The Star ­ Tuesday
Date: 14.02.2017
Page 22
Article size: 237 cm2
ColumnCM: 52.66
AVE: 92693.33
GIVE WOMEN EQUAL CHANCE
In the 2013 general election, one of the most
noticeable outcomes was that not a single woman
was elected governor in all the 47 counties. The
number of female candidates was also low largely
because of the corrupt and violent nominations that
frustrated or put them off.
Prof Maria Nzomo's writings have long shown
women's participation in Kenyan politics has
severely been hampered by social resistance, electoral
violence that tends to be harsher towards female than male
candidates and the feminisation of poverty, which prevents
them from running a well­oiled campaign compared to
exemplary results; and are not scarred by criminal and
corruption scandals.
We currently have 47 male governors and there is
no question that, whereas some have performed well,
many others have served abysmally and done little to
make the lives of people in their counties better. This is
despite receiving billions of shillings from the national
government. Most towns in these counties are littered with
garbage, the roads are full of potholes, farming does not put
much money in the pockets of the toiling farmers; hospitals
don't have adequate equipment and drugs; and doctors
and other medical personnel constantly wrangle with the
authorities.
men.
She also avers that women's lack
of adequate political socialisation for
leadership, which manifests itself in
women's exclusion from access to
strategic political information, and their
marginalisation in mainstream political
parties hampers their ability to influence
the rules of engagement that favour men in
elections.
This is borne out by the fact that in the
1997 elections, with Charity Ngilu and Prof
Wangari Maathai offering themselves as the
first women to run for President in Kenya,
some of their most vociferous opponents
were fellow women, with the Maendeleo
WE CURRENTLY HAVE
47 MALE GOVERNORS
AND THERE IS
We have women who are qualified and
experienced in public service and, or in
the private sector who can do better, and
even exceed the performance of the current
governors. They should be given a chance
to lead.
NO DOUBT THAT,
WHEREAS SOME HAVE
PERFORMEDWELL,
MANY HAVE SERVED
LITTLE TO IMPROVE
THE LIVES THEIR
PEOPLE
Ya Wanawake, the largest women's
representative organisation then led by
Zipporah Kittony, alleging that the time for
a woman to lead Kenya had not come and
women should seeker lower positions.
It would be atrocious if in the August, election no
woman is elected governor. In fact, there are women in this
country who can make excellent leaders in all positions,
including President.
Many women have blazed a trail where few others have
ventured, served in senior government positions, the
private sector, or non­governmental organisations with
Of course women will not get elective
seats on a silver platter because democracy
demands competition.
Women should therefore campaign
vigorously, present their manifestos and
let the voters decide on merit who among
them should hold such posts.
However, all candidates and institutions
should send out the message that women
are not lesser candidates, and that voters
should look at the policies of all candidates
and elect those whose credentials match
their aspirations.
Political parties and the Independent
Electoral and Boundaries Commission should ensure a
level playing ground for female and male candidates, and
protect women from the violence, abuse, manipulation and
rigging that disadvantage them.
Let the voters know that electing people based on merit,
their abilities and articulation of issues is the best way to
ensure they have leaders that improve their lives.
Ipsos Kenya ­ Acorn House,97 James Gichuru Road ­ Lavington ­ Nairobi ­ Kenya