Women in Trans Nzoia County have been challenged to break cultural stereotypes and actively contest for senior elective positions in the 2027 general election.
Speaking in Kitale, the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) regional coordinator for West Pokot, Trans Nzoia and Turkana counties, Serah Wachira, said women have for many years remained in the shadows of men in leadership, adding that the time had come to change the narrative.
She noted that despite constitutional provisions promoting gender equality, women continue to be underrepresented in elective politics and urged political parties to fully implement the two-thirds gender principle.
Wachira said the ORPP has put in place measures aimed at creating a level playing field by supporting women, youth and other special interest groups to participate effectively in political processes.
She explained that the office is conducting capacity-building programmes to equip women and other underrepresented groups with leadership and political skills necessary to compete for elective positions.
“Through capacity building, we are ensuring that women, youth and other special interest groups are empowered with knowledge and skills that will enable them to actively participate in politics,” she said.
Wachira further disclosed that 15 percent of the Political Parties Fund is allocated based on the number of special interest group representatives elected under a political party, noting that only 48 of the country’s 96 registered political parties currently qualify for the allocation.
She said the funding framework is intended to encourage political parties to support the election of more women, youth and persons from other marginalized groups.
The coordinator urged voters to elect leaders based on competence, integrity and the ability to deliver quality leadership rather than gender or cultural considerations.
She also called on parents and communities to mentor and encourage girls from an early age to pursue leadership positions and actively participate in governance.
“As we head to the 2027 General Election, I urge women, especially those from patriarchal societies, to confidently seek elective positions and dismantle historical barriers,” she said.
By Isaiah Nayika and Oscar Nalyanya
