Kenya pushes for gender equality and girls' rights ahead of 2027 elections

Government agencies in Kenya are intensifying efforts to implement the constitutional two-thirds gender principle ahead of the 2027 General Election. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) are engaging political parties and state institutions to dismantle barriers preventing women from holding elective and appointive positions.

During an engagement hosted by the Council of Governors and UN Women Kenya, stakeholders discussed strategies to increase women’s participation in public decision-making. The constitutional requirement, which mandates that no more than two-thirds of any elective or appointive body be of the same gender, has faced implementation challenges since 2010.

In a related push for women’s and girls' rights, the Uasin Gishu County Government marked the International Day of the Girl Child in Eldoret. The event focused on the theme ‘End Child Marriages, and Invest in Girls’ Rights,’ with officials calling for stronger child protection systems to prevent abuse, exploitation, and practices that undermine girls' education and economic prospects.