As Kenya marks 13 years since the promulgation of the Constitution 2010, it is evident that a transformative wave has surged through the realm of politics, empowering women and fostering equality.

Nakuru, a region of significance in this evolution, has witnessed a remarkable surge in female leadership, an ascent that can be attributed to the constitutional reform.

This shift earned Nakuru County the nickname 'Nakuru Girls,' in last year’s elections due to the feminine leadership quotient that surpassed any other county, to become a symbol of women empowerment and progress.

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In the era preceding the constitution's promulgation, Nakuru's political landscape bore a noticeable absence of elected women leaders.

However, a noteworthy cohort of women assumed prominent roles within political parties, thereby establishing a foundation for what was to come.

Breaking through the barriers, the trailblazing figures of Alicen Cheilate and Jayne Kihara emerged as Nakuru's pioneering elected women leaders in 2002.

Ms Chelaite began her political journey after contesting for the member of Parliament position in 1997 which she lost but won the 2002 election serving this position for one term.

She later resigned from active politics and joined farming.

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Ms Kihara is the Member of Parliament for the Naivasha Constituency following her late husband's tenure who has etched her name as the longest-serving female MP, now embarking on her fifth term in the National Assembly.

These guiding lights kindled a spark that ignited a flame of women's interest in Nakuru's political arena.

The aftermath of the constitution's promulgation was marked by an exponential growth in the cadre of women leaders, reaching its highest point in the latest election, where an unprecedented number of women secured seats.

At the heart of this evolution lies the Constitution of Kenya 2010, which established mechanisms to rectify the gender imbalance in leadership roles, including provisions such as Article 26(6), Article 27(8), and Article 81(b).

The top of this transformation unveiled two women holding the apex positions of power in the county, Susan Kihika as Governor, and Tabitha Karanja as Senator.

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Moreover, the election witnessed the ascent of members of Parliament figures like Martha Wangari, Charity Kathambi, Irene Njoki, Jayne Kihara and Liza Chelule.

Nakuru County Assembly echoed this change with the election of eight women and the nomination of fifteen others into leadership roles.

Njoro MP Charity Kathambi

Photo credit: COURTESY

In an interview with Mtaa Wangu, Ms Charity Kathambi, who is currently serving her second term as Njoro MP says the election of women into various seats within Nakuru county is proof that society now believes in women leadership.

"As the leaders in Nakuru, we have proved that if given an opportunity, women leaders are capable of providing better services and leadership," said Ms Kathambi.

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The evolution of women leadership in Nakuru's political space

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Mercy Kihugu