Women’s political inclusion targeted in new party audit ahead of nominations

By  Moraa Obiria

Senior Gender Journalist

What you need to know:

• The National Gender and Equality Commission and the Registrar of Political Parties begin auditing nomination rules to ensure women, youth and marginalised groups are fairly included.
• The joint audit will scrutinise how parties conduct nominations before the 2027 General Election, with gender equality at the centre.

The National Gender and Equality Commission (Ngec) and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties have embarked on a joint audit of all 98 political parties, setting guidelines for their nominations, a process that could determine whether women are included or locked out of elective seats.

According to the election calendar the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) released in August, political parties must have their nomination rules certified by the Registrar of Political Parties by October 30. They must thereafter submit the rules to the commission by November 6.

“A party that lodges rules making no provision for the nomination of youth, persons with disabilities or minorities has, in practical terms, settled that question for the entire electoral cycle,” the IEBC says.

However, it notes that several parties registering those contesting on their tickets in 2027 have published aspirant application fees that reduce the amount payable by women, youth and persons with disabilities, in a number of cases by half across every seat. It applauded the parties for the move.

Women politicians have repeatedly complained about little support from political parties in their bids for elective seats. They cite unfair party nominations, claiming they win but suddenly become losers, hence being coerced into negotiated democracy in favour of male candidates, and nominated in areas or for seats where their parties have little chance of winning.

And when they get the tickets, they are often left on their own to campaign, when they hope the party will offer financial support or hold their hands at rallies.

Now, the audit by the two institutions is meant to keep parties in check and put them on the line before the real battle for votes begins. The institutions will look at the parties’ compliance with constitutional and legal requirements on equality, inclusion and non-discrimination.

This takes into account the participation and representation of women, youth, persons with disabilities, older members of society, minorities and marginalised communities.

Ngec chairperson Rehema Jaldesa said elections are a process, not an event on election day. “We have to start the process from, like, a year backwards. Meaning, now, we will start monitoring the party nomination rules,” she said. “And through to the election. So, it is a process we have started. And that is what we are doing differently from the past.”

She pointed out that, unlike before, they will not wait until election day to ensure the two-thirds principle is observed or to hold parties accountable. “We are going to critique the party nomination list. We are going to critique the party nomination process.”

Before Rehema was appointed to head the commission, she served as the elected Isiolo woman representative, hence bringing with her the experience of politics and its dynamics to the office. She emphasised that it is at the nomination level where “gains are lost”, either women never get to see the party nomination certificate even after winning, or somehow their names disappear from those nominated to special seats in the national or county chambers.

“We must hold parties accountable at the beginning. And the discussion I am having with party leaders is that let us support women,” she said. “If we are serious about ensuring the number of women increases, we should nominate women from their strongholds or make it possible for women to compete fairly. So, those are the strategies the commission has in place now.”