Violence, political intimidation and the rising cost of election campaigns are threatening to push more Kenyan women out of the race for elective positions ahead of the 2027 General Election, female legislators have warned.
The lawmakers said women face numerous challenges when trying to enter politics, from harassment and hostile campaigns to a lack of the financial resources needed to compete effectively with male candidates.
They also noted that winning an election does not end the financial pressure, as women in office need resources to build political networks, take part in political activities and maintain a strong presence among their constituents.
The concerns were raised on Monday during a session of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) on the opening day of the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town.
Women legislators from across the Commonwealth used the meeting to discuss ways of increasing the participation of women in political leadership and removing the barriers that continue to discourage them from seeking elective positions.
Beatrice Adagala, the Vihiga Woman Representative and Vice-Chairperson of the CWP Executive Committee, said women should continue pursuing their political ambitions despite the difficulties they encounter.
“Women have always been confronted by barriers that hinder them from achieving their political dreams. This conference should help come up with practical ways of freeing aspiring female candidates from these challenges,” Adagala said.
With Kenya's next General Election approaching, Adagala urged women to seek seats at all levels and resist efforts to discourage them through intimidation or financial challenges.
“I encourage women never to give up on the struggle. In Kenya, we are facing elections next year and I urge women to go for all the political seats,” she said.
Adagala also announced her plan to contest the Vihiga gubernatorial seat, saying she was confident of winning the position.
Machakos Senator Agnes Kavindu, meanwhile, spoke about her own experience with hostility in politics, saying she had relied on resilience to overcome the challenge and secure another term.
“I am a victim of political hostility but my thick skin has helped me win my second term,” Senator Kavindu said.
She said women are often exposed to violence, intimidation and harassment during election campaigns, making political contests more difficult for female aspirants.
Kavindu also pointed to the cost of running campaigns as another major obstacle. Candidates require money to finance mobilisation, communication, transport and other activities necessary to reach voters and organise campaigns.
She said the financial burden continues after women are elected, with leaders requiring resources to establish networks, participate in political activities and remain connected to their constituents.
“The financial burden does not end after women are elected. They also require resources to establish effective networks, participate in political activities and maintain visibility among their constituents,” she said.
Kavindu further criticised the continued failure to implement the Two-Thirds Gender Rule, saying opposition from male legislators had slowed efforts to increase the number of women in Parliament.
“Our male colleagues are not willing to support the Two-Thirds Gender Rule that will increase the number of women in Parliament and enhance their legislative responsibilities,” she said.
She called for Commonwealth countries to introduce stronger measures to address political violence, financial barriers and other challenges that limit women's participation in democratic processes.
Catherine Fife, an Ontario member of Parliament in Canada and chairperson of the CWP Network, said women needed a safe environment in which to campaign and serve if their participation in politics was to grow.
“Empowering women to participate fully and safely in political life would not only strengthen gender equality but also contribute to stronger and more representative democratic institutions across the Commonwealth,” Fife said.
Fife welcomed the proposals raised during the session, saying they showed a shared commitment among women legislators to creating more opportunities for women to enter political leadership.
The discussions come as Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election, with women leaders continuing to push for greater representation in elective and decision-making positions.