Factors impeding the participation of women in the Seventh Day Adventist church hierarchy in Laikipia–Samburu station, Kenya

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This study aimed at investigating factors impeding the participation of women in SDA hierarchy in Laikipia–Samburu Station, Kenya. The study explored patriarchal theory using qualitative descriptive survey design, targeting 1,080 pastors, church elders and departmental heads, lay members of SDA church in Laikipia-Samburu Station. The study employed proportionate purposive sampling procedure with sample size of 278 respondents. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and document analysis. The study established that gender representation in church hierarchy in practice is not balanced. The study also established that SDA has no written church policy prohibiting ordination of women but after completion of theological training women are commissioned while their male counterparts are ordained and licensed. The study recommends that the SDA General Conference Sessions should revise Church Policies and alter Church Manual to allow women ordination which is a New Light in SDA church. This is because women ordination is not against the scriptures but the SDA church practice which can be revised to increase women participation in the leadership of church hierarchy. The results of the study might have implication to SDA church in addressing challenges facing women in its hierarchy and also contribute useful insights to the religious scholars. Government and other ministries might also use the recommendations of these results to formulate policies towards uplifting women in general areas of leadership and in achieving Sustainable Development Goals.