For the last decade or so, the government has created an enabling environment for more women to participate in elective politics, along with constitutional reforms fostering inclusive representation of the people in national and county governments.

As devolution advances, more women have emerged and have been actively involved in the country’s elective politics, a move that has been seen as trying to attain the constitutionally advocated 2/3 gender rule of women in leadership.

Through the ushering in of a new constitutional dispensation in 2010. Women in Kenya have distinguished themselves in the nation’s development, with the 2027 General Election projected to register the highest number of female political figures in elective politics.

Martha Karua’s presidential bid

The People’s Liberation Party Leader, Martha Karua, is one of the eminent figures in Kenyan politics who is eyeing the country’s top seat. Karua, who is aligned with the United Opposition side, is seeking to be a presidential candidate in a bid to unseat President Ruto in the 2027 general elections.

Should the United Opposition settle on her to be their flag bearer for the presidential position, Karua will be the only woman seeking the most powerful seat in the country.

In the August 2022 general elections, Karua was the running mate of the Azimio Coalition candidate, the late Raila Odinga, running against the current president, William Ruto.

Omanga making a comeback

Millicent Omanga is also another notable woman politician who has recently announced she will contest for the position of women’s representative in the capital city, Nairobi. The former nominated senator did not, however, disclose which party she will be using to vie for the position.  

Taking it to her X handle on Friday, February 6, 2026, Omanga noted that she has received concerns from the members of the public questioning what position she’s going to vie for in the upcoming general elections.

“Wengi wananiuliza Rada …2027, nitakuwepo Nairobi Women Rep. Na nitakua saana – with my people. Nimewaskia, tuko pamoja!”Omanga wrote.

Loosely translated as, “Many are asking about my plan for 2027. I will be there in the Nairobi woman representative position. I will be there with my people. I have heard you, and we are together.”

Female governor aspirants

Other notable figures who have indicated interest in top elective seats include former Laikipia women representative Catherine Waruguru, who is seeking to become the next Laikipia Governor. Waruguru has navigated from the position of a nominated MCA in Laikipia between 2013 and 2017 to serving as the county’s woman representative between 2017 and 2022. In 2022, she unsuccessfully contested for the position of Member of Parliament for the Laikipia East constituency. Waruguru will be seeking to be the third governor for Laikipia County and is allied to the Rigathi Gachagua-led DCP Party.

Former Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Sicily Kanini Kariūki has shown interest in the gubernatorial position in Nyandarua County, seeking to unseat the first-time governor Kiarie Badilisha, who was elected on a UDA ticket. Sicily is allied to the Democratic for the citizens party, DCP and will be seeking to be the flagbearer of the party in seeking the county’s boss position.

Former Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage, Aisha Jumwa Katana, is eyeing the Kilifi County Executive position of Governor. Aisha is allied with the government-led side and will be expected to vie on the UDA ticket.

Aisha is a seasoned politician who has a history of serving in various capacities, including as Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Public Service, Gender and Affirmative Action, Member of Parliament for Malindi Constituency in Kilifi County; Commissioner of the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC), Women Representative for Kilifi County from 2013 to 2017. From 1997 to 2007 she served as a Councillor for Takaungu Ward, Kilifi County.

Women governors seeking reelection

The above notable figures will be seeking to join other women in current top leadership positions. These include five women governors who will be seeking reelection in the 2027 general elections. These are: Cecily Mbarire, Embu; Susan Kihika, Nakuru; Gladys Wanga, Homabay; Fatuma Achani, Kwale; Wavinya Ndeti, Machakos.

In 2022, seven women were elected to the position of governor, and the number is expected to rise in 2027, with the number of women applicants expected to make an entry in the male-dominated field.

Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru is serving his second and last term, and she will be expected to announce her next political move.

Meru County also elected a female governor, Kawira Mwangaza, who was ousted by the county assembly through an impeachment motion that sailed through the Senate.