Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy

The recently concluded party nominations have resulted in the highest number of women candidates ever to contest in the race to Parliament. Women were nominated in both big and small parties. Some contested with male competitors in their constituency, while others were nominated directly.

In comparison to neighbouring countries, women participation in Kenyan politics is very low. Currently 18 out of 210 MPs are women. In order to increase the number of female parliamentarians the Centre for Multiparty Democracy in Kenya (CMD-Kenya) has developed a specific programme to promote and prepare women to participate in the December elections. The programme, which is supported by NIMD, included training in campaign strategies, media training and tv documentaries about 4 female presidential candidates.

The party primaries and the electoral campaigning in general were marred by violence, with several specific attacks against female candidates.