Kenya’s 2022 general elections resulted in only three women winning elected Senate seats, a number that remains unchanged as the country approaches the 2027 polls. These female senators continue to influence national legislation from the Senate floor.

Female Senators Elected by Counties

Out of 47 county Senate seats, just three women secured direct election victories in 2022:

  • Fatuma Dullo (Isiolo, Jubilee Party) – notable as one of the first female senators elected from Kenya’s northeastern region.
  • Tabitha Karanja (Nakuru, United Democratic Alliance) – succeeded Susan Kihika, who became Nakuru’s governor.
  • Agnes Kavindu Muthama (Machakos, Wiper Democratic Movement) – took over following the late Senator Boniface Kabaka, becoming the fourth elected female senator in Kenya’s history.

Nominated Female Senators

To promote gender balance, Kenya’s Constitution mandates political parties to nominate 16 women to the Senate based on party performance. These nominated senators complement the elected members and may change during the term due to resignations or legal rulings.

As of 2026, the nominated female senators represent parties including UDA, ODM, Jubilee, Wiper, and UDM. Notable nominated senators include:

  • Karen Nyamu (UDA)
  • Veronica Maina (UDA)
  • Peris Tobiko (UDA)
  • Joyce Korir (UDA)
  • Maureen Tabitha Mutinda (UDA)
  • Esther Anyieni Okenyuri (UDA)
  • Catherine Mumma (ODM)
  • Beatrice Akinyi Oyomo (ODM)
  • Margaret Kamar (Jubilee)
  • Shakila Abdalla Mohamed (Wiper)

Additionally, two women represent special interest groups: Crystal Asige (ODM) for persons with disabilities and Hezena Lemaletian (ODM) for youth.

Gender Representation in the Senate

Currently, women make up 21 of the 67 Senate members, accounting for approximately 31 percent of the chamber. While this is a significant presence, it falls short of the constitutional two-thirds gender rule. Female representation through direct elections remains low at just 3 of 47 county seats, with nominations playing a critical role in bridging the gender gap.

As Kenya prepares for the 2027 general elections, attention will focus on increasing the number of women winning elected Senate seats to strengthen gender equity in national governance.