Women have proved their mettle in seemingly turbulent terrain

The two-thirds gender rule has elicited heated debate across the country. Although affirmative action can be emotive for some, Kenya’s five decades of independence show that women, have fought for and risen to positions traditionally seen as belonging to men.

Among the most recognisable was Grace Ogot, who was appointed to Parliament in 1983 and subsequently elected in 1985. She was later to serve as Assistant minister of Culture and Social Services under former President Daniel Moi.