Women in politics: Are Kenyan leaders ready for gender equality?

Kenya has made significant strides in promoting gender equality in recent decades, but when it comes to political leadership, the journey toward full inclusion remains a work in progress. Despite legal frameworks and a growing push for women's participation in governance, Kenyan politics is still largely male-dominated. The question that arises is: are Kenyan leaders truly ready for gender equality in politics?

The Legal Framework for Gender Equality

Kenya's Constitution, adopted in 2010, is one of the most progressive in Africa when it comes to gender equality. Article 27 of the Constitution guarantees equal rights for all citizens, irrespective of gender, and prohibits discrimination based on sex. Furthermore, the Constitution mandates that no more than two-thirds of any public body should be of the same gender, a provision designed to ensure that women are well-represented in both national and county governments.

In addition to the constitutional provisions, the establishment of gender-specific seats, like the 47 Women Representative positions in the National Assembly and the 47 County Women Representatives in the Senate, was intended to increase the participation of women in political leadership. These measures were designed to correct the historical underrepresentation of women in political offices and ensure that women's voices are heard at the highest levels of decision-making.

Moreover, Kenya has signed and ratified international agreements like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the African Union's Protocol on the Rights of Women, signaling a commitment to gender equality. Despite these progressive steps, the reality on the ground tells a different story.

Women's Political Participation in Kenya

Although the legal framework is in place, women’s political participation in Kenya is still relatively low. In the 2022 general elections, only 22% of the candidates for parliamentary seats were women, and only 23 women were elected to the National Assembly out of 290 constituencies. This shows a marked difference compared to their male counterparts, who dominate most of the legislative and executive positions. The Senate, while slightly more inclusive with 23 women in the 67-member body, still falls short of gender parity.

In the 2022 presidential race, no woman was able to secure the top seat, and the same trend has been observed in gubernatorial races. While some women have made significant inroads, such as Martha Karua, who was named the deputy presidential candidate for Raila Odinga’s Azimio la Umoja coalition, the overarching political culture remains largely patriarchal.

Barriers to Women's Political Participation

Several factors contribute to the limited participation of women in politics in Kenya. These barriers are deeply rooted in both social and political systems.

1. Cultural and Social Norms

In many parts of Kenya, women’s roles are still largely defined by traditional norms that prioritize their duties as caregivers and homemakers. Women are often discouraged from engaging in politics, seen as a “man's world,” where power is perceived to be reserved for men. This cultural bias is particularly prevalent in rural areas, where gender roles are more rigid, and women are expected to focus on family responsibilities rather than public life.

2. Financial Constraints

Running for political office in Kenya is expensive. The cost of campaigning, which includes advertising, transportation, logistics, and hiring staff, often makes it difficult for women to compete on equal footing with their male counterparts. While there are some public funding options, they are insufficient to level the playing field. Many women, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, struggle to finance their campaigns or rely on male patrons for financial support, which can compromise their independence in political office.

3. Violence and Harassment

Women politicians in Kenya often face physical, emotional, and psychological violence. From sexual harassment to intimidation and physical attacks, women candidates face unique challenges during their campaigns. The 2017 elections, for example, saw numerous reports of women candidates being attacked, with many receiving threats against their families. This hostile environment, combined with limited protection from the authorities, makes it difficult for women to participate in politics freely and safely.

4. Political Party Structures

Most political parties in Kenya remain male-dominated, and party leadership is often controlled by men. Women, even those with the potential and the skills to lead, face significant hurdles when trying to gain support within their parties. Political parties tend to prioritize male candidates, especially for executive positions like governor and president, while relegating women to subordinate roles. This marginalization in party structures limits women’s chances of securing top positions and influence in the political sphere.

5. Stereotypes and Media Bias

The media often plays a crucial role in shaping public perceptions of political leaders. In Kenya, women politicians are frequently judged more harshly than their male counterparts. Instead of focusing on their political ideas and leadership abilities, women in politics are often subject to personal attacks, their appearances scrutinized, and their abilities questioned. This media bias creates additional barriers for women seeking political office, as public opinion is shaped by gender stereotypes that downplay their competence and capacity.

Successful Women in Kenyan Politics

Despite these barriers, several women have made significant contributions to Kenya’s political landscape. Women such as Wangari Maathai, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for her environmental activism, and Martha Karua, a former cabinet minister and deputy presidential candidate, have paved the way for other women to pursue political careers.

Martha Karua’s candidacy as the deputy president under Raila Odinga's leadership in 2022 was historic, as it represented a significant shift toward breaking political glass ceilings for women. Karua’s presence as a strong, articulate, and principled leader showed that women can occupy the highest political offices in Kenya.

Additionally, the efforts of Governor Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga), Governor Charity Ngilu (Kitui), and Governor Lucy Ndungu (Nakuru) demonstrate that women can succeed in executive roles, even though their numbers remain few.

Are Kenyan Leaders Ready for Gender Equality in Politics?

The question of whether Kenyan leaders are ready for gender equality in politics is complex. While there has been some progress, there is still much work to be done. Many leaders, particularly in the older generation, continue to hold traditional views about women's roles in public life. Some may express support for gender equality in theory but fall short in practice, particularly when it comes to implementing policies that would facilitate women's greater involvement in politics.

The reluctance of political parties to embrace women’s leadership is also a significant hurdle. Political parties need to be more inclusive, ensuring that women have equal opportunities to run for positions and are not sidelined to secondary roles. Furthermore, the political violence and harassment that women face must be addressed, and women should be given the freedom to campaign without fear for their safety.

Conclusion

While Kenya has made significant legal and institutional strides toward gender equality in politics, societal and political obstacles remain. Women continue to face considerable barriers to political participation, including cultural biases, financial constraints, and political violence.

For Kenyan politics to truly be ready for gender equality, there must be a concerted effort from all sectors of society—government, political parties, the media, and civil society—to foster an environment where women can participate freely, equally, and safely. Political leaders must go beyond rhetoric and embrace real, transformative action that empowers women to lead at all levels of government.

As Kenya heads toward future elections, the question remains: Will the next generation of leaders be ready to embrace true gender equality, or will women continue to be sidelined in the corridors of power? The answer to this question will define the future of Kenya’s political landscape and its commitment to justice and equality for all.