Girl Power: How youthful female political aspirants fared in 2022 elections

It has been an illuminating election for women. Several counties like Lamu, Kilifi, Machakos and Kirinyaga cast their vote for female candidates, in some cases ending years of dominant male rule. In Nakuru, the women swept all major elective posts, a potential indicator of the changing political scene.

The elections saw a strong youth presence as well; young women who were considered 'viongozi wa kesho' but who sought to prove that the future is now. But how did these young, fearless female aspirants fare in the elections?

Cynthia Jepkosgei Muge has clinched the Kilibwoni Ward MCA seat. Cynthia, a student at the University of Nairobi, won on an independent party ticket defeating Emmanuel Kipchumba who was on a Jubilee ticket. The 24 -year- old revealed that she did not use a penny on her campaigns further disclosing that she could not afford money for party nomination.

In Bomet, a bevy of 20 aspirants was in the race to succeed the woman rep in the 2022 general elections. Among them were young female political aspirants including 28- year -old Saida Stacey Chepkemoi, 26- year -old lawyer Joan Cherotich and 33- year- old Irene Terer.

24-year- old Business Administration, Chuka University graduate, Linet Chepkorir clinched the Bomet Women representative seat on a UDA party ticket.

Anita was the youngest MP Candidate in the 2022 general elections.

22-year-old Beatrice Wanjiru who was ready to lead Mugoiri Ward on a Jubilee ticket was denied a ticket to run for Mugoiri Member of county Assembly seat. Beatrice revealed that she was denied the ticket on claims that she is too young.