Women leaders yet to be embraced by community

The proportion of women to men in elective positions still remains very low, with only one woman having been elected to the county assembly PHOTO:COURTESY

There is a growing concern over the poor involvement of women in political leadership in the county.

This comes even as the elusive two-thirds gender rule continues to haunt the country.

The 2013 General Election results in the county gave an indication of a minimal acceptance of women in the public service and in politics.

The proportion of women to men in elective positions still remains very low, with only one woman having been elected to the county assembly.

Majoge Bassi ward's Catherine Manzi (Kenya Social Congress) was the only elected MCA in the county.

In a House of 71 MCAs, 26 are nominated, of which 23 are women.

Residents feel the high number of nominated MCAs is not good for the county and devolution.

The high number of women nominees was aimed at achieving the two-thirds gender representation principle.

For the 1,450 ward representatives' positions in Kenya, only 88 of the elected candidates are women, representing six per cent of the total.

Although the current representation is the highest so far of women political leadership in Kenya, it is still a very poor show in this day and age where women's political participation has generally improved around the world.

Political pundits argue the poor performance of women in Kisii's political arena can be attributed to the community's patriarchal culture.

However, lawyer Julius Ogamba argued that much needs to be done to ensure women get elective positions.

"Women should register as members of political parties, seek leadership positions within parties, remain vigilant and participate in determining how party lists are drawn," he said.

He explained that the Constitution recognises women, youth, persons with disabilities and ethnic minorities as special groups deserving constitutional protection.

Rachel Otunda, a 2013 parliamentary aspirant from Nyaribari Chache, said the community needs to look at the education background of all women aspirants.

"We are not satisfied with the kind of Bills we are getting from our county assemblies. In Kisii, we have over 20 nominated women MCAs but we are yet to translate that number to quality bills that can support women and the girl-child," said Ms Otundo.

She said lack of a critical mass of women in political institutions was a major constraint for women politicians to effect significant and positive difference in Kenyan leadership.

"Women are inclined to influence decision-making and planning that is more prudent, less wasteful, yet of greater impact to the society," she added.

Norah Nyamwamu, a woman representative aspirant said there was a growing recognition of the untapped capacity of women.