Implications of Affirmative Action Policies on Women Legislators’ Performance between 2017-2022 in Wajir County, Kenya

Affirmative action is an approach aimed at increasing representation of a historically marginalized group such as women and has been used in Kenya to increase their bargaining power on issues close to them and eventually empower them to air their voices. This study sought to assess the implications of affirmative action policies on women legislators’ performance in the legislature in Wajir County, Kenya. This study was guided by Liberal Feminist theory. The study utilized a mixed-method approach where quantitative and qualitative methods were used to collect data with a sample size of 49 MCAs, 11 FGDs, and 15 KIIs targeting County assembly staff, community members, civil society organizations, as well as gender policy experts respectively. The study found that most respondents believe that the legislative priorities of women differ significantly from those of men as women MCAs are always on the frontline in championing policies and legislation targeting women and children. These differences in the priorities of women and men have an impact on their performance in the legislature. In addition, women MCAs have influenced debates in the County assembly formulating and championing policies targeting safeguarding the interests of children and vulnerable members of the community. Women legislators’ participation in the County assembly influenced reports of county assembly committees despite the stigma and barriers they faced in performing their duties. Similarly, most men MCAs believe that the increase in the number of women MCAs in the county assembly as a result of affirmative policies has influenced legislation in the County Assembly. It recommends that there is a need to systematically and consistently consider women for House leadership and Committee leadership positions instead of being relegated to serve as deputies. The study also recommended more capacity building for women legislators on leadership skills, parliamentary procedures, and legislative matters to enhance their performance in the House.