Kenya: Breaking Barriers of Women Leadership among Bakhayo Community, Busia

Feb 2, 2025 | Absalom Namwalo
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The Busia political landscape has long been criticized for its underrepresentation of women, reflecting deep-rooted cultural norms that prioritize traditional roles over self-expression and career development among the female gender. However, growing advocacy efforts, education inclusion and economic empowerment are now being viewed as a driving force towards breaking the barriers to give equal opportunities, when it comes to leadership roles in society.

Busia and Kenya at large has seen few women being elected to represent the society, a move which has sparked mixed reaction forcing gender advocates to champion for one-third gender inclusion in all leadership positions. In 2022 general elections, only 4 women were elected in political positions in Busia County, which included 2 MPs for national assembly and 2 MCAs out of all 47 elective positions. The current Busia County women representative Catherine Omanyo and Teso south MP Mary Emase are among a few successful women who have defied the cultural norms to take bold steps to take on men head-on in her political journey.