NYAMIRA, Kenya Sep 17 — The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has challenged women in Nyamira County to break political barriers and contest elective positions at both the national and county levels ahead of the 2027 General Election.

📻 Breaking It Down

The Commission urged women to look beyond the Woman Representative position and seek seats in Parliament, the county assembly and the gubernatorial race.

Speaking during a women’s engagement forum at Nyamira National Polytechnic, NGEC Commissioner Caroline Lentupuru said women had equal constitutional rights to contest elective positions and should take a more active role in political leadership.

“Women cannot continue shying away from elective politics. The Constitution gives you equal rights to vie. Don’t wait to be given the Woman Rep seat as if that is the only seat reserved for you. Go for MP, go for MCA, go for Governor,” Lentupuru said.

📌 What You Need to Know

She called on women to register as voters, participate in elections and support fellow women seeking elective office.

Lentupuru said the Commission had identified several barriers hindering women in Nyamira from contesting elective positions.

These include gender-based violence during campaigns, inadequate financial resources and cultural stereotypes that discourage women from seeking political office.

She said NGEC was working with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), security agencies and county governments to promote a safe environment for women aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Commissioner expressed concern over the limited number of women elected to competitive political seats in the Gusii region since independence.

She urged women in Nyamira and neighbouring Kisii County to overcome fear and cultural limitations and take advantage of empowerment programmes and affirmative action funds to strengthen their political participation.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya