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September 18, 2024 — The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) convened a critical discussion last evening on X Space, focusing on the vital role of County MPs (Women Representatives) in leadership and governance. This timely conversation follows recent debates suggesting that the Women Representative positions could be scrapped as part of proposed political and governance reforms sparked by recent protests and civil unrest.
The session sought to bolster women’s voices in leadership while addressing concerns over the perceived effectiveness of County MPs. Participants emphasized the need for women in leadership to develop resilience and motivation, showcasing their achievements despite the challenges they face.
KEWOPA Chairperson and Kajiado County MP, Hon. Leah Sankaire, highlighted the importance of the Women Representative role in fostering sustainable development. She acknowledged that although these MPs receive fewer resources from the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) compared to their single-constituency counterparts, they serve the entire county.
“This seat gives us a platform to showcase our leadership skills and enables us to transcend to other seats. Despite receiving lower allocations, ours targets the entire county and is like a seed growing at the grassroots level,” said Hon. Sankaire.
One key point of contention during the discussion was the tag “Women Representative,” which some legislators argue diminishes the scope of their role. County MPs share similar duties with single-constituency MPs, including representation, legislation, and oversight. However, they are often judged more harshly by a patriarchal society, which tends to overlook their contributions in Parliament and beyond.
The forum underscored the achievements of County MPs such as Governors Kawira Mwangaza and Gladys Wanga, both of whom rose from legislative positions to become governors. This was presented as evidence that the Women Representative seat provides a springboard for women leaders to ascend to higher political offices.
Despite limited resources, County MPs have prioritized key initiatives like issuing bursaries to children who dropped out of school and distributing sanitary towels to school-going girls. These efforts are particularly vital in supporting the most vulnerable members of society, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of the position.
The conversation also criticized the expectation that County MPs should perform roles typically assigned to governors, such as building hospitals and tarmacking roads. These misplaced expectations often lead to unfair judgment from the public.
Mzalendo reports reveal that Women Parliamentarians have successfully sponsored numerous progressive bills, many of which have been passed into law. The KEWOPA forum urged women to continue participating actively in legislative governance and elective contests to strengthen their presence at decision-making tables and further advance gender equality in politics.
As the debate over the future of the Women Representative seat continues, it is clear that County MPs are determined to defend their roles and demonstrate their value in Kenya’s evolving political landscape.
