Crowded Out by “Big Man” Politics, Kenyan Women Still Struggle in 2017 Elections

by Gabrielle Bardall, PhD, CIPS Research Associate

For all its progressive constitution, high-tech society, and exceptionally resourced Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Kenya is the worst performer in the East African Community (EAC) regarding women in parliament. These failures have been attributed to a lack of political will to enforce laws designed to bolster participation and defend against violence. Regrettably, few signs of change follow the 2017 elections.

Theresa Mutua of IJC Kenya speaks at a 9 June 2017 side event on the upcoming Kenyan elections at the 35th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.Maina Kiai