Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Political Commitment for Gender Mainstreaming in Bungoma County

Abstract

One would have expected that with the new constitution ushering in the Devolution governments, it would have given avenues for an effective implementation of inclusive and comprehensive approaches and policies to narrow the gap of gender inequality. Despite there being several ministries in the county government and an office of women representative in the national assembly, women are still underrepresented and some of the primary issues affecting them yet to be addressed. This has denied a number of women equal opportunities and treatment in both private and public service. Even with the Constitution of Kenya (CoK) calling for the implementation of the two-thirds gender rule, political parties have not done anything leaving the assemblies and executive both in national and county government not constitutionally established. Bungoma County is not spared in the institutional ill in ensuring the implementing of gender mainstreaming across the Ministries. It is commendable that some policies have been suggested before but the influence of policy framework on the implementation of gender mainstreaming has not yet been evident. There is inadequate understanding of institutional factors that cause county government an area of interest in line with gender mainstreaming. This study sought to address that through analyzing the influence of political goodwill on gender mainstreaming in selected Bungoma County government ministries, Kenya. The study recommends the political leadership of the Bungoma County government immediately reevaluate and fortify its commitment to gender mainstreaming in light of these findings. The perception of support for gender equality is encouraging, and some political figures are perceived as proponents of gender mainstreaming; however, these positive developments should not overshadow the urgent need for increased inclusivity in decision-making procedures and the implementation of gender mainstreaming policies. Political leaders must make a stronger and more visible commitment if they are to close the gap between policy and practice.