745 women assaulted in campaigns, report says

FIDA Kenya Chair Nancy Ireri speaks during the launch of the organisation's Elections Observations Centre. [Samson Wire, Standard]

"Gender Audit 2017 showed that one of the major reasons that hindered women's political participation was ESGBV and we felt the need to monitor the trend of the cases and how we can address them to enhance women participation in all aspects," said Naliaka.

The women's organisation also unveiled a physical and online Elections Observations Centre to provide psycho-social support and legal support to victims of gender-based violence during next week's elections.

"We have 60 healthcare providers who will form part of the essential services in emergencies, documentation and preservation of evidence. They will ensure that evidence presented in court will not be limited by insufficiency," said the Fida chairperson.

Ikinu said the 'Vote a Dada 'campaign launched in 2021 has seen at least 350 female candidates, including the youth and women living with disabilities, being trained on aspects of electoral cycle.

"With four days to elections and having experienced two electoral cycles into the Constitution of Kenya 2010, the two-third gender rule remains a mirage," said Ikinu.

This year's elections have 1,652 female candidates, including three deputy presidential candidates, 23 governors, 340 MPs, 42 senatorial candidates, 57 deputy governors, and 1,187 Members of County Assembly (MCA).

Additionally, Ikinu noted women candidates who will require legal assistance will have access to about 50 pro-bono lawyers who will handle disputes emerging from the electoral process.

She said the recently instituted committee by the Chief Justice on sexual and gender-based violence, comprising more than 20 stakeholders, will help address the violence perpetrated against women.