Women blame cash, culture for poll loss

Culture, money and political parties have been blamed for the poor performance of women in the last General Election.

An audit of prepared by the Women’s Shadow Parliament of Kenya with support from UNDP Amkeni-Wakenya, noted that women performed dismally in elections despite efforts to boost the number.

No woman was elected as a governor or senator the report, Rapid Gender Audit of Political Parties and Electoral Processes in Kenya, says.

The survey notes that the governor seat attracted only seven women, and according to the report, the candidates could be deemed to be wealthy or have acquired status in society- probable reasons why decided to vie. But none of them won.

However, eight women were elected as deputy governors. “Some parties did not field women candidates especially in patriarchal communities such as Wajir, Marsabit, Isiolo, Samburu and West-Pokot,” the report says.

The Constitution provides for 68 senatorial seats, 47 elected, 16 reserved for women, two for youth and two for the disabled.

Though 160 women vied for 290 parliamentary seats, only 16 were elected.

A larger number, 261, vied for the County Women Representative positions. The total number of women in the 11th Parliament now is 86- 16 elected, 47 women county seats and 23 nominated.

New strategy

Out of 1,450 county wards, only 85 were won by women. Women Shadow Parliament Executive Director Monicah Amolo said women leaders should device new strategies in the next election.

Nyeri Women Representative Priscillah Nyokabi asked women to ensure provisions on gender equity are implemented.