Main Image: Africa Research Institute
Kenya’s 2013 election saw 16 women secure seats in Kenya’s 350 member parliament, this year there has been an increase with 22 women elected to represent their constituencies across the country.
A majority, 13 out of the 22 women elected are part of the Jubilee Party, whilst the rest are members of the Orange Democratic Movement, Kanu, Party of Reforms and Democracy, Wiper Democratic Movement and a lone female independent.
Although, this is not seen as a substantial number, it is still consider a victory for women and a good indication of the upward trend towards gender parity in politics.
These 22 women alongside 328 men will form Kenya’s 12th parliament.
This is a record high for women in parliament in the country, and has seen many first in this year’s election with some women being the first in their constituencies to beat out male contenders who have held those seats for many years.
Some women are making history in their constituencies by being the first ever women to win the in their areas, such as in Njoro, south west of Nakuru, saw its first female MP in the constituency’s 25 years of existence.
This is a positive indication that the people of Kenya are moving towards a more progressive society regardless of how small a step, it means that more women’s issues will be raised and will be queried at the highest level of decision making.
Main Image: Africa Research Institute
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