AN ASSESSMENT OF WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN POLITICS IN KENYA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

More than half of the world's population are women, however they are continually underrepresented in politics compared to men. Politics in Kenya is a dynamic and evolving landscape with a rich history. It is a multiparty democracy with a competitive political landscape. According to Bradton (2018), politics in Kenya transitioned from a single-party state to a multiparty system in the early 1990s. However, the Kenyan constitution includes a two-thirds gender rule, which mandates that no more than two-thirds of elected or appointed positions can be occupied by one gender (Conway, 2019).

Additionally, in order to promote gender equity and diversity, Kenya put in place affirmative action policies, which includes the Women's Representative seats in Parliament, thereby increasing female participation in politics. Beyond that, the Kenyan political landscape has significantly been shaped by women since colonial times. This is due to the fact that the country is being predominantly patriarchal, and the deep-rooted resistance towards women’s inclusion in politics (Kassa, 2015; Nzomo, 2015; Musila, 2016). Also, during the colonial era, the country struggled for independence, women steered peaceful protests that risked their lives took part in the talks that led to the country’s independence (Kamau, 2017).

Further more, colonial and post-colonial governments recognized the power women held and utilized them for their political gains. Nyokabi Kamau (2015) and Wanjiku Kabira (2017) note that in the 1950s the British government formed the “Maendeleo ya Wanawake” (national women’s development organization) which was later controlled by the then government party, to marshal the women countrywide for state support. Although, the women's organization focused on enhancing the economic empowerment of women through capacity-building initiatives. However, it did not extend its efforts towards encouraging women to engage in active political roles. The prevailing patriarchal culture contributed to the perception that political participation was exclusively reserved for men.

Additionally, in 1991 when multi-partyism commenced, the 1992 National Women’s Convention was held, which became a landmark in promotion of women participation in politics. Women were able to organize themselves and fight for the expansion of democratic space in politics (Kabira & Kimani, 2017). Also, several women legislators made efforts to contribute towards the gender principle. For example, Hon. Phoebe Asiyo, in 1997 sponsored the first affirmative action motion that recommended parties’ proposals of women who would compete for elective.

Women’s ability to participate politics is also shaped by societal norms and gender expectations. Therefore, a survey will be conducted in order to assess women participation in politics in Kenya.

 1.2 Statement of the Problem

Women's participation in politics is a critical aspect of democratic representation and societal progress. In Kenya, while notable strides have been made in promoting gender equity and inclusion in the political sphere, significant challenges persist, hindering women's full and effective participation. Additionally, Women in Kenya are faced with substantial obstacles when seeking elective office. These challenges and obstacles  include patriarchal attitudes, cultural norms, economic disparities, and a lack of access to political networks and resources. These challenges discourage women from pursuing political careers. Also, many of the female political participants believed that their poor representation in elected public posts was due to a lack of support from other women (Bradton, 2016).

Further more, they often encounter gender-based violence and harassment during their political careers. This can manifest as physical violence, cyberbullying, character assassination, and threats, which create a hostile and intimidating environment (Black, J.H. & Erickson, L. ,March 2015). Hence, it is in the light of these that the study seeks to assess women participation in politics in Kenya.

1.3  Objectives of the Study

The main purpose of this study is to assess women participation in politics in Kenya.

Specifically, the study will;

1.Determine level of women participation in Kenya politics.

2.Ascertain the factors which affected women participation in Kenya politics during the 2017 general elections.

3.Determine the extent women participation influenced electoral outcome during the 2017 general elections in Kenya.

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study:

1. What is the level of women's participation in Kenyan politics?

2. What were the factors that affected women's participation in Kenyan politics during the 2017 general elections?

3. To what extent did women's participation influence the electoral outcome during the 2017 general elections in Kenya?

1.5  Significant of the Study

An assessment of women participation in politics in Kenya will be revealed to the government at various level, politicians, electoral bodies, women in Kenya, political parties and media houses. Also, the findings will be revealed to political candidates and activists to communicate information regarding their agendas, policies, campaign activities, and accomplishments. Further more, to the media houses, it will serve as a means to raise awareness about political matters, rally support, and connect with a broad viewership.

Additionally, subsequent researchers will use it as a literature review. This means that other students who may decide to conduct studies in this area will have the opportunity to use this study as available literature that can be subjected to critical review. Invariably, the result of the study contributes immensely to the body of academic knowledge with regards to an assessment of women participation in politics in Kenya.

1.6 Scope of the study

The scope of this study is boarded on an assessment of women participation in politics in Kenya. Empirically, this study will discuss the level of women participation in Kenya politics, the factors which affected women participation in Kenya politics and the extent women participation influenced electoral outcome in Kenya. Geographically, the study will be delimited to women in Nyanza, Kenya.

1.7 Limitation of the study

In the course of carrying out this study, the researcher experienced some constraints, which included time constraints, financial constraints, language barriers, and the attitude of the respondents.

In addition, there was the element of researcher bias. Here, the researcher possessed some biases that may have been reflected in the way the data was collected, the type of people interviewed or sampled, and how the data gathered was interpreted thereafter. The potential for all this to influence the findings and conclusions could not be downplayed.

More so, the findings of this study are limited to the sample population in the study area, hence they may not be suitable for use in comparison to other schools, local governments, states, and other countries in the world.

 1.8 Definition of Terms

Politics: the activities associated with the governance of a country or area, especially the debate between parties having power.

Participation: the action of taking part in something/ electio

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