Factors influencing participation of elite women in political leadership in the Maasai community of Narok South Sub County, Narok County, Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to examine the participation and ascendancy of elite women in political leadership as it is of a national concern in Kenya. However, the case of Maasai community; especially within Narok South Sub-County has been focused in this study. The objectives of the study were to explore the influence of historical trends, socio-cultural, economic and demographic factors on women’s political participation. On the strength of these objectives, a conceptual framework was developed illustrating the relationship between independent, dependent and intervening variables. A theoretical framework based on the Radical Feminist perspectives, the theory of Empowerment and the structural theory informed the study. This study adopted descriptive survey research design. The study targeted elite women in Narok south sub county. A sample of 372 respondents was targeted but 294 participated during the actual study. The study used a mixed method in data collection where Questionnaires, focused group discussions guides and in- depth interview schedules were used as the main tools for data collection. Quantitative data was analyzed using statistical package for social science version 21 (SPSS) and presented in the form of percentage, frequency distribution, chi-square and tables. In addition, analysis of variance was used to establish whether the mean differences between the variables were statistically significant or not. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis and presented in form of excerpts, through identification, examination, and interpretation of patterns and themes in textual data. Findings of this study were expected to contribute to the theoretical and empirical knowledge on how to empower elite women to participate in political leadership and inform policy formulators. The study established that historical trends in the Maasai have an effect on the participation of elite women in politics. It was also noted that elite women participation in politics is influenced by the socio- cultural factors, demographic factors and economic factors. The results indicated that the four selected variables were all significant in influencing the participation of women in politics in the Maasai community. The study therefore concluded that the participation of elite women in politics is influenced by historical trends, socio- cultural factors, demographic factors and economic factors. The study recommended that women need to be sensitized about their important role in politics and leadership in the community in order to overcome the historical trends that make them lag behind; the community should lessen the cultural issues that are disadvantageous to women and ensure that women are free to participate in leadership activities: the government should enhance policy recommendations on women economic resource ownership and wealth accumulation among women without having to get permission from the men; Parliament should initiate effective strategies to implement the two thirds rule as provided in the constitution in support of women and provide a level playing ground for both men and women in political participation. Finally, government should implement strategies that lead to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.