Young Women’s Leadership in Governance and Political Processes in Kenya

This project aims to increase the representation of women in governance and political processes across Kitui, Nakuru, and Homa Bay counties by addressing systemic barriers that hinder women’s participation. It focuses on 14 sub-counties, including:

• Kitui County: Kitui East, Kitui West, Kitui Central, Mwingi Central
• Nakuru County: Kuresoi North, Nakuru West, Bahati, Gilgil, Rongai
• Homa Bay County: Homa Bay Central, Suba North, Suba South, Kasipul, Kabondo Kasipul

These areas include marginalized and low-income settlements, where women face significant socio-economic challenges that limit their political engagement.

> Key Objectives & Outcomes

The project seeks to achieve three key outcomes:

1. Increased knowledge and awareness of women’s potential in governance
2. Enhanced leadership capacity of women in elected bodies and grassroots movements
3. An enabling legal and policy environment to support women’s participation in decision-making

> Target Groups & Activities

The project directly benefits 780 women—Kitui (180), Nakuru (300), Homa Bay (300)—organized into 26 self-help groups. These groups will engage in:

• Social audits to assess governance gaps
• Public forums to advocate for gender-inclusive policies
• Civic engagement with duty bearers to amplify women’s voices

Leaders within these groups will undergo Training of Trainers (TOT), equipping them to train and mentor other women, ensuring long-term impact and knowledge-sharing.

> Empowering Women in Leadership

The project also supports 30 newly elected or nominated women Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) by connecting them with grassroots women to foster collaboration, mentorship, and policy influence. This strategic approach ensures that women at all levels—community and government—work together to shape policies and governance structures.

Through ongoing civic engagement, at least 15 women from the self-help groups will join Technical Working Groups (TWGs), strengthening their role in governance and ensuring women’s voices are represented in decision-making forums.

> Impact & Long-Term Vision

By breaking down barriers to women’s political participation, this project contributes to:

• Promoting gender equality and women’s leadership
• Implementing the two-thirds gender rule
• Reducing poverty through inclusive governance
• Advancing sustainable development in Kenya’s marginalized communities

This initiative is a crucial step toward transforming governance and ensuring that women have equal opportunities to lead, influence, and drive change in Kenya.