“Grammar of Patriarchy”: Women and Elections in Kenya

Abstract

Th e Kenyan general elections of 2017 registered a marked improvement from the 2013 elections in the number of women elected to serve in diff erent capacities. Th e elections saw the fi rst ever women governors and senators emerge victorious from positions that were previously held by men only in 2013. Th is paper attempts to understand the grammar of patriarchy that stands in the way of women participation and engagement with elections. Drawing examples from recent events, the research argues that cultural traditions and the attendant stereotypes as well as the media perpetuate the patriarchal discourse that will have an overall eff ect on participation of women in politics.