Political violence, intimidation and the high cost of election campaigns are discouraging Kenyan women from seeking elective positions, female legislators have told a Commonwealth parliamentary forum in Cape Town, South Africa.
The legislators said harassment, threats and inadequate financial resources continue to undermine women’s ability to compete effectively for political office and build sustainable political careers after elections.
The concerns emerged during a session of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) on the opening day of the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, where female legislators from across the Commonwealth discussed strategies for increasing women’s participation in political leadership.
Vihiga Woman Representative Beatrice Adagala, who is Vice-Chairperson of the CWP Executive Committee, challenged women to remain resilient and pursue elective positions despite the challenges they face.
“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 set to hold its General Election in 2027, Adagala urged women to contest for political seats at all levels rather than being discouraged by what she described as a hostile political environment.
“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 intention to seek the Vihiga gubernatorial seat, expressing confidence that she would win the race.
Machakos Senator Agnes Kavindu said political hostility had personally affected her career but maintained that resilience had helped her secure a second term in office.
“I am a victim of political hostility but my thick skin has helped me win my second term,” Senator Kavindu said.
She said women candidates were particularly vulnerable to violence, intimidation and harassment during election campaigns, making it difficult for them to compete on an equal footing with men.
However, Kavindu said the challenges facing women in politics extend beyond election-day violence, highlighting the huge financial demands associated with running successful campaigns.
She noted that women often lack the financial resources required to mobilise supporters, communicate with voters and meet the logistical expenses associated with campaigns.
“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 also criticised the continued failure to enact the Two-Thirds Gender Rule, arguing that resistance from some male legislators has frustrated efforts to increase women’s representation 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 concerted efforts across Commonwealth countries to address political violence, financial constraints and other structural barriers limiting women’s participation in democratic processes.
CWP Network Chairperson Catherine Fife, an Ontario MP in Canada, said creating a safe and supportive political environment was critical to achieving greater representation of women in leadership.
“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.
She welcomed the proposals emerging from the session, saying they demonstrated the commitment of women legislators across the Commonwealth to creating opportunities for more women to pursue 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.
