Hundreds of posters and banners in praise of aspirants is the order of the day in most streets and buildings as newcomers and old guards jam the Kenyan political scene ahead of the general elections. 

Notably present are posters of women aspirants either planning to vie for the civic or parliamentary seats in their respective places of interest.

On Kisumu’s Oginga Odinga Street, a group of young men are gathered around the famous “political corner.” They are obviously discussing politics. 

Residents of Kisumu call this spot their “grassroots parliament”. Today the political posters are the focus of conversation. 

“Maze siku hizi posters za wamama zimejaa hapa tao, mimi sioni kama watafaulu, hii game ni ya machali,” says one of them amidst applause.

(“I have of late seen our streets jammed with posters of women aspirants, I doubt whether they can be elected, this game is meant for men.”)

There are only three female aspirants in Nyanza province and such comments about women as total strangers in the political scene is pervasive.

Politics in the province has for long been a preserve of men. Only three female parliamentarians from Nyanza have served in the legislature since Kenya’s independence. Since 1997, when Mrs. Phoebe Asiyo relinquished her Karachuonyo parliamentary seat, no woman in the province has won a seat.

Rose Achieng, a business owner in Awasi, Nyando district says women are not winning parliamentary seats because they do not have the support of other women.

Rose Achieng urges women not to throw in the towel, but to battle it out with their male counterparts.

“We should not rely on favors like being nominated but instead fight with men for elective positions,” says Achieng.

She advises women vying for elective positions to sell their own policies and convince the electorate of the benefits of female leadership.

In some constituencies, women aspirants are causing sleepless nights to the outgoing Members of Parliament and councilors. It seems that the political landscape is destined to change.

Mrs. Judith Ogutu, the first ever woman parliamentary aspirant in Mbita constituency is promising to clinch the seat.

Ogutu says her goal is not to make history. She says she has the matters of the constituency at heart in her bid to win more votes than her five male competitors.

She stresses that women and girls have been neglected in the HIV/AIDS-prone constituency in Suba district.

She says educational standards for girls are dwindling and the number of school dropouts is increasing.

Asked whether her constituent party is treating her fairly, Judith says the party is fair to women aspirants but the challenge comes from her male opponents who are determined to deny her a nomination.

In Kisumu Town West, Mrs. Rozah Akinyi Buyu is also challenging male politicians. Her political nickname is Dwasi (cow) and Buyu says she enjoys being one amongst many men battling for the seat.   She has totally changed the scenario in the area.

As one walks at night along streets in Kisumu, the town is lit with billboard lights bearing Buyu’s portraits. She says, despite some people’s perception that women cannot lead; she is eagerly awaiting the party nominations.

Mrs. Grace Onyango was the first woman MP in Kisumu. In the forthcoming elections she says women are destined to win seats and prove wrong those she terms as “male chauvinists”.

Grace Onyango who also served as a Kisumu town mayor says women have for so long been spectators in the political game. She challenges the anti-women to give them a chance and they will experience what women leadership has in store for them.

Onyango is the Chairperson of Lake Victoria Trust Fund and she is entitled with managing the prestigious Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground facility.

 “I am growing old now, but as you can see, am still trusted with leadership because of my good leadership traits,” she says.

 Although there have been few female members of parliament in Nyanza, various women politicians have won civic position as councilors.

 This political experience and women’s growing interests in parliamentary positions may, with time, change the perception by many that political activities are a preserve of men.