posts for the 2022 General Elections.

During the announcement, Green Thinking Action Party leader Anita Soinacalled on all women aspirants seeking elective posts to join the party.

Dr Kalua spoke Tuesday after receiving 22-year-old Anita Soina, who is vying for the Kajiado North seat once held by former Vice President the late Prof. George Saitoti.

“The decision by GTAP to waive the nomination fees for women candidates will try to minimize the violence meted against women during party primaries,” said National Elections Board (NEB) member Florence Machio.

Ms. Soina joined GTAP after defecting from UDA and called upon the youth to join her to change how politics is practised in the country.

“Namibia and South Africa have previously elected Emma Theophilus at the age of 23 and Itumeleng Ntsube at the age of 21 respectively and this is proof that young people are not too young to lead,” said Anita.

Asked if she thought she could fit into the late Prof. George Saitoti’s shoes, the Green MP responded that she was the right candidate for Kajiado North whose primary challenges are climate-related, such as water shortage, food insecurity and sanitation.

Earlier in the month, Dr. Kalua Green announced the move by the party to waive nomination fees for women during an International Women’s Day event in Olulunga, Narok County, where he welcomed women aspirants led by anti-FGM and Fistula campaigner, Nampaiyo Koriata.

The Green Thinking Action Party commenced the Nomination process Monday and has been receiving application documents from aspirants across the country.

The party targets to field 500 candidates during the General Election and is confident that it will attract the best candidates from all counties, especially women and youth.

“The Constitution of Kenya Guarantees equitable opportunities to all Kenyans regardless of background, ethnicity, race, social status and gender. However, the political structure over the years has been skewed to favour men and those of wealthy backgrounds due to the influence of money in Kenya’s politics today”, said Dr. Kalua.

He said that his party’s philosophy seeks to challenge this narrative by breaking barriers for women.

The party also seeks to attract candidates who have leadership potential but shun politics for fear of being forced to engage in abusive and violent campaign practices or fear being bankrupt by long expensive campaigns with no guarantee of success.

“It is now time for good guys to get into real leadership and create real change”, said Dr. Kalua.