Vol. 1 No. 1 (2023)
Intersectional Exclusion: Barriers and Enabling Strategies for Women with Disabilities in Kenya's Devolved Governance (2021-2026)
Abstract
This perspective piece critically examines the intersectional exclusion of women with disabilities from Kenya’s devolved governance structures between 2021 and 2026. It argues that despite constitutional guarantees and the progressive 2021 National Policy on Gender and Development, substantive political participation for this group remains elusive. Employing an intersectional feminist lens, the analysis deconstructs the compounded social, attitudinal, institutional, and physical barriers that produce unique marginalisation. Drawing on primary evidence—including recent reports from Kenyan disability rights organisations, parliamentary records, and documented advocacy campaigns—the piece delineates persistent challenges. These encompass inaccessible campaign venues and information, pervasive stigma, financial constraints, and the inadequate implementation of nomination quotas by political parties. In response, the article identifies enabling strategies emerging from civil society, such as coalition-building between women’s and disability movements and the strategic use of the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) programme for political financing. The central thesis posits that Kenya’s democratic integrity is fundamentally compromised without their full inclusion. Consequently, realising Article 54(2) of the Constitution demands a deliberate and resourced intersectional approach from county assemblies, the National Gender and Equality Commission, and political parties. This must move beyond tokenistic representation towards transformative inclusion within African governance frameworks.
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