Abstract:
This paper discusses the current state of women in Kenya paying particular attention to the socio- cultural factors influencing pastoralist women. Various steps have been taken since independence by participants of the Beijing Platform for Action. The United Nations set a target of achieving
30% representation of women in politics, women empowered through education, affirmative action, political mobilization, articulation of demands and space for engaging women in political leadership. This has been done through women’s movements that have engaged in gender activism, gender sensitization mobilization, and capacity building of women political leaders. There have also been programs of social-economic empowerment for the poor, the change of the Kenyan constitution (2010), which were expected to provide ample opportunity for women in Kenya. Nevertheless, the impact of these initiatives has apparently not been felt. Hence, this study intends to focus on women direct participation in political leadership. Also, of great importance for review is the role played by the new Kenyan constitution of achieving two third gender rule in political participation. It is an indisputable fact that gender equity is important for human development. Indeed, without gender equality, sustainable human development cannot be achieved. Basically, education and training is important because it is the preparatory phase for women participation. Therefore, this paper seeks to assess the socio-cultural state of women in Kenya and then propose the desirable state.
