Nairobi governorship candidates face high costs and political hurdles

Female candidates seeking the Nairobi governorship face significant hurdles, including high campaign costs and informal power structures. Margaret Kagori, a former coordinator for Warembo na Uhuruto, noted that money, mobilization, and influence are critical factors in determining political visibility in the capital.

Nairobi presents a vast political landscape with 17 constituencies and 85 electoral wards. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has set a campaign spending cap for gubernatorial candidates at Sh181,312,885, based on 2019 population data. These costs cover advertising, staff, transport, security, and administrative expenses.