Browsing by Author "Shem O Sam"

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    A Review of Two-Thirds Gender Rule in Kenya: Case of Women Representation
    (International Journal of Political Science and Governance, 2025-10-27) Charity W Njimu; Shem O Sam
    Background: Gender disparity has been a developmental global concern and a crippling phenomenon in realization of full potential of Kenya as a country. Women’s condition is characterized by time poverty, petty trade, low education attainment, undesired health outcomes, little to no inclusion in pertinent decision-making processes. In Kenya, the situation is perceived to be improving courtesy of progressive promulgated constitution. This paper seeks to explore progress towards gender inclusivity through the lens of political representation. Objective: To review the progress towards realization of two-thirds gender rule in Kenya and predict its possible realization. Method: The study reviews data contained in statutory state and nonstate documents including international convention reports. Quantitative data is mined from parliamentary Hansard covering 1st -13th August Houses. Descriptive and time series ARIMA model analysis is done to forecast future projections of political representation and achievement of the two-thirds gender rule. Qualitative analysis is equally conducted to capture interests that would not be obtained otherwise. Results are interpreted and discussed. Results: The analysis revealed that the beginning of multiparty democracy in 1992 resulting in 7th parliament; and Agenda Four Reforms preceding 11th parliament, particularly new constitutional dispensation, bolstered female representation. Presently, the 13th Parliament has 267 and 82 males and female representatives, respectively. The gap between both genders is 185, translating to 23.5% for women. However, the two-third gender rule implies that the gap should not be more than 117, a deficit of 35 seats presently. The ARIMA model forecast shows the likelihood of two-thirds gender rule being achieved and surpassed after 2047. Conclusion: With continued progressive reforms and pertinent legislation, proper enforcement of Agenda Four reforms, the analysis predicts that two-thirds gender rule achievement in the foreseeable future.
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    Three major influences that bolstered women’s representation in public offices
    (International Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Studies, 2026-02-10) Njimu Charity; Shem O Sam; Laban P Ayiro
    Background: The advancement of women active participation in governance has been stymied by structural socioeconomic, and cultural barriers. Other than civil society influence on affirmative action, multipartism, the Kenya constitution 2010, and devolved system of governance have strengthened women’s voices or representation in both appointive and elective offices, the extent to which has not been formally determined. Objective: To determine the extent to which multiparty democracy, the Kenya Constitution 2010, and devolved system of government have strengthened women’s representation in appointive and elective offices. Methods: Qualitative data is obtained through document analysis and desktop reviews. The data is analyzed descriptively and exploratively to isolate data patterns distinguishing various political epochs in Kenya from independence to devolution. Ultimately the results are visualized and interpreted accordingly. Results: The major influences of women’s representation are: independence, political pluralism, and constitutional reforms. Conclusion: It is becoming increasingly clear that two-thirds gender rule faces more challenges than structural reforms. Keywords: Women representation, multiparty, democracy, constitution, devolution