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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She came into the limelight in August 2020 after her appointment as a board member of the Tourism Regulatory Board was revoked, for questioning the significance of Nairobi National Park in a past Facebook post.

Never afraid of playing with fire, Pauline has never relented in expressing strong views against the Kenya Kwanza Government led by President William Ruto. The blogger was arrested on July 22, in Watamu, Kilifi County, alongside two others, for reportedly ‘having narcotics drugs’ during a search of their car and hotel rooms. On July 24, they were released on free bond.

Unknown to many, her rise to the top has not been a walk in the park. Pauline completed her O-levels at Moi Girls Kamangu, Kenya. However, her dreams of attending college were hampered by financial constraints. 

Undeterred, she sought education sponsorships, even attempting to meet former President Daniel Arap Moi for support, but her efforts did not yield the desired results. Nevertheless, her determination remained unshaken, and fate smiled upon her when a generous friend provided her with Ksh100,000, enabling her to pursue higher education.

Despite facing financial hardships, Pauline persevered, enrolling in various esteemed institutions, including Catholic University and Mt. Kenya University. She pursued a Master’s Degree in International Studies from the University of Nairobi’s Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies.

In 2017, she was honoured with the Head of State Commendation for her exceptional service to the country. Pauline is the Founder of the Eagles Leadership Foundation, which nurtures young leaders and creates opportunities for them to contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities and the continent at large.

Her expertise in communication led her to serve as a Communications Specialist for NEPAD/APRM Kenya Secretariat, a semi-autonomous state agency, where she participated in high-level meetings, including African Union Summits and the United Nations General Assembly.

Pauline enjoys a vibrant social media following of over 130,000 on Facebook and more than 40,000 followers on Twitter. Her digital reach has amplified her advocacy efforts, inspiring countless individuals in Kenya and beyond.

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Article 9 of The Maputo Protocol outlines the Right to Participation in the Political and Decision-Making Process. Although Kenya has made a commitment toward the protocol, it is in Nakuru County where noteworthy progress has been made, particularly in the 2022 elections. 

Furthermore, the Maputo Protocol has emphasized women’s rights and leadership in Kenya by holding the country accountable for promoting women’s participation in political and decision-making processes. The protocol advocates for affirmative action and increased representation of women in these spaces. As a result, women have dominated top leadership positions in Nakuru County. Notable female leaders who contested and won various seats in the county include Susan Kihika (Governor), Tabitha Karanja (Senator), Liza Chelule (Woman Representative), Charity Kathambi (MP Njoro), Martha Wangari (MP Gilgil), Irene Njoki (MP Bahati), Grace Mwathi (MCA Bahati), and Jane Kihara (Naivasha MP).

Women have long been marginalized in politics in Kenya, with the Kenyan Parliament historically dominated by men since independence. However, the enactment of laws to enforce Article 81(b) and Article 100 of the Constitution has facilitated the realization of gender equality in political representation.

Nakuru County, the inspiring example

The impact of the Maputo Protocol on gender representation is evident in various areas across Kenya. The country’s constitution is committed to promoting the political rights of women, ensuring increased opportunities for their representation in elected bodies. Nakuru County serves as an inspiring example of this commitment, showcasing the positive changes that have transpired since the adoption of the protocol.

To safeguard women’s rights, including those aspiring for political office, there is a pressing need to enhance protection measures. The recent Maputo@20 Conference stands as a significant milestone, reminding African women of the progress Kenya has made and the steps the country continues to take in implementing the protocol. The Maputo Protocol has not only broken barriers but has also fueled the cause of gender equality, as witnessed in the remarkable shift in women’s political representation in Nakuru County.

The Maputo Protocol, a pivotal instrument in the advancement of women’s human rights in Africa, has had a transformative impact on Nakuru County. This protocol exemplifies the African Union Member states’ unwavering commitment to investing in the development and empowerment of women, who comprise the majority of the population in many African nations. 

Irene Ronoh-Kosgei  is a History Ph.D. student at Laikipia University

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