Impact of religious and intra-cultural communication dynamics on women’s participation in competitive politics: A study of Wajir County, Kenya

Abstract

Although the Kenyan Constitution 2010 created opportunities for more women to participate in competitive politics, such participation in Wajir County continues to be confined to political positions reserved for women, particularly women representatives’ seats. In fact, since Kenya’s independence in 1963, Wajir County has had only two competitively elected female legislators. Low women participation in politics in Wajir could be an indication that there are communication, cultural and religious dynamics that make it difficult for women from Wajir to participate in politics. The purpose of this study was to understand the role intra-cultural and religious beliefs communicated affected the performance of women politicians in Wajir County, Kenya. This study interrogated the experiences of women participating in elective politics in Wajir with a view of understanding the intracultural communication dynamics that undermined women participation in competitive politics. The study adopted a qualitative research approach in which 27 participants were selected through a purposive sampling approach from among women politicians and political aspirants, campaign team members, religious leaders and members of the councils of elders. Data was generated through in-depth interviews and analysed thematically. The study established a prevalent religious and cultural belief that women cannot represent the people of Wajir country in parliament. Additionally, the study found many cultural proverbs and folklores that are insensitive towards women, and which were used by male politicians to prove that men are better than women in leadership. The study concluded that there is need for a change of cultural and religious beliefs in order to pave way for enhanced women political representation in Wajir. Further, religious and cultural leaders need to spearhead civic education that calls for the elimination of the patriarchal culture in Wajir County to address hindrances to women empowerment because of religion and culture.