Gender Commission calls for women, youth and PWDs to participate in 2027 elections

**By Elizabeth Angira **

The National Gender and Equality Commission has urged women, youth and persons with disabilities to come out and participate actively in the 2027 General Election by seeking elective positions.

Speaking in Kisii during a three-day engagement with special interest groups, NGEC Chairperson Thomas Koyier said the commission was concerned about inclusivity and participation in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 polls.

Koyier said the commission was engaging women, youth and persons with disabilities to prepare them for the elections and address challenges that could prevent them from participating.

“Today’s activity is also being carried out in Meru and Nyamira. The chairperson of the National Gender and Equality Commission, Hon. Rahama Jaldesa, is in Meru, while I am here with Commissioner Dr Margaret Karungaro to engage the youth, persons with disabilities and women on preparations for the elections,” Koyier said.

He said the commission was also focusing on gender-based violence, which he noted could discourage women and other special interest groups from participating in elections.

National Gender and Equality Commission Chairperson Thomas Koyier (Second left) has urged women, youth and persons with disabilities to come out and participate actively in the 2027 General Election. PHOTO/Elizabeth Angira

“We realise that inclusivity in elections is a major concern for this nation and also for us as a commission. As part of our mandate, we want to engage in dialogue to encourage the youth and women to participate in elections and ensure that there is no gender-based violence during the election period,” Koyier said.

Koyier said the commission would work closely with security agencies, county governments, the county commissioner’s office and the Judiciary to address cases of violence targeting women, youth and persons with disabilities.

“Any woman, youth or person with a disability facing any form of violence can seek support. We will coordinate with the security forces, the county government, the county commissioner’s office and the whole-of-government approach, including the Judiciary, to address these challenges,” he said.

The commission is scheduled to hold dialogue meetings over the next three days, bringing together various special interest groups as part of preparations for the 2027 elections.

Commissioner Dr Margaret Karungaro expressed concern over what she described as the low representation of women in elective leadership in Kisii County.

Karungaro said women in the county had continued to lag behind in political representation despite the constitutional requirement for gender equality and the push for the two-thirds gender principle.

“My concern is that in Kisii, since independence, we have had very few women elected into political leadership. Most of the positions have continued to be held by men. This is worrying, especially when we are fighting for the two-thirds gender rule, which is recognised by the Constitution,” Karungaro said.

She said women should be given an opportunity to take part in decision-making at all levels of government.

Karungaro also warned that fear of violence and intimidation could discourage women from seeking elective positions.

She said the commission was working through existing intergovernmental structures to ensure that women and other special interest groups who experience violence during the electoral period receive the necessary support.

“The participation of women is critical. Those who want to participate in elections should be supported and protected from any form of violence or intimidation,” she said.

The commissioners said they had also discussed issues surrounding gender parity and women’s empowerment in Kisii County.

They said the commission would work with relevant government agencies and other stakeholders to address challenges affecting women, youth and persons with disabilities and ensure they are able to participate fully in the 2027 electoral process.

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