A good number of Kenyans feel that the constitution, which they overwhelmingly approved, created some positions to appease political allies who lost in the elections. The creation of the requirement for women reps was such a move which has been disparaged with many calling for abolition of such positions.
@oretabea @annewaiguru am wondering what is the work of Women Reps in kenya ?
— Nyamai (@nyamaieliud) September 3, 2015
The Women Reps have no work in Kenya! I support these members to be scraped! — Julius Nestroy Kaibi (@JNestroy) May 15, 2015
Others feel that those who get the positions do not shift their weight in a way it can be felt in the political circles.
with this #tag, #BringBack130KenyanGirls CLEARLY Kenya does NOT have active women reps. Just sugar mummies in politics.
— Sir Rap-A-Lot (@Lamont_KC) August 21, 2015
Not sure what the Women Reps’ in Kenya do,maybe their work goes unreported but seems our First Lady been doing all their work. — Peter Wanyoike (@Pete_Wanyoike) May 9, 2015
The report titled, “Debunking Myths: Women Contributions in Kenya’s 11th Parliament” shows that women parliamentarians – whether elected, nominated or selected under affirmative action provide just as much value as their male counterparts.
To answer questions like this:
I bring this question in reference to women reps in Kenya. What are they doing?
— Undercover Lion (@Dr_Huey) July 26, 2015
the report sought to prove that the women leaders are as good as their male counterparts. It looks at contributions captured in the Hansard published from March 2013 to 30th June 2015 which shows that women did not solely focus on Family Bills (The Marriage Bill, The Children’s Bill, The Protection against Domestic Violence Bill and The Matrimonial Property Bill) but went ahead to contribute to other areas including; security, finances, water, health, devolution, infrastructure, waste management, environmental issues and mining among others depending on either their counties, constituencies or national interest.
“Findings presented in report and infographic disprove biases, stereotypes and accusations against women Parliamentarians by showcasing their actual contributions,” said Jessica Musila, Mzalendo’s Executive Director.
Contrary to public opinion, Women County Representatives (WCR), in particular, do not represent women’s agenda only but all the challenges faced in their counties including problems that affect men. In fact, those from the Northern Region of Kenya were outstanding in their articulation of the security challenge their counties face and the solutions the government should consider.
The analysis also revealed women MPs contributions are also greatly influenced by their level of education, professional background, work and life experience.
In the report, Mzalendo has grouped counties into six climatic zones as presented in the Socio-Economic atlas and then ranked the women MPs based on the potential impact of their contributions on their regions and the nation. Leading legislators in the regions are Florence Kajuju (Mt. Kenya Region) Joyce Emanikor (Northern region), Zainab Chidzuga (Coastal Region), Rachael Nyamai (South Eastern), Millie Odhiambo (Western Region), Joyce Laboso (North Rift), Amina Abdalla (Nominated MNAs) and Agnes Zani (Nominated Senators). Each region had three nominees.
The full implementation of the two third gender principle has been extended to August 27, 2016 but Kenyans’ attitudes towards women reps seemingly may not be extended. This has been exacerbated by the continuous debate on reducing the country’s wage bill which makes Kenyans disdain most constitutional offices which they feel are vestigial.
do woman/women reps in Kenya even know their JD??they r the most useless posts devolution gave us — #baba Elvis (@benahnji) February 11, 2015
3 million girls in Kenya already can’t afford pads and then the govt taxes them, women reps? What’s your role?
— Zani (@zker) October 30, 2014
It is gender discriminatory to even think abt removing women’s reps in kenya parliament to address the #bigquestion of wage bill @NaisolaL — Dinah Musindarwezo (@DinahRwiza) March 18, 2014
