Kenyans will be going to the polls on 9 August 2022.

BBC Africa reports on the obstacles and aspirations of women candidates from marginalised communities which are concentrated in the northern and eastern part of the country and have historically been unable to fully participate in the integrated social and economic life of Kenya.

The women in these communities are disproportionately affected by poverty, and leadership norms are usually male driven while women are discouraged to participate in political life; these factors make it difficult for a woman to start and finance a political campaign. 

“What makes me angry as a woman, about women not being allowed to vie for political seats, is the fact that there is gender inequality”, says Maimuna Farouk Athman who is running for a Member of the County Assembly seat in Kilifi County. “They tell you a Muslim woman is not supposed to lead. That’s why you see many women have not turned up to vie, because they are following those customs and traditions which I think are outdated.”

“We are done being lesser people in society”, says Audan Leah Lokaala who is running for office of the Woman Representative in Turkana County. “We shall have many people vying. And out of those many people, there is a probability of getting the best leader.”

This general election comes at a time when the country is grappling with a deteriorating economy and health care system, high rates of unemployment amongst young people, and a general voter apathy. .