Influence of Socio-economic Factors on Women's Participation in Politics in Kilifi North Sub-county, Kenya

Women participation in politics is not only a human right but is also fundamental aspect in the achievement of comprehensive, unbiased, and sustainable development. Women need to participate actively in politics for inclusive democratic governance at national as well as at county levels. There is a genuine need for women inclusion and gender equality in governance, as well as other sectors due to the gender gaps that still exist in most realms of life across the globe. It is in this light that the paper examines socio-economic determinants of women participation in politics in Kilifi North Sub-County, Kenya. The study aimed at assessing the level of women participation in politics and finding out the socio-economic factors influencing women participation in politics. A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted to study a sample of 116 households. Data collection was done using interview schedules, after which the data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software. The study found that marital status influenced women participation in politics (p=0.005; Crammer’s V= 0.259). Similarly, education level of women influenced their participation in politics (p=0.019; Crammer’s V=0.218). The study concludes that there was low women participation in politics. Accordingly, the study recommends the need to provide advocacy and education to the community on how to enhance participation of women in politics. There is need to increase women participation in vying for legislative seats through leadership advisory services. Within political parties, the study recommends the need to increase women participation in campaigns by creating positions that can only be filled by women.