Elusive Quest by Women for Legislative Numbers in Kenya’s National Assembly of the 11th Parliament (2013 -2017)
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Date
2021
Authors
Miruka, Simon Okumba
Wamue-Ngare, Grace
Okemwa, Pacificah
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Peer Reviewed Journal and Book Publishing
Abstract
Purpose: Application of gender quotas in the 2013 general elections in Kenya led to 68
women legislators joining the National Assembly. This was the largest number of women
elected to the legislature since independence in 1963. Studies show that such surges
embolden women to pursue legislative agenda on gender equality and social welfare issues.
This article examines women legislators’ quests for further increased numbers in Kenya’s
National Assembly 2013 -2017 and the results.
Methodology: This was a descriptive study of Kenya’s National Assembly of the 11th
parliament (2013 -2017). A total of 11 women and four key informants were identified
through stratified and purposive sampling respectively. Data was collected using semistructured interview schedules. Responses were recorded in writing and audio-tape. The
study also did a content analysis of the Hansard. Data was transcribed, manually processed,
analysed and discussed under each study objective. Quantitative data was captured in tables
with descriptions while qualitative data was narrated with inferences.
Findings: The study established that efforts to increase women’s numbers in the legislature
were unsuccessful because of resistance from male colleagues. However, women achieved an
increase in committee membership and leadership. The article concludes that resistance to the
proposed affirmative law to increase women’s legislative numbers was rooted in patriarchy
and male entitlement to power.
Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The article demonstrates how the quest
to embed affirmative action in law was frustrated by patriarchy. It states that for women to
succeed on such pursuits, they need to be assertive and strategic. It further demonstrates that
women’s occupation of parliamentary leadership positions enabled them to showcase their
abilities and debunk the notion that they are inferior. This coheres with liberal feminism, that
marginalising women denies the society the benefit of their talents. The article proposes that
women should seek influential parliamentary committees instead of seeking a general spread
in all of them. A constitutional amendment to have an unequivocal provision on elections that
automates the desired proportions of women to men in the National Assembly is also
recommended.
Description
An Article Published in International Journal of Gender Studies
Keywords
Affirmative Action, Critical Mass, National Assembly, Patriarchy, Resistance