AMWIK and ORPP Partner to Advance Women’s Political Participation
The Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK) conducted a strategic engagement with the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) to advance gender-inclusive governance and strengthen women’s participation in the national political landscape. Led by Executive Director Queenter Mbori, the AMWIK delegation was received by the Registrar of Political Parties, Mr. John Cox Lorionokou, to deliberate on institutional frameworks that facilitate equitable representation. This courtesy call underscored a shared commitment to upholding constitutional mandates and fostering a political environment where women can thrive within party structures, which remain the primary gatekeepers to elective and appointive positions.
The meeting brought together senior leadership from both institutions, including AMWIK’s Lilian Museka (Programs Manager) and Denis Mbau (Impact and Communications Liaison), alongside the ORPP’s senior team comprising Assistant Registrar Agatha W. Wahome, Head of Partnerships Beatrice Nderi, and Communications Lead Mutethia Mberia. During the discussions, the participants noted that despite the progressive nature of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, significant structural, cultural, and institutional barriers continue to limit women’s access to leadership. The dialogue emphasized that for meaningful change to occur, policy commitments regarding gender equality must be translated into practical, enforceable actions within the internal mechanisms of political parties.
A central highlight of the session was the presentation of recommendations from a landmark report on the two-thirds gender rule, developed by AMWIK in partnership with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF). This research, which evaluates the progress of women’s political representation over the last fifteen years, provided a data-driven baseline for the day’s discussions. Ms. Mbori emphasized that the report’s findings call for a shift from ad-hoc interventions to sustained engagement, ensuring that gender inclusivity remains a permanent fixture on the national political agenda. By focusing on these findings, both organizations aimed to identify specific areas where the ORPP’s regulatory role can be leveraged to ensure parties strictly adhere to nomination rules and constitutional principles.
The dialogue also explored the influential role of the media in transforming the political landscape and ensuring compliance with gender mandates. Both parties discussed the importance of leveraging media influence to amplify political party information, drive public awareness, and conduct robust civic education. By countering disinformation and highlighting the successes of women leaders, the media can act as a catalyst for shifting public perception and encouraging more women to pursue political office. This synergy between media advocacy and regulatory oversight was identified as a critical component in ensuring the two-thirds gender rule moves from a legal requirement to a lived reality for the Kenyan electorate.
Mr. John Cox Lorionokou commended AMWIK for its rigorous research and evidence-based approach, noting that such partnerships with civil society are essential for strengthening democratic governance. He reaffirmed the ORPP’s mandate to monitor political parties and ensure they follow due process, particularly regarding the inclusion of women in their ranks. The meeting concluded with a mutual pledge to establish a long-term strategic partnership focused on joint public awareness campaigns and capacity building. As the country moves closer to the next electoral cycle, AMWIK and the ORPP remain committed to working hand-in-hand to build a more inclusive, transparent, and representative political future for all.
By Denis Mbau
