More youthful men vied for various political seats compared to their female counterparts, despite the existence of more affirmative seats for women.

A report by Siasa Place shows that in the August elections there were about 922 young people who vied, which was an increase from 2017.

Siasa Place chief executive Nerima Wako yesterday noted that

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a major hindrance to special interest groups within political parties, despite laws and policies that outlaw the vice.

 “Data shows that many Members of County Assembly are young people, almost 4,000 vied for MCA positions out of which, 317 were elected… 303 are male and 14 are female,” said Wako.

She made the remarks yesterday when Siasa Place, a Non-Governmental Organisation engaging youth in governance, launched a research dubbed Seal of Approval, covering GBV as a hindrance to special interest groups within political parties, with the full report to be released next month. 

Organisation also states that violence and harassment against women are “normalised” and standardised and there are insufficient political party mechanisms designed to root out violence and protect all its members.

“This research is important because we are investigating participation of young people, special interest groups and when we say young people it is between the ages of 18  -35. Young women engagement is declining as much as we have seen more affirmative action seats,” she said.