The Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK) report, Fifteen Years On: An Evaluation of Kenya’s Women Political Representation in Relation to the Two-Thirds Gender Rule, provides a troubling assessment. It reveals a network of barriers: a patriarchal political culture, filled with violence and intimidation against women candidates; parties that overlook women during nominations; and prohibitively high campaign costs that financially exclude them. These systemic issues have hindered progress, turning constitutional goals into ongoing exclusion.

Kenya’s situation is even more pronounced when compared to other countries in the region. While our multi-party democracy is vibrant, we lag our East African neighbours in actual gender representation. Rwanda leads globally at 61% after the 2024 elections, Tanzania remains at 37.4%, and Uganda at 34.1%. The difference lies in their move from hopeful ideals to strong systems like minimum 30% quotas written into law, special electoral colleges in Rwanda, and performance-linked proportional lists in Tanzania. Kenya’s competitive model seems admirable, but without strict enforcement, it offers more illusion than reality.

The AMWIK report outlines a clear path and a strategy to compliance to the ‘two-thirds’ in due course. To move the needle, Parliament must pass laws that combine direct elections with reserved seats, particularly at the county level. It should also advocate for gender-balanced tickets for presidential and gubernatorial races, ensuring running mates of the opposite gender.

Firstly, the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) should link party funding to gender-responsive nomination rules, supported by penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) should enforce these rules as conditions for elections. To eliminate financial barriers, the IEBC needs to set limits on nomination fees and campaign spending, while Parliament should strengthen swift justice against gender-based political violence.

Women themselves can play a crucial role in shifting the balance. The report indicates that more women running for office leads to better outcomes, especially when candidates consistently run in the same constituency to boost visibility.

Aspiring candidates should strategically use digital and mainstream media to counter biased narratives that focus on traditional societal roles instead of leadership skills. Clear guidelines for gender-responsive coverage that highlight manifestos and qualifications would enhance this effort, making media a powerful tool in elections.

The 2027 election represents the next test of our constitution. Leaders, political parties, and electoral bodies must commit to making the Two-Thirds Principle a priority, transforming Kenya from a place of high expectations to one of real inclusivity.

The AMWIK Report is available here

Queenter Mbori is the Executive Director, AMWIK and Founder of WoKN

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When you employed me you trusted me to take care of your wonderful home; from cleaning to cooking to taking care of your little ones. In this heartfelt letter I’d like to let you know of a few things; let’s term it as a little bit of housekeeping.

I am here to work, please do not involve me in your family drama. I’m neither your family’s therapist nor your marriage counselor. I’m only getting paid to take care of your house and kids. Any other extracurricular activity is none of my business.

Please do not make me your children’s teacher. If you want me to be a part-time teacher to your kids, kindly pay me well and I’ll gladly do it. I have to pretend that I’m illiterate to avoid being your kid’s part-time teacher. Also, learn to manage your households, house helps are neither angels nor magicians to keep everything spotless.

To my female boss, kindly have time for your husband and listen to them. I am not responsible for what happens then you’ll end up firing me. 

Additionally, when you fight with your spouse do not transfer your anger and frustrations to me. You aren’t talking to me yet you leave the kids with me? 

To the pastor couple I work for, continue with the Lord’s work. You keep me entertained when you gossip about your congregants. The sugar in your tea is enough to keep me going. 

Your kids are badly behaved; train your kids on how to communicate properly with decorum and respect. I advocate for spanking, but you know better as a parent. These aren’t our bosses, a session on the concept of boundaries would do wonders trust me.

Boss, why aren’t you spending time with your kids? I’m a househelp and I can’t step into the shoes of a parent.

Madam, you employed me to work for you. I know my duties and responsibilities including my boundaries and limits in your home. Stop accusing me of having an affair with your husband. You leave your house and then I’ll remain with the kids in the same house with the husband you accused me of having an affair with? 

Thank you to my ex-employer for being sweet and kind to me. You helped me get on my feet, you allowed me to attend computer college while working for you, got a job, and even got her another househelp while I still lived with you. You were truly God-sent, thank you.

To my male boss, I’m neither your second wife nor side chick. I left my village to make ends meet to fnd for my family. This sense of entitlement should stop. 

My dear lovely boss, please make your bed, wash your innerwear, and wash the bedding that you use with your spouse. Moreover, teach your teenage kids basic hygiene like washing their underwear, and girls how to maintain hygiene during their menses. 

I understand the pressure that comes with having guests coming over. You do not have to shout at me and reprimand me. 

Lastly, I’m a human made of flesh and bones. I require rest. Even the beasts of burden take time to rest. Allow me to rest, you don’t have to make me wash the roof when you see me resting. I’m entitled to having my leave days and a decent payment.

Yours Truly,

The Househelp 

The post LETTER TO MY BOSS, FROM THE HOUSEHELP appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

Notably a quote attributed to Kitui South Member of Parliament  Rachel Nyamai who belongs to Jubilee Party, one of the parties in the opposition. The purported quote was allegedly published by Nation Africa on July 1, 2024. According to the graphic, Hon Rachel Nyamai claimed that they received KSh2,000,000 from President William Ruto to support the Finance Bill as claimed by Juja Member of Parliament George Koimburi.

The post was also shared here amidst the Gen-Z-led Anti-Finance bill protests happening in Kenya. 

Investigations by Woman Kenya Network have revealed that the graphic is fake.  

A close analysis of the graphic challenges editorial standards and format typically used by the media house. The Nation Africa logo on legitimate digital cards is bold and compact unlike the one used on the image. The text is also well-spaced and not cramped like in the image we are investigating. 

A typical post by Nation shared on their Facebook page shows that there is visibly a significant difference between the font type and size on the graphic under our scrutiny and Nation’s regular digital cards. In terms of format and house style, Nation Africa designs dates on the top right side of the posters; not the left side as illustrated on the fake graphic.

Comparison between the fake digital card and a legitimate digital card by Nation Africa. 

Further, the purported image is conspicuously missing from Nation Africa’s verified social media platforms. The media house instead flagged the graphic we are investigating as fake. 

Additionally, Hon. Rachel Nyamai flagged the photo as fake on her X platform. The circulating image of Hon. Rachel Nyamai claiming that MPs were given KSh 2 million by President William Ruto to pass the finance bill is FALSE and contributes to misinformation, potentially misleading the public about parliamentary actions and funding.

This fact-check was written by Woman Kenya Network fact-checker Priscillah Kimani and edited by Woman Kenya Project Lead Shadrack Agamira.

This fact-check was produced by Woman Kenya Network, under the African Fact-Checking Incubator programme, with support from PesaCheck, Code for Africa’s fact-checking initiative, and the African Fact Checking Alliance(AFCA).

Woman Kenya Network  is a distinguished digital media company committed to advancing gender equality and promoting the equitable participation of women and girls in society. Launched in 2018, WOKN has grown into a fully-fledged digital media platform with a vibrant social media presence on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Our platforms have become a trusted and reliable source of information on gender-sensitive content covering diverse thematic areas including Politics, Climate, Peace and Security, Gender Justice, Health, Economic Empowerment, and SRHR as guided by SDG 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.  We use the media to advocate for gender equality, promote just portrayal, and amplify women’s voices in society.

The post FALSE: KITUI SOUTH MP RACHEL NYAMAI DID NOT SAY THAT MPs RECEIVED KSh2 MILLION TO PASS THE FINANCE BILL appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

Here are few things you should know about Sheinbaum:

• Sheinbaum was born in Mexico City in 1962.
• She gained interest in student politics while studying for her undergraduate degree at National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) where she protested against privatization of public education. 
• On graduating from UNAM, she pursued a Master’s degree in energy engineering at the University of California, Berkeley and returned to UNAM for doctoral studies. 
• Sheinbaum was appointed environment secretary of Mexico City by Obrador, later the head of the city’s government. 
• Sheinbaum joined  the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and in 2007 became part of the team that received the Nobel Peace Prize. 
• Between 2015 and 2017, Sheinbaum served as the first woman elected as head of Tlalpan district of Mexico. 
• In 2018, she was elected as the first woman  head of government of the whole city and served until June 2023. 
• Moreover, she is a mother of two and has one grandchild. Her significant other, Jesùs María Tarriba is a financial risk specialist at the Bank of Mexico.

The post Who is Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s First Female President?   appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

 Rita Tinina’s lifeless body was discovered at her home in Kileleshwa on Sunday afternoon. Rita died in a suspected epileptic attack but the cause of her demise is still being investigated. 

According to a police report filed at the Kileleshwa Police Station, Tinina’s sister found the mother of one unconscious in her bedroom. The police said, 

” On arrival at the scene the sister called in the assistance of emergency medical services whereby the paramedics confirmed that the body was already lifeless,”

The award-winning journalist was renowned for her exceptional reporting prowess, earning widespread admiration and recognition from different people across the industry.

Prominent media personality Lindah Oguttu penned a poignant message remembering the vital role Tinina played in her years in the media. She wrote, 

“I am who I am because I stood on her shoulders while at NTV. My T9. Go well my darling. Rita Tinina, the hand that held mine and never let go. I am broken….Rest mami,”

Former Nairobian Newspaper columnist and renowned author Silas Nyanchwani condoled, 

” One of the finest in the game. One of the best to hold that microphone and report. Professional and seasoned.Sad to lose her. Rest in Peace Rita Tinina.” 

NTV Swahili news anchor Fridah Mwaka recounted the last moments she shared with Rita Tinina at work a day before her demise. “Sad … I can’t imagine last Sunday was my last time seeing you. We spent the better part of the day in the newsroom just the two of us! You later joined me in the edit suite…” interrupted my editing session”…joined you in analyzing the feature you were assigned….we laughed. Jamani #Rita lala pema mama hili ni pigo.”

Well-known radio host Joseph Ogidi Oyoo popularly known as Gidi recalled playing board games with her and spending time with her every weekend. He wrote, 

“I used to call her by her other name Sanapei. She was the queen of board games, from Monopoly to Scrabble and the hourglass which she introduced us to. Those were the memorable days of fun and laughter almost every weekend with the NTV crew. May your soul rest in peace, Rita. Rest well Sanapei,” 

KTN News journalist Zubeida Kananu Koome remembered her for her kindness and passion for her work. She wrote,

” Deeply saddened by the loss of Aunt Rita. She was more than a colleague; she was a dear companion on many assignments, in and out of the country. These photos were taken on our last assignment in Eldoret, capturing moments we’ll always cherish. Her kindness and passion for her work touched us all. Rest in peace, Aunt Rita. My thoughts are with your loved ones during this difficult time. ” 

Rita Tinina pursued and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication and Media Studies from the University of Nairobi. She has more than a decade of experience in radio and TV journalism. 

Rita worked at the Nation Media Group (NMG) before she joined KTN News in 2012, where she worked as a senior reporter, and returned to NTV in October 2023 where she worked until her demise. 

Rita is famed for covering the story of the Yaku community in Laikipia which was dwindling in numbers and her in-depth coverage of the International Criminal Court at Hague. She also brought to light a biography of former First Lady Lucy Kibaki dubbed ‘Life and Times of Mama Lucy Kibaki’.

Rita has left an indelible mark on the hearts of her viewers and the media fraternity. 

The post KENYANS MOURN GIFTED JOURNALIST RITA TININA appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

1. Starlet Wahu Mwangi better known as Icey Wife was born in the 2000s as she was 24 years old at the time of her death.
2. She was an Instagram model well-known for selling fashionable clothes and shoes. Her fans also loved her unique fashion sense. 
3. Starlet was a Christian, having been raised in a family with a strong religious background. Both her parents are pastors. She was the daughter of Prophetess Lucy Nduta, a controversial self-proclaimed city prophetess of Salvation Healing Ministry a woman popular for her vibrant lifestyle. 
4. She was the youngest in her family and was closest to her brother Victor Kanyari, a controversial city Pastor.
5. Starlet ran a private Instagram account known as Icey Wahu that had over a hundred thousand followers.
6. On her 21st Birthday, the socialite received a sleek ride from her brother Julius.
7. Wahu’s dating life remained private on social media. She once flaunted a 57-stone diamond bracelet worth Sh829,199  from her boyfriend who flew 16 hours to see her. 
8. Starlet enjoyed living a larger-than-life lifestyle depicted in her TikTok videos. She flaunted a lavish lifestyle showing dollar bills. In a past TikTok video, she flaunts a plane ride crediting her mother for sponsoring the ride.

The post STARLET WAHU: THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MURDERED KENYAN WOMAN appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

These allegations included claims of sexual impropriety, corruption, and kickbacks within the parliament. After conducting an inquiry, the Committee on Power and Privileges found that Orwoba failed to provide substantial evidence to support her allegations.

Consequently, her suspension is linked to a potential breach of Parliamentary Privilege due to the lack of substantiated claims. Among the allegations made by Orwoba were accusations of sexual favors, favoritism, and discrimination toward other senators.

She also posted messages on the Senate business WhatsApp group that were deemed disrespectful. The suspension will remain in effect for the remainder of the second session of the 13th Parliament, and Orwoba is expected to return in February 2024. It is worth noting that this is not the first time Senator Orwoba has attracted public attention, as a previous incident involving stained clothing during a session had sparked discussions.

Woman Kenyan Network has compiled a few more things you should know about Senator Gloria Orwoba.

Free sanitary bill: The nominated senator is determined to bring to an end period stigma, poverty, and shame hence her push forward a bill that would provide free and unlimited feminine hygiene products to women. 

“My bill intends to have a standing act on the provision of sanitary towels to all school-going children and prisons,” she said. 

Skilled in architecture: Before joining politics, Senator Gloria worked as a county coordinator in Global Youth Parliament in 2020. She has a Diploma in Architecture- Design, Build, and Construction Management and 15 years of total work experience. 

She served as Country Manager for Rangi Yetu in 2021 before she became director of partnerships and fundraising for The John Agyekum Kufuor Foundation.

She has over six years of experience in Construction management and over three years in start-ups.

Gloria is a consultant at Meerkat Production Limited and has over ten years of experience in Facilities Management, Business Operations, and Project management. 

Working with Facebook: Gloria was employed as Facebook Data Network Manager in Denmark until 2019 when she came to Kenya to contest for the Bobasi constituency MP seat in Kisii County. She lost during the party primaries to Joseph Onchiri. 

From video vixen to nominated senator:  Another interesting detail about Miss Orwoba is the fact that she was featured as a video vixen in an old-school song, Dem Wangu that was performed by Andre and produced by Mandugu Digital.

The post SENATE SUSPENDS NOMINATED SENATOR GLORIA ORWOBA appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

Hezena Lemaletian’s journey toward empowerment began with championing the rights of Samburu society. As the Reigning Miss Commonwealth Kenya, the University of Nairobi graduate made history by becoming the first woman from the North to win the national crown.

Lemaletian firmly believes that women, regardless of their appearance, possess the intellect and reasoning capabilities to contribute significantly to society.

Addressing the audience at the event held in Accra Ghana, Lemaletian expressed her gratitude to every patriotic Kenyan youth and all forward-thinking young individuals across the continent. She also raised an essential point about the need to reevaluate the concept of emancipation in Africa, pointing out that more than half of the population comprises consumers, despite the continent’s immense potential.

The post SENATOR HEZENA LEMALETIAN RECEIVES TWO GLOBAL AWARDS appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

This marks Kipyegon’s third world record in two months, adding to her impressive list of achievements. She also set new records in the 1500m and 5000m earlier this season. Kipyegon was supported during the race by pacemakers Kristie Schofield and Winnie Nanyondo and exhibited impressive speed and endurance.

She expressed her satisfaction with the well-planned race and the breaking of the world record, solidifying her status as one of the most remarkable talents in the sport. Here are Ten Things You Should Know About Faith Kipyegon.

 Faith Chepngetich Kipyegon, born on 10 January 1994, is a remarkable Kenyan middle-distance runner specializing in the 1500 metres.

 She is a two-time back-to-back Olympic champion in the 1500m event, setting a Games record and becoming the second woman ever to win consecutive Olympic titles in this discipline.

 Faith is also a two-time world champion and the only woman to achieve four global 1500m titles, solidifying her place as one of the most dominant athletes in this event.

 Before her athletic career, Faith was a talented soccer player. However, she was introduced to athletics at school when she was just 14 years old, and the rest is history.

 In 2014, she clinched the gold medal at the Commonwealth Games, and she has been a three-time Diamond League winner, showcasing her excellence and consistency on the track.

 Faith earned her first Diamond League 1500m title by triumphing in three races held in Shanghai, USA’s Eugene, and Brussels.

 The highlight of her career in 2017 was claiming first place at the London World Championships, making her just the third woman in history to win both the Olympic and World Championships 1500m races.

 Despite taking a break for the birth of her first child in 2018, Faith Kipyegon made an incredible comeback in June 2019, winning her signature event with an impressive time of 3:59:04 at the Prefontaine Classic in Palo Alto.

 Faith’s journey in athletics began in 2010 when she debuted in the World Cross Country Championships women’s junior race, showcasing her immense talent and determination from a young age.

 Recognizing her impact and influence, Faith Kipyegon was honored as one of the Top 100 most influential Africans by New African magazine in 2017, a testament to her inspiring achievements both on and off the track.

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