Since Kenya’s first elections in 1957, Kakamega County has never elected a female Member of Parliament in any of its twelve constituencies. Despite constitutional reforms, gender mainstreaming efforts, and numerous women aspirants, women in Kakamega politics continue to face systemic barriers that have kept them from clinching parliamentary seats.
This historical pattern is not only alarming—it reflects deep structural, cultural, and political obstacles that demand national and local introspection.
The Historical Context: 1957 to the Present
Kakamega’s political history is dominated by men—from colonial-era loyalists to post-independence KANU elites and later multiparty juggernauts. Notable male figures such as Martin Shikuku, Burudi Nabwera, Moody Awori, and Bonny Khalwale have held sway over Kakamega’s legislative map.
But in all that time:
- Not a single woman has won a direct parliamentary election.
- Even in the 2010 Constitution era, which introduced the Woman Representative seat, the twelve regular MP slots have remained entirely male-dominated.
This raises the question: Why have women been excluded from direct electoral victories in Kakamega for over six decades?
Cultural and Patriarchal Norms
One of the most persistent barriers is patriarchy, deeply embedded in many parts of Western Kenya:
- Women candidates are often seen as “too soft for politics” or “better suited for family affairs.”
- Cultural norms still assign leadership to elder men with clan influence and resource control.
- Campaign rallies, night meetings, and patronage networks often exclude women or place them in vulnerable positions.
Resource and Party Disadvantages
In Kakamega, political campaigns are highly resource-intensive:
- Women often lack the financial muscle to mount competitive campaigns.
- Party nominations, especially in dominant parties like ODM, are fiercely contested and skewed in favor of long-time male loyalists.
- Even when nominated to run, women face undermining by male rivals who receive covert backing from party powerbrokers.
Tokenism via Woman Representative Seat
The creation of the County Woman Representative seat in 2013 under the 2010 Constitution gave women a guaranteed space in Parliament. However, this has sometimes worked against broader gender inclusion:
- Parties now “reserve” women for the Woman Rep slot.
- Women aspiring for MP or Senate seats are discouraged or pressured to drop to the “designated woman position.”
- This reinforces the idea that women should not challenge men in general constituencies.
In Kakamega, Elsie Muhanda has served as Woman Rep, but no woman has transitioned from that post to regular MP or Senator.
Election Violence and Safety Concerns
Elections in parts of Kakamega have been marred by violence and intimidation, particularly in hotly contested areas like:
- Mumias East
- Likuyani
- Matungu
Women candidates often withdraw from races due to safety concerns or threats, reducing their visibility and viability.
Notable Female Aspirants and Their Struggles
Several women have contested and come close:
- Beatrice Sabana in Shinyalu
- Nancy Kibaba in Lurambi
- Alice Temba in Lugari
However, despite community support, they often face:
- Rigged party primaries
- Vote buying by male rivals
- Inadequate national party support
What Needs to Change?
To correct this historic gender exclusion, several reforms are critical:
- Transparent party nominations with gender quotas for MP contests.
- Funding for female candidates, especially at the constituency level.
- Enforcement of political party gender compliance by the Registrar of Political Parties.
- Cultural reorientation through grassroots civic education on women’s leadership.
Conclusion
The absence of a single elected female MP in Kakamega since 1957 is more than just a statistic—it is a democratic deficit. True representation means that half the population must not remain voiceless in Parliament. Until political parties, voters, and institutions confront the structural and cultural biases that bar women, women in Kakamega politics will continue to be sidelined—despite their qualifications and courage.
History must not continue this way. The future of Kakamega must include women at the heart of legislative power.
