Women Representatives – Do we Really Need Them?

The role of Women Representatives in Kenya has been highly debated upon with most Kenyans not really understanding what it is that they are supposed to do and their importance.

The 2010 Kenyan Constitution created the position of women representatives in which 47 women were to be elected by registered voters in counties, in an aim to meet the two-thirds gender law that aims at increasing the representation of women in parliament.

While a majority of the people see women representatives as a waste of taxpayers money and space in the parliament, it is important to note that the position of women representatives goes beyond that of a position in parliament.

The position is supposed to represent women whom the constitution recognizes as a marginalized group.

People have dispersed the role of women representatives for long, simply by the fact that they do not understand their roles.

Women Representatives are supposed to primarily promote the interests of women and the girl child within their counties (and by large, nationwide) by coming up with legislation that favors and suits the women and girls.

In my view, I would expect to see these women representatives on the ground actively helping women and empowering them, but this has not been the case.

Shortcomings of Women Representatives

The majority of women representatives have completely failed women all over the country. It seems as if they, themselves do not understand what it is they are supposed to be doing.

The only other times that women representatives have made headlines is for scandals or news that do not have any impact on the well-being of women.

Nairobi Women Representative, Esther Passaris seems to be on the limelight of scandals. Her name has been doing rounds in the news and all over social media for all the wrong reasons.

If we were to examine her efforts in contributing to legislation that empowers women in Nairobi or even Kenya as a whole, I highly doubt we would find anything of substance.

Yet another woman representative who seems to be making headlines for all the wrong reasons is Kiambu County representative Gathoni Wamuchomba.

She is famously renown for her remarks in support of polygamy leaving a lot of people infuriated yet surprised at her bold remarks.

From the few examples, it is clear that most women representatives have fallen short of their roles.

Since the inception of the position, how have the lives of Kenyan women changed? Are they economically empowered?

How many legislations have been proposed in the national and county assemblies by these women for the good of the Kenyan woman?

These are some of the hard questions that we need to ask if we are to hold these women accountable.

List of Women Representatives in Kenya

1. Baringo County – Gladwell Jesire Cheruiyot
2. Bomet County – Joyce Korir Chepkoech
3. Bungoma County: Catherine Nanjala Wambilianga
4. Busia County: Florence Mutua
5. Elgeyo Marakwet County: Jane Jepkorir Kiptoo Chebaibai
6. Embu County: Jane Wanjuki Njiru
7. Garissa County: Anab Mohamed Gure
8. Homa Bay County – Gladys Wanga
9. Isiolo County: Rehema Dida Jaldesa
10. Kajiado County: Janet Marania Teyiaa
11. Kakamega County: Elsie Busihile Muhanda
12. Kericho County: Florence Chepngetich Koskey
13. Kiambu County: Gathoni Wamuchomba
14. Kilifi County: Gertrude Mbeyu Mwanyanje
15. Kirinyaga County: Purity Wangui Ngirici
16. Kisii County: Janet Ongera
17. Kisumu County: Rozaah Akinyi Buyu
18. Kitui County: Irene Muthoni Kasalu
19. Kwale County: Zuleikha Ju Ma Hassan
20. Laikipia County: Catherine Wanjiku Waruguru
21. Lamu County: Ruweida Mohamed Obo
22. Machakos County: Joyce Kamene
23. Makueni County: Rose Mumo
24. Mandera County: Amina Gedow Hassan
25. Marsabit County: Safia Sheikh Adan
26. Meru County: Kawira Mwangaza
27. Migori County – Pamela Awuor Ochieng
28. Mombasa County: Asha Hussein Mohamed
29. Muranga County – Sabina Wanjiru Chege
30. Nairobi County: Esther Passaris
31. Nakuru County: Chelule Chepkorir Liza
32. Nandi County: Tecla Chebet Tum
33. Narok County: Roselinda Tuya
34. Nyamira County: Jerusha Mongina Momanyi
35. Nyandarua County: Faith Wairimu Gitau
36. Nyeri County: Rahab Mukami Wachira
37. Samburu County: Maison Leshoomo
38. Siaya County: Ombaka Christine Oduor
39. Taita Taveta County: Lydia Haika Mnene Mizighi
40. Tana River County: Rehema Hassan
41. Tharaka Nithi County: Beatrice Nkatha Nyaga
42. Trans Nzoia County: Janet Nangabo Wanyama
43. Turkana County: Joyce Akai Emanikor
44. Uasin Gishu County: Gladys Boss Shollei
45. Vihiga County: Beatrice Kahai Adagala
46. Wajir County: Fatuma Gedi Ali
47. West Pokot County: Lilian Cheptoo Tomitom