Women with disabilities persevere for political recognition and representation, confronting severe stigma and systemic barriers amid Kenya's increasingly combative and male-dominated political arena.

The treacherous landscape of Kenyan politics has long been viewed as a gladiator's arena, deeply entrenched in patriarchy and financial muscle. However, for women living with disabilities, the barriers to entry are exponentially higher, forcing them to navigate a hostile environment armed with nothing but raw resilience.

As the nation looks toward the 2027 general elections, the vulnerability of this demographic exposes the gaping flaws in Kenya's democratic architecture. Despite constitutional provisions demanding inclusion, the reality on the ground is a stark narrative of marginalization and systemic erasure.

The Intersection of Vulnerabilities

Women with disabilities face a "double penalty" in the political sphere: gender discrimination compounded by ableism. Political campaigns in Kenya are notoriously physical, characterized by rowdy rallies, extensive logistical demands, and occasionally, violence. For a candidate with a mobility or sensory impairment, the physical infrastructure of political engagement is practically inaccessible.

Systemic and Financial Barriers

The structural impediments are daunting. Political parties rarely provide the necessary accommodations, such as sign language interpreters or wheelchair-accessible campaign vehicles. Furthermore, the financial barrier is insurmountable for many, leading to chronic underrepresentation:

• Lack of access to the massive campaign financing required to compete against able-bodied male incumbents.
• Pervasive societal stigma that questions their capability to lead, reducing them to tokenistic nominations rather than viable elected officials.
• High risks of targeted political violence and intimidation during primaries and general elections.

Constitutional Promises vs Reality

Article 54 of the Kenyan Constitution guarantees persons with disabilities the right to be treated with dignity and to be represented in public and political spheres. Yet, the implementation of the two-thirds gender rule and disability quotas remains a mirage. Nominations to county assemblies and the national parliament are frequently hijacked by political elites, bypassing genuine grassroots advocates.

A Call for Equitable Democracy

Civil society organizations and human rights defenders are amplifying the demand for a level playing field. Electoral bodies must enforce strict compliance with inclusivity quotas. "Our democracy is incomplete as long as the voices of disabled women are silenced by a system designed to exclude them," an activist stated, highlighting the urgent need for a paradigm shift.