Women legislators from Kenya have raised concern over political violence, intimidation and the rising cost of election campaigns, warning that the hostile political environment continues to discourage many women from seeking elective office.
The concerns were raised during a Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) session in Cape Town, South Africa, on the opening day of the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference. The session brought together women legislators from across the Commonwealth to discuss practical ways of strengthening women’s participation in political leadership.
Participants said harassment, threats, political hostility and limited access to campaign financing remain among the biggest obstacles facing women seeking elective positions. They warned that the challenges do not end at the ballot box, as women leaders also require resources and political networks to remain visible, effective and competitive after election.
Women Urged Not to Give Up
Vihiga Woman Representative and Vice-Chairperson of the CWP Executive Committee, Hon. Beatrice Adagala, urged women to remain determined despite the barriers they face in politics.
“Women have always faced barriers that stand in the way of their political ambitions. This conference should provide practical solutions to help aspiring women candidates overcome these challenges,” Hon. Adagala said.
With Kenya heading towards the 2027 General Election, she encouraged women to contest for political positions at every level and not allow the hostile political environment to push them out of public leadership.
“I encourage women not to give up. Kenya is going into elections next year, and I urge women to present themselves for all elective positions,” she said.
Hon. Adagala also declared her intention to contest the Vihiga gubernatorial seat, expressing confidence that women can successfully compete for senior elective positions when given a fair political environment.
Political Hostility Still a Major Barrier
Machakos Senator Hon. Agnes Kavindu shared her own experience of political hostility, saying perseverance had helped her withstand pressure and secure a second term in office.
“I have experienced political hostility, but developing a thick skin helped me win my second term,” Senator Kavindu said.
She noted that women candidates are often disproportionately exposed to violence, intimidation and harassment during election campaigns, placing them at a disadvantage compared with many male competitors.
Beyond physical and political intimidation, Senator Kavindu said the high cost of campaigning remains a major hurdle. She noted that candidates require significant resources for mobilisation, communication, transport and other campaign logistics, yet many women have limited access to such financial support.
She added that the financial burden continues even after election, as women leaders still require resources to build political networks, participate effectively in public affairs and maintain meaningful engagement with their constituents.
Two-Thirds Gender Rule Still Unresolved
Senator Kavindu also criticised the prolonged failure to implement the Two-Thirds Gender Rule, saying resistance from some male legislators has continued to frustrate efforts to increase women’s representation in Parliament.
“Our male colleagues have not been willing to support the Two-Thirds Gender Rule, which would increase the number of women in Parliament and strengthen their contribution to legislation,” she said.
She called for stronger cooperation among Commonwealth countries in addressing political violence, financial barriers and other structural challenges that continue to lock women out of leadership.
Commonwealth Leaders Call for Safer Political Space
CWP Network Chairperson and Ontario MP Catherine Fife stressed the need to create a political environment in which women can participate fully and safely.
She said meaningful women’s participation would not only advance gender equality but also strengthen democratic institutions by making them more representative of the societies they serve.
Ms Fife welcomed the ideas emerging from the session, saying they reflected a shared commitment among women parliamentarians across the Commonwealth to expanding opportunities for women to enter, remain and thrive in political leadership.
The discussions come at a crucial moment for Kenya as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election, with women leaders continuing to push for greater representation in elective office and other key decision-making spaces.
Story By: Mevin Getembe
Parliamentary reporter, Nairobi Kenya - ICTV E-Press
The concerns were raised during a Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) session in Cape Town, South Africa, on the opening day of the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference. The session brought together women legislators from across the Commonwealth to discuss practical ways of strengthening women’s participation in political leadership.
Participants said harassment, threats, political hostility and limited access to campaign financing remain among the biggest obstacles facing women seeking elective positions. They warned that the challenges do not end at the ballot box, as women leaders also require resources and political networks to remain visible, effective and competitive after election.
Women Urged Not to Give Up
Vihiga Woman Representative and Vice-Chairperson of the CWP Executive Committee, Hon. Beatrice Adagala, urged women to remain determined despite the barriers they face in politics.
“Women have always faced barriers that stand in the way of their political ambitions. This conference should provide practical solutions to help aspiring women candidates overcome these challenges,” Hon. Adagala said.
With Kenya heading towards the 2027 General Election, she encouraged women to contest for political positions at every level and not allow the hostile political environment to push them out of public leadership.
“I encourage women not to give up. Kenya is going into elections next year, and I urge women to present themselves for all elective positions,” she said.
Hon. Adagala also declared her intention to contest the Vihiga gubernatorial seat, expressing confidence that women can successfully compete for senior elective positions when given a fair political environment.
Political Hostility Still a Major Barrier
Machakos Senator Hon. Agnes Kavindu shared her own experience of political hostility, saying perseverance had helped her withstand pressure and secure a second term in office.
“I have experienced political hostility, but developing a thick skin helped me win my second term,” Senator Kavindu said.
She noted that women candidates are often disproportionately exposed to violence, intimidation and harassment during election campaigns, placing them at a disadvantage compared with many male competitors.
Beyond physical and political intimidation, Senator Kavindu said the high cost of campaigning remains a major hurdle. She noted that candidates require significant resources for mobilisation, communication, transport and other campaign logistics, yet many women have limited access to such financial support.
She added that the financial burden continues even after election, as women leaders still require resources to build political networks, participate effectively in public affairs and maintain meaningful engagement with their constituents.
Two-Thirds Gender Rule Still Unresolved
Senator Kavindu also criticised the prolonged failure to implement the Two-Thirds Gender Rule, saying resistance from some male legislators has continued to frustrate efforts to increase women’s representation in Parliament.
“Our male colleagues have not been willing to support the Two-Thirds Gender Rule, which would increase the number of women in Parliament and strengthen their contribution to legislation,” she said.
She called for stronger cooperation among Commonwealth countries in addressing political violence, financial barriers and other structural challenges that continue to lock women out of leadership.
Commonwealth Leaders Call for Safer Political Space
CWP Network Chairperson and Ontario MP Catherine Fife stressed the need to create a political environment in which women can participate fully and safely.
She said meaningful women’s participation would not only advance gender equality but also strengthen democratic institutions by making them more representative of the societies they serve.
Ms Fife welcomed the ideas emerging from the session, saying they reflected a shared commitment among women parliamentarians across the Commonwealth to expanding opportunities for women to enter, remain and thrive in political leadership.
The discussions come at a crucial moment for Kenya as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election, with women leaders continuing to push for greater representation in elective office and other key decision-making spaces.
Story By: Mevin Getembe
Parliamentary reporter, Nairobi Kenya - ICTV E-Press
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