As Kenyans in 24 electoral areas went to the polls this Thursday, the ballots reflected a familiar and troubling pattern for the nation's democratic health. Out of 181 candidates contesting for various seats, a mere two women stood for the seven parliamentary and senatorial positions up for grabs, a figure that has reignited urgent questions about gender equality in the political arena.

This glaring disparity comes as a significant blow to the country's constitutional ambitions for gender parity, especially as the by-elections were widely seen as a crucial stress test for the newly constituted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) ahead of the 2027 General Election. The contests spanned six National Assembly seats—Ugunja, Mbeere North, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, and Banisa—one senatorial seat in Baringo, and 17 MCA wards.

The Uphill Battle for Representation

In Ugunja, Siaya County, Lilian Akinyi Aketch of the National Alliance Party was the sole female candidate. A former national chairperson for the lobby group 'Warembo na Raila', Aketch campaigned on a platform of transformative governance, vowing to ensure fair distribution of bursaries and to empower women and youth. "I am in it as a leader who aspires to change how things are done," Aketch noted, downplaying her gender as the sole factor in her candidacy. "We have for too long applied the same formula of fielding men and getting the same results. Let us try women's leadership."

Hundreds of kilometres away in Magarini, Kilifi County, Sarah Wahito Gakahu of the Chama Cha Kenya Moja Movement was the other woman on a parliamentary ballot. Inspired by a desire to serve, Gakahu believes women offer superior leadership and deserve a chance to prove it. Both women faced a crowded field of male competitors in regions with entrenched patriarchal political structures.

A System Stacked Against Women

The low numbers are a steep decline from the 2022 General Election, where women comprised about 11 percent of all candidates. Political analysts and women leaders point to a toxic cocktail of barriers hindering female participation. These include the high cost of campaigns—often requiring a minimum of KES 30 million for a rural parliamentary seat—electoral violence, and online harassment. "Because of the uneven field that characterises politics in Kenya, it is difficult for women aspirants to seek elective positions meaningfully and consistently," noted a recent analysis in the Nairobi Law Monthly.

The violence was not theoretical. The run-up to the by-elections was marred by chaos, particularly in Kasipul, where deadly clashes erupted between rival supporters, raising alarms about electoral security. This environment of intimidation disproportionately discourages women from entering the political fray.

• Total Candidates: 181 across 24 electoral areas.
• Parliamentary & Senate Races: 7 total by-elections.
• Female Candidates (MP/Senate): 2.
• Key Issues: The polls were seen as a litmus test for the new IEBC and for the political realignments of President William Ruto's government and the opposition.

Looking Ahead: A Call to Action

While the IEBC managed the logistical aspects of the election, deploying materials and personnel across the country, the outcome for female representation is a somber reminder of the work that remains. Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza urged women not to be discouraged. "We can only make an impact if we offer ourselves as competitors... Get into those gender-sensitive political parties and pitch your bids," she advised.

As the final results from Thursday's voting are tallied, the conversation shifts from the ballot box to the boardroom. For political parties and policymakers, the near-absence of women in these critical contests is not just a statistic; it is a verdict on a political system that continues to fail half its population, undermining the very foundation of a representative democracy.