DETERMINANTS OF WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN POLITICAL LEADERSHIP: A CASE OF LARI CONSTITUENCY, KENYA

Abstract

Women involvement in political leadership in Kenya continues to exhibit a low trend. Despite certain advancements in women's political representation during the 2022 electoral cycle, Kenya continues to face challenges regarding the limited involvement of women in political leadership roles. The study aimed to explore elements that impact women’s involvement in the political landscape within the unique context of Kenya with focus on cultural factors, social factors, economic and political factors. The study was supported by a theoretical framework that incorporated feminist theory, gender socialization, resource-based and patriarchal theories. The research utilized a descriptive research design. The research was centered on the residents of Lari Constituency, situated in Kiambu County, Kenya, as the selected target population. The combined population of this particular group totaled 135,303 individuals, consisting of 67,061 males and 68,238 females. The sample size was 398 participants. The research used structured questionnaires for data collection. The research employed a combination of descriptive and inferential statistical methods to analyze data. A multiple linear regression model was employed to assess the correlation between the variables. The correlation results showed that cultural factors, social factors, economic and political factors are positively and significantly correlated with women participation in political leadership in Kenya. Cultural factors, social factors, economic factors and political factors can explain 75.8% of the variations in women participation in political leadership in Kenya. The regression results demonstrated that cultural factors significantly and positively impact women's participation in political leadership (β=.235, p=0.040). Social factors significantly and positively impact women's political leadership participation (β=.322, p=0.000). Economic factors are positively and significantly related with women's leadership participation (β=.280, p=0.010). Political factors significantly and positively influence women's leadership participation (β=.220, p=0.000). The study concluded that cultural factors, social factors, economic and political factors are positively and significantly related with women participation in political leadership in Kenya. It is recommended that cultural awareness campaigns be intensified, specifically targeting regions or communities where traditional gender 606roles are deeply ingrained. The educational curriculum incorporates gender studies and leadership training from an early age. Moreover, economic empowerment programs should be scaled up, ensuring women have equal access to employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, thus solidifying their financial independence and capability to venture into politics.