As Kenya gears up for a heated political season ahead of the 2027 General Election, parties are sharpening strategies to court a group they cannot afford to neglect: women.
From grassroots mobilisation in rural areas to bold economic pledges in cities, women remain at the core of every major party’s campaign plan.
The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), opposition Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), and the rejuvenated Safina Party have each unveiled programs directed at women, underscoring their vital role in determining electoral outcomes.
A section of UDA party's grassroots women when they were hosted by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who is also the UDA Deputy Party Leader in Embu on September 24, 2025.
Photo credit: DPPS
Women make up slightly over half of Kenya’s population and accounted for about 50.9 percent of registered voters in 2022. Analysts say their numerical majority means no party can win without appealing to women.
“Women have sharp grassroots mobilization power. Historically, women have been the backbone of political campaigns at the grassroots, organising rallies, door-to-door campaigns, and mobilising communities. Their reach at the village and household level makes them indispensable,” argues Dismas Mokua, a political analyst.
“Once women align with a cause or candidate, they are often seen as more loyal voters compared to men. Parties recognize that sustained support from women can deliver consistent turnout.”
A section of UDA party's grassroots women when they were hosted by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who is also the UDA Deputy Party Leader in Embu on September 24,2025.
Photo credit: DPPS
Gender equality advocates say that women not only vote but also influence families and young people in making electoral choices.
As mothers and caregivers, their opinions ripple into how entire households and communities cast their votes, they argue.
As Kenya heads into a high-stakes political season, political parties are already sharpening their strategies to woo the women constituency.
Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki set the stage when he hosted about 4,500 grassroots women in Embu last week.
“Women are the engine of society,” Prof Kindiki said.
“They run households and still hustle in business, farming, and other ventures. They keep their word and can be relied on once they choose a path.”
Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, UDA National Chairperson, reinforced the point, branding women as both the party’s loyal support base and its biggest electoral strength.
A section of UDA party's grassroots women when they were hosted by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who is also the UDA Deputy Party Leader in Embu on September 24,2025. The meeting was addressed by the DP and UDA National Chairperson Cecily Mbarire among others.
Photo credit: DPPS
“You can count on the backing of women. Once they believe in a cause, they stick with it. They are UDA’s most loyal supporters, and our strength here rests on them,” she said.
UDA’s approach is to rally women around government projects — from rural electrification and market upgrades to youth jobs. The party hopes such visible development will turn into political loyalty.
While UDA banks on loyalty, Safina Party under its new leader Jimi Wanjigi is treading a radically different path.
On Thursday, September 25, Safina unveiled Florence Atieno, widely known as Atis Dollar, as its National Women Coordinator. Her defection from
ODM shook the political scene, giving Safina a prominent figure to champion its women’s agenda.
“This is a major shift,” Mr Wanjigi said in Nairobi. “We welcome Florence to Safina. Her work and skills are well known, and together we will build a nation that genuinely caters for women.”
Mr Wanjigi spoke of women’s struggles, promising sweeping change.
“Mothers of Nairobi, I greet you with respect. You hold this city together — in formal work, in markets, in every community. Mothers are the true voice of our nation. Real change is urgent, and Safina offers it.”
A section of women leaders allied to Jimi Wanjigi's Safina Party when he hosted them to unveil the party's National Women Coordinator Florence Atieno in Nairobi on September 25,2025.
Photo credit: Pool
He laid out Safina’s bold F.I.S.T. Agenda: Debt Rebellion, Universal Healthcare, Free Education through abolishing fees, Tax Relief by slashing VAT from 16 to 5 percent, and a Domestic Borrowing Ban.
Atieno, famed for grassroots activism, described her move as a stand for women and families.
“Women are the strength of families and communities,” she said. “But we face rising food prices, joblessness, and daily survival struggles caused by mismanagement. I joined Safina because it understands women’s pain and youth ambitions. As your National Women Coordinator, I ask you to walk with me—not just for me, but for your children and Kenya’s future.”
Safina Party leader Jimi Wanjigi dances with some women leaders during the unveiling of the party's National Women Coordinator Florence Atieno in Nairobi on September 25,2025.
Photo credit: Pool
He promised women dignity and economic justice. “Florence signals the dawn of radical change. Kenya has endured enough, and Safina is here to lead the shift,” he said.
Meanwhile, Raila Odinga’s ODM is revamping its women agenda. The party has launched its Young Captains wing within the ODM Women League — targeting young women in universities and colleges.
ODM party's Young Captains during a meeting with party leadership under the auspices of the ODM Women League at Chungwa House, Nairobi on July 19,2025.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita /Nation Media Group
At the recent Nairobi launch were Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Women League President Senator Beth Syengo, and Youth League boss Mark Ketora.
“You will be part of ODM’s decision-making structure,” Ms Syengo told the young women. “From today, you are the party’s advertising agents. I started this wing to help Raila reach every part of Kenya.”
Mr Sifuna, who is also Nairobi Senator, highlighted the political weight of women and youth votes, noting their energy had already boosted his own campaigns.
“They are eager to register as voters so their voice can be heard, loud and clear,” he said.
ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna with the party's women league president Beth Syengo (2nd R) during a meeting of the Young Captains (Young Women) of the party under the auspices of the ODM Women League at Chungwa House, Nairobi on July 19,2025.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita /Nation Media Group
ODM’s strategy fuses the women’s vote with the Gen Z wave that rattled Kenya during the 2023–2024 protests. By elevating young women, the party seeks to stretch its reach beyond traditional bases.
Women constitute slightly over half of Kenya’s population, per the 2019 Census, and nearly 50.9 percent of registered voters in 2022, IEBC data shows.
For years, women were mainly tapped as mobilizers, often sidelined from senior party ranks. Yet rising social awareness and economic hardship are shifting the trend.
Analysts say women voters are now issue-driven, focused on food, jobs, healthcare, and schooling. Ignoring these risks losing a decisive bloc, they caution.
Political analyst Prof Gitile Naituli notes: “For long, women were used as mobilizers, dancers, or crowd fillers. But now they want solid pledges — on food, education, healthcare, and safety. That is why every party is making a strong bid to win them.”
“The 2027 race will be shaped not just by ethnicity or regions but also by gender and generation. Women, once treated as political foot soldiers, now stand at the heart of Kenya’s electoral battlefield,” says advocate Chris Omore.
