The affirmative action programs have not taken shape in Kenya as it should be- even with the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution that recognized more women rights.
However, Kenyans are slowly embracing the fact that women rights ought to be respected and that explains why there are presently three elected women governors in the country as more are expected to vie for top elective seats in 2022.
What is still far though is a case where Kenya will have a female president. But despite this, women are slowly 'crawling' up and taking up their position in society. In 2022, 2027 and 2032, the country may see women actively take part in the ever hotly contested presidential polls.
So who are the women Kenya is presently looking up to to take up the commander in chief's position?
1. Martha Karua
The iron lady politician was on the ballot during the 2013 presidential poll where she emerged sixth position with a paltry 43,881 votes beating only James Ole Kiyiapi and Paul Muite who emerged seventh and eighth positions respectively.
The former Gichugu MP has had her leadership capabilities tested as she has served in different high profile government positions including the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs where she was Cabinet Minister during the grand coalition government.
She is still the party leader for the National Rainbow Coalition and may plunge again into active politics and make another attempt at the presidency. Karua is a lawyer and is known for her tough political stands. Ahead of the 2013 and 2017 general elections she was among Jubilee's principal critics.
2. Anne Waiguru
There are claims that the former Devolution Cabinet Secretary may be Deputy President William Ruto's running-mate in 2022. Central Kenya where she comes from is known for political scheming and the decision to position her as Ruto's number two in 2022 may be a calculated move aimed at preparing her for a much bigger position. After all in 2032 when Ruto quits State House (assuming he becomes president for two terms), the vote-rich region will require the support of only one other region to elevate Waiguru to the presidency.
3. Rosemary Odinga
The daughter to opposition leader Raila Odinga had envisioned to join politics in 2017 as she prepared to vie for the Kibra MP seat in Nairobi. She only suspended her bid after falling sick and was admitted to hospital in South Africa. One year ago, political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi said that the first president from Luo Nyanza may be a woman and that may actually be Rosemary Odinga. Ngunyi comes from Central Kenya and is a close associate of the Jubilee administration.