AMWIK Report Launch Calls for Urgent Action: Binding Quotas and Media Support Needed to Bridge Kenya’s Gender Gap Ahead of 2027
Nairobi, Kenya—The Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK) in partnership with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) Kenya officially launched its crucial report, “Fifteen Years On: An Evaluation of Kenya’s Women Political Representation in Relation to the Two-Thirds Gender Rule,” issuing a clarion call for political parties and state agencies to implement binding quotas to realize the constitutional dream of gender parity.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, AMWIK Executive Director, Queenter Mbori, stated: “The two-thirds gender promise is unfulfilled 15 years later, with women holding only 23.9% of parliamentary seats. This persistent gap is driven by a patriarchal political culture that tolerates violence, political parties that sideline women in nominations, and prohibitive campaign costs.”
The report highlights that Kenya significantly lags behind its East African neighbors, despite the marginal progress shown by the 23.9% figure. The key structural barriers identified include persistent institutional sabotage of enabling legislation, weaponized online violence (TGBV), and the exorbitant cost of politics.
The launch brought together key political and civil society stakeholders who emphasized that data-backed policy reform is critical for the upcoming 2027 General Election.
Ralf Erbel, Director of the FNF East Africa office and Global Partnership Hub, stressed the broader significance of the issue, stating: “Supporting women in political leadership is not just a matter of fairness, it is central to building better, more resilient, and more accountable democratic institutions. When women are part of leadership, communities benefit, and nations move forward.”
Hon. Hassan Omar, Secretary General of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), termed the research timely, emphasizing that as Kenya heads towards the 2027 elections, data-backed insights will be vital for guiding party reforms and driving meaningful, sustainable progress on gender parity.
Crucially, representatives from other political parties, Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) were also in attendance and were formally presented with the report. The report includes specific recommendations on advancing the Two-Thirds Gender Rule within their party structures.
Hon. Omar called on all stakeholders to address persistent gaps, noting that achieving gender parity is not a single action but a coordinated effort combining law, leadership, resources, and societal change. He concluded by urging all stakeholders to ensure women are actively shaping policy and contributing to national decision-making.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) was represented by Vice Chairperson, Fahima Araphat Abdallah, OGW, who reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting inclusive, free, and fair elections. She outlined key commitments to ensuring compliance with the Two-Thirds Gender Rule and enhancing inclusion through voter education.
Vice Chairperson Abdallah also issued a powerful challenge to aspirants and women across the country: “Women should not shy away from leadership positions; it is upon them to break barriers. Their place should not be behind the scenes.” She concluded by urging the media to be an ally of positive, factual reporting that uplifts society and counters mis/disinformation.
The launch concluded with an intensive training session for female aspirants on using digital platforms to multiply impact and sell their agenda, alongside crucial lessons on media strategies and branding for impactful campaigns.
The report is available here: https://amwik.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AMWIK-RESEARCH-FINAL.-1.pdf
