Political violence and the high cost of election campaigns are discouraging Kenyan women from seeking elective office, female legislators told a Commonwealth Parliamentary Forum in Cape Town, South Africa.
The legislators said that intimidation, harassment and inadequate financial resources continue to undermine women’s ability to compete effectively for political office and to build successful careers after elections.
The concerns emerged during a session of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) on the opening day of the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, when female legislators from across the Commonwealth discussed ways to increase women’s participation in political leadership.
Vihiga Woman Representative Beatrice Adagala, Vice-Chairperson of the CWP Executive Committee, challenged women to remain resilient and to seek elective office despite the obstacles.
“Women have always faced barriers that hinder them from achieving their political dreams. This conference should help identify practical ways to free aspiring female candidates from these challenges,” Adagala said.
With Kenya set to hold its General Election next year, the legislator urged women to contest seats at all levels rather than be discouraged by the hostile political environment.
“I encourage women never to give up the struggle. In Kenya, we are facing elections next year, and I urge women to contest all the political seats,” she said.
How political hostility affected Agnes Kavindu’s political career
Adagala also announced her intention to seek the Vihiga gubernatorial seat, expressing confidence she would win. On her part, Machakos Senator Agnes Kavindu said that political hostility had personally affected her political career, but that resilience had enabled her to secure a second term.
“I am a victim of political hostility, but my thick skin has helped me win my second term,” Senator Kavindu said.
She said women candidates were particularly vulnerable to violence, intimidation and harassment during campaigns, making it difficult for them to compete on equal terms with men. But the Senator said the challenge went beyond election-day politics, pointing to the substantial financial demands of running successful campaigns.
Women, she said, often lacked the resources needed to mobilise supporters, communicate with voters and meet the logistical costs of campaigns.
“The financial burden does not end once women are elected. They also need resources to build effective networks, participate in political activities and maintain visibility among their constituents,” she said.
Senator Kavindu also criticised the failure to enact the Two-Thirds Gender Rule, saying that resistance from some male legislators had frustrated efforts to increase women’s representation in Parliament.
“Our male colleagues are not willing to support the Two-Thirds Gender Rule that will increase the number of women in Parliament and enhance their legislative responsibilities,” she said while calling for concerted efforts across Commonwealth countries to tackle political violence, financial constraints and other structural barriers that limit women’s participation in democratic processes.
How to enhance representation of Kenyan women in leadership
CWP Network Chairperson Catherine Fife, an Ontario MP in Canada, said creating a safe and supportive political environment was critical to achieving greater representation of women in leadership.
“Empowering women to participate fully and safely in political life would not only strengthen gender equality but also contribute to stronger and more representative democratic institutions across the Commonwealth,” Ms Fife said.
She welcomed the proposals emerging from the session, saying they demonstrated the commitment of women legislators across the Commonwealth to creating opportunities for more women to pursue political leadership. The discussions come as Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election, with women leaders continuing to push for greater representation in elective and decision-making positions.
