Siaya Women MCAs Push for Increased Representation Ahead of 2027 Elections

In Kisumu, Kenya on August 26, women Members of the Siaya County Assembly are advocating for greater representation in elective leadership roles, emphasizing that increased participation of women in decision-making is crucial for addressing issues affecting women and vulnerable groups at the grassroots level. At a forum organized by Transparency International's Usawa Mashinani program in the county, Siaya women MCAs assessed the programme's progress, shared experiences, and discussed challenges hindering women's participation in politics ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Siaya County Assembly Women Caucus Chairperson, Masidis Skolastika Madowo, highlighted that the caucus, consisting of 14 members, benefited from training on legislative processes and effective representation, which has bolstered their confidence and participation. The caucus aims to sponsor at least three pieces of legislation during their term, with two bills already enacted, including the Siaya Widows Protection Bill 2025, which aims to protect widows from harmful cultural practices and establish an economic empowerment framework.

Despite progress, Madowo cited re-election as a significant challenge for women seeking to retain their positions, noting that while women enjoy community support, they face social, political, and financial barriers. Siaya currently has four elected women MCAs, and the caucus seeks to retain all four seats while encouraging more women to contest in the next county assembly.

To achieve the constitutional two-thirds gender principle, Siaya would need at least 10 elected women MCAs. The leaders discussed ward experiences and strategies to strengthen women's participation in the 2027 elections, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and capacity-building to equip women candidates with the necessary skills, confidence, and knowledge for effective competition.