A new study has raised concerns about the low number of Gen Z youth, particularly women, entering politics in Kenya as major elections approach. Youth form the largest voter bloc, yet fewer than one percent of elected leaders are women under 35. Challenges include funding shortages and violence.
As Kenya's 2027 general elections draw nearer, a recent study examining the 2017 and 2022 polls has sparked alarm over the limited involvement of Gen Z youth in politics, especially women. The research reveals that less than one percent of leaders elected at national and county levels are women under 35 years old. In the 2022 elections, only 20 young women secured various positions across the country, despite youth comprising the largest voting demographic. The study indicates that the success rate for young female candidates fell from nine percent in 2017 to five percent in 2022, even as leadership training and funding from civil society organizations increased. Key obstacles go beyond personal capabilities to encompass systemic political issues, such as insufficient campaign financing, barriers imposed by political parties, influence from unofficial patrons, violence during campaigns, online harassment, and a lack of protective measures or support after elections. Speaking at an event bringing together women from diverse regions, EU Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger stated: “There is a need for reforms so that women, especially Gen Z youth, do not fear entering politics.” Researchers argue this situation questions the effectiveness of current strategies to empower women politically, urging profound changes in political parties and electoral frameworks. Political analysts warn that without systemic reforms, the disparity between women's participation and their representation in leadership will continue to grow, potentially undermining Kenya's participatory democracy.