Learn from Finland, enhance participation of women in politics and other spheres of life

Although over 50 per cent of the population is made up of women and girls, the number of female governors in the 47 counties is only seven. The Constitution enshrines the principle of gender equality in all spheres of life. However, there are still conspicuous inequalities in the country, and the two-thirds gender has not been fully implemented since it came into force over a decade ago.

In the last election, Kenyans elected 30 female MPs compared to 270 male MPs. At the current rate of progress, it might take more than 15 election cycles-more than 75 years to have at least 145 female elected MPs. Kenya must up the tempo, and create an enabling environment for women to be equally represented in leadership positions in politics and at all levels.