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
- Baringo County – Gladwell Jesire Cheruiyot
- Bomet County – Joyce Korir Chepkoech
- Bungoma County: Catherine Nanjala Wambilianga
- Busia County: Florence Mutua
- Elgeyo Marakwet County: Jane Jepkorir Kiptoo Chebaibai
- Embu County: Jane Wanjuki Njiru
- Garissa County: Anab Mohamed Gure
- Homa Bay County – Gladys Wanga
- Isiolo County: Rehema Dida Jaldesa
- Kajiado County: Janet Marania Teyiaa
- Kakamega County: Elsie Busihile Muhanda
- Kericho County: Florence Chepngetich Koskey
- Kiambu County: Gathoni Wamuchomba
- Kilifi County: Gertrude Mbeyu Mwanyanje
- Kirinyaga County: Purity Wangui Ngirici
- Kisii County: Janet Ongera
- Kisumu County: Rozaah Akinyi Buyu
- Kitui County: Irene Muthoni Kasalu
- Kwale County: Zuleikha Ju Ma Hassan
- Laikipia County: Catherine Wanjiku Waruguru
- Lamu County: Ruweida Mohamed Obo
- Machakos County: Joyce Kamene
- Makueni County: Rose Mumo
- Mandera County: Amina Gedow Hassan
- Marsabit County: Safia Sheikh Adan
- Meru County: Kawira Mwangaza
- Migori County – Pamela Awuor Ochieng
- Mombasa County: Asha Hussein Mohamed
- Muranga County – Sabina Wanjiru Chege
- Nairobi County: Esther Passaris
- Nakuru County: Chelule Chepkorir Liza
- Nandi County: Tecla Chebet Tum
- Narok County: Roselinda Tuya
- Nyamira County: Jerusha Mongina Momanyi
- Nyandarua County: Faith Wairimu Gitau
- Nyeri County: Rahab Mukami Wachira
- Samburu County: Maison Leshoomo
- Siaya County: Ombaka Christine Oduor
- Taita Taveta County: Lydia Haika Mnene Mizighi
- Tana River County: Rehema Hassan
- Tharaka Nithi County: Beatrice Nkatha Nyaga
- Trans Nzoia County: Janet Nangabo Wanyama
- Turkana County: Joyce Akai Emanikor
- Uasin Gishu County: Gladys Boss Shollei
- Vihiga County: Beatrice Kahai Adagala
- Wajir County: Fatuma Gedi Ali
- West Pokot County: Lilian Cheptoo Tomitom