More Women in the Kenyan Parliament: Do Numbers Really Matter? Discussing Substantive Representation with Female MPs in Kenya

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study has set forth to explore the relationship between increasing the number of female legislators in Kenya and their impact on gender-related policy, through a critical analysis of parliament and other institutional structures, as well as the individual characteristics of female MPs that influence their legislative behavior. The study builds on the work of scholars such as Susan Carroll (1994, 2001 and 2003a & 2003b), Manon Tremblay (1998), Devlin& Elgie (2008) among others, to create a better understanding of the link between an increased presence of women in the Kenyan parliament and the representation of ‘women’s issues.’

Methodology: Twenty-seven women participated in this study, all working either as Member of Parliament (MP) or dealing with women’s rights issues within the media, government and non-governmental organisations. Semi-structured interviews were used and interviews were transcribed and analysed. The findings in this study are primarily based on these interviews as the main source of data although other sources that will be reviewed in Chapter Two were also consulted.

Findings & recommendations: The findings of this study uncovered two critical components in the study of gender and political representation that have not been explored by scholars, namely; individual characteristics of female MPs and the role of parliament in enhancing gender equality and the representation of ‘women’s issues.’ I recommend structural reforms in parliament to enhance its institutional capacity for gender equality and women’s empowerment, and strengthening the networks of female MPs and women’s rights NGO’s to consolidate a stronger feminist claim among political representatives, and inspire changes that will improve the status of women in Kenya.