Assessing the Role of Capacity Building on Women Leadership in Kenya Political Elective Positions

Abstract

In Kenya, there is low inclusion of women in political elective positions. If this trend continues, women will be excluded in decision making in matters of development leading exclusivity of women. This goes against the UN Sustainable Goal 5 on Gender mainstream and Non-Discrimination Policies that seeks to promote inclusion of women and disadvantaged groups in electoral and political processes as envisioned in Kenya vision 2030. It is against this that this study sought to determine the role of capacity building on women leadership in Kenya political elective positions. A mixed method research design was adopted with a positivism philosophy approach. A simple random sampling method was applied to select a representative sample of the study. The target population comprised of 172 women elected in National Assembly and Senate.  Primary data was collected through open ended questionnaires and secondary data was collected through published records. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 was used to facilitate data analysis process.  Regression results showed a positive and significant relationship between capacity building and inclusion of women in the elective positions. Capacity building has a positive and significant role on women leadership in Kenya political elective positions. The study concluded that capacity building empowers women in terms of equipping them with the necessary trainings, mentorship and necessary experience which is required to maneuver the difficult political terrain in Kenya to emerge successfully. Majority of the women elected in Kenya had quality education and had previous served in various capacity in appointment positions. Therefore, capacity building enables women to serve in appointments which acts as stepping stone to elective positions. The study recommends that political parties should organize for training on women who are willing to vie for political offices. These trainings should aim to equip women leaders with knowledge and skills which will increase their chances of being elected in elective in positions. The study further recommends that mentorship programs should be carried out by political parties for women seeking elective positions to have same experience just like their men counterpart. Keywords: Capacity building, women leadership, political elective positions, Kenya