'Use your numbers in 2027': Lawyer urges Kenyan women to shape the next election

Kenyan lawyer Melisa Achieng has challenged women across the country to mobilise politically and use their numbers to elect more female leaders in the 2027 Kenyan general election.

Speaking during an interview with AVDelta News as the world marked International Women's Day, Ms Achieng said women have the power to reshape Kenya’s political leadership if they actively support each other at the ballot.

“I am challenging women across the country to use their numbers during the 2027 elections to elect more women into political leadership,” she said.

Women still face barriers in politics

Ms Achieng noted that although women make up a large portion of Kenya’s electorate, their representation in leadership remains limited.

She said women seeking political office often encounter barriers, including financial constraints, cultural bias, intimidation, and online harassment.

According to her, greater political participation by women is essential to ensure their voices are reflected in national decision-making.

Call for stronger gender equality laws

Beyond politics, Ms Achieng urged the government to strengthen legal frameworks that promote gender equality and protect women in workplaces and communities.

She said laws must move beyond policy statements and include strict enforcement mechanisms.

“To achieve equality, we need laws that are explicit, enforceable and leave no room for interpretation,” Ms Achieng said.

She recommended measures such as mandatory pay transparency, workplace audit,  and penalties for employers whocan nott justify pay disparities for equal work.

Push for safer workplaces

The advocate also called for stronger workplace policies to prevent harassment and discrimination.

She urged institutions to establish confidential reporting systems, clear codes of conduct, and swift disciplinary procedures for offenders.

Such safeguards, she said, would help create safer professional environments and enable more women to thrive in their careers.

Equal property and inheritance rights

Ms Achieng also highlighted the need for gender-neutral inheritance and property laws.

“Women must have equal rights to inherit, own and control property without cultural or administrative barriers,” she said.

Read: A child can inherit from foster father – Lawyer Melisa Achieng

She added that economic empowerment is a key step toward improving women’s participation in leadership and development.

Concern over online harassment

Ms Achieng also raised concerns about the rise of cyberstalking and online abuse targeting women.

She called for legal reforms that treat digital spaces as extensions of real-life environments.

“Online harassment and digital exploitation should be clearly criminalised within the law,” she said.

Action needed against gender-based violence

The lawyer further urged the government to invest more resources in addressing Gender-Based Violence.

She called for stronger policing, survivor support systems and faster prosecution of offenders.

Message to women and girls

Delivering a message to women and girls across the country, Ms Achieng encouraged them to understand their rights and pursue their ambitions confidently.

“My message to women and girls is simple: know your worth, know your rights and never allow anyone to shrink your voice or your ambitions,” she said.

She also urged women experiencing domestic violence to seek support from trusted individuals, authorities or legal institutions.

From promises to action

Ms Achieng said Kenya must fully implement reforms contained in the Constitution of Kenya 2010, which guarantees equality and greater representation for women.

She urged the government to move from promises to action by funding gender programs, enforcing equality laws and ensuring women are included in leadership and decision-making.

This year’s International Women's Day was marked globally under the theme “Give to Gain.”

It emphasizes the idea that supporting women--through resources, opportunities, education, and advocacy--creates broader benefits for society.