Elgeyo Marakwet County Women Representative Election Results 2022. The role of County Women Representatives in Kenya is pivotal, primarily focusing on advocating for women and girls within their respective counties.
Registered Voters: 213,884
Turnout: 78%
| Candidate | % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caroline Jeptoo | 63.35% | 104,928 | |
| Jane Chepkorir | 35.58% | 58,928 | |
| Rose Kipchumba | 1.07% | 1,779 |
The role of County Women Representatives in Kenya is pivotal, primarily focusing on advocating for women and girls within their respective counties. This position was established under Article 97 of the Kenyan Constitution, which allocates one woman representative for each of the 47 counties, elected by the voters within those counties. This initiative is part of the broader two-thirds gender law aimed at boosting women’s representation in parliament.
Constitutional Basis and Gender Equity
The Kenyan Constitution recognizes women as a special interest group under Article 100, with Article 27 (3) ensuring their right to equal treatment and opportunities in the political arena. Furthermore, Articles 27 (6) and (7) mandate the state to implement affirmative action programs to address any disadvantages resulting from past discrimination. Article 27 (8) and Article 81 (b) reinforce this by stipulating that no more than two-thirds of the members of elective or appointive bodies should be of the same gender, ensuring diverse representation.
Distinct Role of County Women Representatives
Unlike other Members of Parliament, County Women Representatives have specific duties that extend beyond typical legislative functions, focusing on issues affecting women, who are recognized as a marginalized group. Their responsibilities include developing and advocating for laws and policies that address the needs and rights of women and girls. They also engage in legislative processes to address gender disparities and discrimination.
Oversight and Mobilization
County Women Representatives play a critical role in overseeing governmental projects and ensuring they meet the needs of women and girls. They are involved in mobilizing community projects beneficial to women and advocate for national budget allocations to support these initiatives. Their oversight ensures the effective implementation of projects and the prudent use of public resources.
Legislative and Oversight Functions
The main functions of County Women Representatives include legislation, oversight, and budget management within the parameters set by the Kenyan Constitution. They are instrumental in budgeting processes and in overseeing the conduct of state officers and state organs, as outlined in Article 95 of the Constitution.
Term and Re-election
County Women Representatives serve a five-year term, with eligibility for re-election as there are no term limits for MPs in Kenya.
Evaluating Performance
The performance of County Women Representatives can be assessed by reviewing their contributions in plenary sessions and committee meetings, available through the Hansard Recordings and other parliamentary records, although access to committee reports can be challenging due to transparency issues.
Eligibility for the Role
The position of County Women Representative is exclusively for women, emphasizing the commitment to enhancing women’s participation in political and legislative processes.
In summary, the role of County Women Representatives in Kenya is crucial in promoting gender equality and addressing the specific needs of women and girls through representation, legislation, and oversight.
Elgeyo Marakwet County Women Representative Election Results 2022
