Gender Inequality in Kenya Still a Major Issue

When the new constitution was promulgated in Kenya, women sighed a sigh of relief for the constitution advocated for fair representation of both gender on all levels of society. The constitution introduced a one-third rule which stated that for every appointment as well as representation in any field or department or a board, a third of the members or those employed must be from the either gender.

In terms of political representation in the leadership of Kenya, the representation of women is below the global average despite the various efforts outlined in the constitution. In the year 2010, the National Parliament had a representation of 10 percent women but currently, after the new constitution, the representation stand at 15 percent being the lowest in East African region.

Of the total 416 seats in both the National Assembly and the Senate, women only 87 seats. In Cabinet, women have six positions which meets the constitutional threshold of one third minimum while in terms of cabinet principal secretaries’ positions, women occupy seven out of 26 positions being way below the constitutional requirement.

In terms of economic development, Kenya is ranked as the most diverse economy in East Africa with an average yearly growth of 5 percent for the past ten years. The country also ranks highest in the region in terms of human development index giving it an upper hand on other states in terms of ensuring that there is a fair representation of both genders in key sectors both in public and private sectors.

Many quarters, however, argue that a lot of attention has been given to girl (woman) at the expense of the boy (man) especially in areas of access to education. Many say that organizations championing for the rights of the female gender have neglected the boy who in some areas like Meru, have abandoned school and embarked on selling mirraa or khat. Economic analysts say that Kenya is the highest unequal society in terms of gender as well geographical location with poverty being highest in arid and semi-arid areas.

Article by Juma Fred.