Need for a structured training program for women Members of County Assemblies (MCAs)

Parliaments are increasingly being used to set a country's policy direction. National and sub-national legislatures are involved in policy approval and can help shape policy. A democratic parliament reflects society's views and interests and allows those perspectives to shape the society's social, political, and economic future. When women participate in all aspects of political life, including as legislators, societies become more equitable, and democracy is strengthened and enhanced. Women, while not a homogeneous group, have diverse life experiences, prioritize issues differently, and bring diverse views, talents, and perspectives to politics. As a result, the more female representatives there are in parliament, the more likely the female perspective will be presented and considered.

Kenya's legal framework establishes a solid foundation for gender equity and equality in the country's politics and government. Article 81b of Kenya's 2010 Constitution states that no elective body shall have more than two-thirds of its members of the same gender. This fundamental provision is supported by other articles in the Constitution, as well as legislation governing elections and political parties, judicial decisions, and a body of international treaties and conventions. Although Kenya's record of female leadership has been dismal since independence. However, since the Kenyan Constitution was promulgated in 2010, more women have been elected and nominated to national and county-level leadership positions.

According to the 2017 general elections figures, out of 1,450 seats available for men and women to compete, 96 women were elected (13 percent of all female MCAs), while 650 women were nominated (87 percent of all the female MCAs), to meet the not more than two third gender rule courtesy of the principle in Articles 177 (1) (b) and (c). The 96 elected women MCAs were an increase of 17 percent from 2013. Nonetheless, a quarter of counties had no elected women MCAs, requiring all their women MCAs to come from nominated seats. The 47 county assemblies were able to meet the not more than two third gender rule. Consequently, the rates of female representation in the assemblies currently range from 32 to 41 percent. Although women remain significantly underrepresented in the 47 county assemblies, it is important to look beyond the numbers to focus on what women legislators can accomplish while in the county assembly, and how they can make a positive impact, whatever their numbers may be.

Women's representation in county assemblies has increased since the 2017 elections, but unless they can demonstrate impact, men—and other women—may question their utility, and this trend may reverse. Women MCAs should focus on how they can make an impact once elected. They must understand how the legislature works and be able to apply this knowledge to function more effectively within it. To accomplish this, women MCAs must have leadership skills to navigate the power and political landscape, as well as a thorough understanding of women's issues and perspectives to produce outputs that benefit women. This will not only increase their chances of success but will also pave the way for others.