KISUMU, Kenya Aug 26 – Women Members of the Siaya County Assembly are pushing for greater representation in elective leadership, saying increased participation of women in decision-making is critical to addressing challenges affecting women and vulnerable groups at the grassroots.

📻 Breaking It Down

The leaders spoke in Kisumu on Wednesday during a forum organised by Transparency International (TI) through its Usawa Mashinani programme, which operates in Siaya, Kisumu and Kakamega counties.

The forum gave the Siaya women MCAs an opportunity to assess progress made under the programme, share experiences and discuss challenges that continue to hinder women’s participation in elective politics ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Siaya County Assembly Women Caucus Chairperson and South East Alego Ward MCA Masidis Skolastika Madowo said the 14-member caucus had benefited from training on legislative processes and effective representation.

📌 What You Need to Know

She said the training had strengthened the women leaders’ understanding of lawmaking and increased their confidence and participation in the Assembly.

According to Madowo, the skills acquired had enabled members to contribute more effectively to debates, initiate motions and develop legislation addressing challenges facing their communities.

The caucus set a target at the beginning of its current term to sponsor at least three pieces of legislation before the end of the Assembly’s tenure.

One of them is the Siaya Widows Protection Bill 2025, which has since been enacted into law. The legislation seeks to protect widows from harmful cultural practices and establish a framework for their economic empowerment through a dedicated support fund.

Madowo said another woman MCA had championed legislation on access to information, which has also received assent.

She expressed confidence that the caucus would achieve its target of sponsoring a third piece of legislation before the end of the current term.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya