Abstract:
This paper discusses the current state of elite women participation in political leadership in Kenya paying particular attention in ascendancy of women to political leadership in relation to their economic status. This study adopted historical and descriptive survey research design. It utilized both qualitative and quantitative methods. The study used questionnaires, focused group discussions, guides and in-depth interview schedules as the main tools of data collection. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS and presented in the form of percentages, frequency distribution, chi-square and tables. Qualitative data was analyzed through identification, examination, and interpretation of patterns and themes in textual data. Findings of this study are expected to contribute to the theoretical and empirical knowledge on how to empower elite women to participate in political leadership and inform policy formulators. Hence, this study intends to focus on women’s direct participation in political leadership. There is need to review the role of elite women participation in political leadership. To meaningfully appraise this role, there is a need to assess the current status of women economic training and education in Kenya. Also of great importance for review is the role played by the new Kenyan constitution of achieving one third gender rule in political participation. Basically, education and training is important because it is the preparatory phase for elite women participation. Therefore, this paper seeks out to assess the economic state of elite women in Kenya and then propose the desirable state.
