Kenya is ramping up efforts to get more women into politics and leadership ahead of the 2027 General Elections, with stakeholders pushing for stronger representation in decision-making.
In partnership with the County Assemblies Forum (CAF), Oxfam Kenya recently convened Women Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) and Women Caucus leaders from across the country for a high-level forum focused on electoral preparedness, political participation, and leadership development.
The engagement sought to deepen participants’ understanding of electoral laws, processes, and regulatory frameworks that will shape the 2027 elections while equipping women leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively navigate the political landscape.
The forum brought together key institutions, including the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP), creating an opportunity for direct engagement on electoral preparedness, political participation, and the challenges women continue to face in politics.
Participants explored issues ranging from electoral reforms and political party processes to leadership strategies and women’s representation in governance. Discussions also highlighted persistent barriers that limit women’s participation in politics, including political violence, inadequate access to campaign resources, cultural stereotypes, and unequal representation in decision-making spaces.
According to Oxfam Kenya, increasing the number of women in leadership positions requires deliberate investments in knowledge, mentorship, networks, and support systems that empower women to compete effectively and lead with confidence.
The organization noted that women’s leadership is not only a matter of gender equality but also a critical component of building inclusive, representative, and responsive governance systems capable of addressing the needs of diverse communities.
The forum further underscored the importance of collaboration among government institutions, development partners, political parties, and civil society organizations in creating an enabling environment for women seeking elective and leadership positions.
As the country moves closer to the next election cycle, stakeholders stressed that empowering women leaders with the necessary information, institutional support, and leadership skills will be crucial in strengthening democratic participation and ensuring that women’s voices are meaningfully represented in governance structures.
The convening reflects Oxfam Kenya’s broader commitment to advancing gender-responsive leadership and promoting women’s political participation at both county and national levels. Through sustained investment in women’s leadership and political empowerment, advocates believe Kenya can make significant strides toward achieving more inclusive governance and equitable representation.
With preparations for the 2027 General Elections already underway, initiatives such as this are expected to play a key role in equipping women leaders to navigate electoral processes, influence policy, and contribute to a more inclusive democratic future.
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