Kyalo, Ezra MwongelaMuendo, Lydia K.Imteyaz, Ahmed2025-09-242025-09-242025-09Mwongela, K. E;Muendo, L. K & Imteyaz, A. (2025). The Persistent Grip of Patriarchy: SocioCultural and Economic Barriers to Kamba Women's Political Participation. Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies, 9(9), 188 – 197.2523-6725https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/31451ArticleDespite significant constitutional reforms aimed at enhancing gender equality in Kenya, women's participation in elective politics remains markedly low, particularly in culturally conservative regions. This article investigates the specific socio-cultural and economic factors that influenced the participation and representation of Kamba women in the elective politics of Machakos County between 1991 and 2017. This period, spanning the reintroduction of multiparty democracy to the second general election under the 2010 Constitution, provides a critical lens through which to examine the tension between progressive legal frameworks and persistent on-the-ground realities. The study concludes that legal reforms alone are insufficient to achieve substantive gender equality in politics. Overcoming these persistent barriers requires multi-faceted interventions that actively challenge patriarchal attitudes, provide targeted economic support for female candidates, and foster institutional change within political partiesenArticle