| dc.description.abstract | Although women across Kenya have made significant gains in education, employment, and
participation in public life over the past several decades, their representation in political leadership
remains disproportionately low, particularly in regions where traditional social structures continue
to shape political participation. Garissa Township Sub-County presents a unique context because
of its deeply conservative, clan-based, and patriarchal social system, where cultural traditions,
religious interpretations, and gender norms continue to influence leadership opportunities. Despite
constitutional provisions promoting gender equality and inclusive political representation, women
in the area continue to face substantial barriers to accessing elective political positions. This study
sought to examine the socio-cultural factors influencing women’s access to political leadership in
Garissa Township Sub-County, Kenya. Specifically, the study examined the influence of
educational pathways on women’s access to political leadership, assessed the role of gender-based
perceptions in shaping women’s participation in leadership, evaluated the influence of religious
beliefs and practices on women’s access to leadership positions, and analyzed the effect of cultural
views regarding women’s leadership competence on their access to political leadership.
The study was grounded in Resource Mobilization Theory, Social Role Theory, and Cultural
Hegemony Theory, which collectively provided a framework for understanding how access to
resources, socially constructed gender expectations, and dominant cultural beliefs influence
women’s political participation. A descriptive research design was adopted to capture the
prevailing perceptions and experiences of registered voters within Garissa Township Sub-County.
The target population comprised 53,253 registered voters. Using Krejcie and Morgan’s formula, a
sample size of 382 respondents was determined, with the final sample increased to 389 participants
to account for possible attrition and incomplete responses. Multistage sampling techniques were
employed to ensure adequate demographic representation across the study area. Data were
collected using structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews, allowing both quantitative and
qualitative evidence to be gathered. Quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Package for
the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28, employing descriptive and inferential statistical techniques,
while qualitative responses were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns
and enrich the interpretation of the statistical findings.
The findings revealed that formal education (M = 2.190, SD = 0.893) exerted the strongest
influence on support for women’s political leadership, indicating that respondents generally valued
academic qualifications more highly than community-based leadership experience. Gender-based
perceptions remained a significant obstacle, with 61.3% of male respondents expressing
discomfort with female political candidates, reflecting persistent gender stereotypes regarding
leadership suitability. Religious beliefs and practices were perceived by 55.6% of respondents as
limiting women’s political participation (M = 2.017, SD = 0.801), although the diversity of
responses suggested opportunities for more progressive religious interpretations that support
women’s leadership. Cultural norms also influenced perceptions of women’s leadership
competence (M = 2.003, SD = 0.829); however, opinions were divided, with 49.2% of respondents
agreeing that culture restricted women’s leadership opportunities, while others emphasized the
influence of political party loyalty, clan affiliation, and ethnicity. Regression analysis further
confirmed that education and gender-based attitudes were the strongest predictors of support for
women’s political leadership, with the model explaining 26.4% of the variance (Nagelkerke R² =
0.264, χ²(5) = 51.73, p < .001). The study concludes that women’s limited access to political leadership in Garissa Township SubCounty is primarily driven by educational disparities and entrenched gender-based perceptions,
which are further reinforced by prevailing cultural norms and religious beliefs. These
interconnected factors continue to constrain women’s political participation despite existing
constitutional and policy frameworks promoting gender equality. The study recommends
expanding locally tailored leadership training and civic education programmes for women,
strengthening the implementation of gender-inclusive political party policies, engaging
progressive religious leaders in public awareness initiatives, and implementing sustained
community-based campaigns aimed at transforming cultural attitudes toward women’s leadership.
The findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on women’s political participation in
marginalized and conservative contexts and provide evidence-based recommendations for
policymakers, political parties, civil society organizations, and community leaders seeking to
promote more equitable and inclusive political representation in Garissa Township Sub-County
and similar settings across Kenya. | en_US |
