The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) on Friday asked
Nyamira’s older persons, religious leaders and community elders to challenge stereo-types that keep women and young people out of leadership.
The dialogue was led by Commissioner Caroline Lentupuru and closed the Com-mission’s engagements in the county, following earlier sessions with women and with young people.
It brought together individuals whose standing within Nyamira’s villages, churches and clans carries influence over community attitudes and decisions.
INFLUENCE AND CREDIBILITY The session examined the influence elders hold within families, clans and places of worship, and how that influence can enable or constrain political participation for women, youth, persons with disabilities and other Special Interest Groups. Discussions addressed the part elders play in shaping perceptions of candidate credibility, how disputes over political ambition are resolved within families, and the extent to which cultural and religious norms determine whether women and young people are encouraged or discouraged from seeking elective office.
In the 2022 General Election no woman was elected to any of the county’s 26 non-reserved elective positions. Participants were told that addressing this ahead of 2027 requires more than institutional reform, and requires a shift in the attitudes that take shape long before any ballot is printed.
PEACEBUILDING ROLE
Elders were asked to use their standing to challenge harmful stereotypes concerning women and young people in leadership, to promote peaceful political engagement within their communities, and to support the participation of persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups.
The dialogue considered the traditional role of elders in conflict resolution and peacebuilding, and how established community structures could be applied to prevent political violence and intimidation ahead of the election.
The Commission said the influence elders exercise within their households and communities will shape how inclusive the 2027 electoral process becomes, and that this cannot be achieved through policy alone.
The session closed with the adoption of the older members’ instrument of the declaration by Special Interest Groups on inclusive electoral preparations and participation ahead of the 2027 General Election, in which elders undertake to influence higher numbers of youth, women, persons with disabilities and marginalised people to contest the seats available in 2027.
The Commission will convene a review of the commitments made in Meru, Kisii and Nyamira before 6 November 2026.
