Esther Passaris: The challenges with women leadership

Women are often viewed as a burden rather than equal contributors. Even among voters, including women, societal attitudes and structural challenges hinder progress, said Esther Passaris (Photo: Esther Passaris/Facebook)

In an Interview with Spice FM Situation Room’s Ndu Okoh, Hon Esther Passaris talks about women leadership and challenges in Kenya.

Q: You’ve been elusive for years. Why has it been so hard to get you here? 

A: Nairobi keeps me busy. Honestly, I’m like a governor with a limited budget. Seventeen constituencies, 85 wards, there’s always something to address. From disasters to youth movements, parliamentary duties, and family obligations, it’s been hectic. But it’s been a good kind of busy. 

It sounds like you thrive on staying active. 

Absolutely. As long as I have health, purpose, and something to do every day, I feel triply blessed. Life isn’t always easy, but I believe that as long as you keep going, you’ll find meaning and fulfilment. 

Let’s dive in. Women’s leadership in Kenya is a key topic today. Looking at the progress made over the years, are we moving in the right direction? 

There has been progress, but it’s a mixed bag. Right now, we have 29 women elected in single constituencies, 47 Women Representatives as per the Constitution, seven Governors, eight Deputy Governors, three elected Senators, and 115 elected MCAs across the country. However, gains are coupled with losses. An example is like Nairobi’s decline in elected women MCAs from five in the last term to three now. 

What do you think is holding us back? 

Patriarchy remains deeply ingrained. Women are often viewed as a burden rather than equal contributors. Even among voters, including women, societal attitudes and structural challenges hinder progress. Our political landscape favours those with resources, visibility, and strong party-backing factors that disproportionately favour men. 

The representation of women in leadership is also tied to constitutional provisions like the two-thirds gender rule. Why has implementing this been so challenging? 

It boils down to political goodwill. The Constitution mandates it, but it remains unimplemented. President Ruto, for instance, has the power to push Parliament to pass the necessary laws, but this hasn’t been prioritised. If he doesn’t address it during his term, it’ll be a missed opportunity for Kenya. 

Beyond policy, how can society shift perceptions to support women in leadership? 

Education and mentorship are key. We need to challenge narratives that question women’s abilities and encourage more women to support each other. Men also have a role to play by being allies and role models for respect and equity. 

You’ve mentioned that women face unique challenges, from family responsibilities to societal expectations. Should we then hold women leaders to a different standard? 

No. Women are incredibly capable despite these challenges. What we need is less judgment and more appreciation. Support is crucial, not because women are weaker, but because collaboration strengthens everyone. 

Lastly, looking ahead, what do you hope to see for women’s leadership in Kenya? 

I want us to achieve constitutional equity with the two-thirds gender rule. Beyond that, I hope for a society where leadership isn’t about gender but ability, where women are supported in their dual roles and valued for their contributions. Together, we can create an inclusive and thriving Kenya. 

You mentioned earlier that you were taught by both white teachers and African teachers who had been trained by white educators. You’ve described them as excellent. What’s your perspective on the current state of education, particularly regarding English proficiency? 

Absolutely. When I was in school, the teachers, whether white or African, were exceptional. They had high standards and were very thorough in their teaching methods. Today, however, I’m deeply concerned. We’re seeing students graduate from high school, even university, without a solid grasp of English. For example, when our nurses traveled to London seeking job opportunities, many failed the English proficiency tests. This isn’t just about not knowing the language but about a deeper issue in our education system, the competence.

That’s troubling. Why do you think this decline in proficiency has occurred? 

I believe we’ve lowered the bar in education, not just in Kenya but globally. Even the UK is noticing a decline in the quality of students compared to 15 or 20 years ago. The world is changing, but we seem to have lost sight of the fundamentals. Communication is the foundation of everything, and it starts with good English. 

So, what can be done to address this issue? 

First, we need to reassess our education system and set higher standards, particularly in foundational areas like language and communication. I’ve interacted with university graduates and even aspiring teachers whose English proficiency shocked me. If a teacher’s English is poor, how can they instill proper language skills in their students?  We also need to focus on early education and strengthen programs like CBC (Competency-Based Curriculum). Communication skills must be emphasized from a young age. 

That’s a significant challenge, but you seem optimistic. You’ve recently spoken about a model safe house initiative you’re working on. Can you tell us more about it? 

Yes, it’s an amazing project. It is about a model safe house that I’m connecting to various essential services, like call centers, medical centers, and police stations. It’s a holistic approach to ensure that individuals in distress have access to comprehensive support. Recently, I experienced a robbery at one of my farms. When I tried to use the government hotlines, none of them were working. It was frustrating, and I reached out to the Inspector General about it. This incident highlighted a critical area we need to fix. 

It sounds like you’re committed to not just identifying problems but also finding solutions. 

Absolutely. My approach is always to be part of the solution, not just to announce the problem. We can’t afford to lose hope, and we must tackle these issues together. 

You also mentioned family planning and creating opportunities for Kenyans abroad. Could you elaborate? 

Family planning is vital. It’s about making informed decisions to improve our quality of life.  As for opportunities abroad, I’ll be seeing off 16 Kenyans on Monday who are headed to Greece through a partnership facilitated by our Kenyan counselor there. One of them left a blue-chip company in Kenya where they earned only Sh30,000 per month. In Greece, they’ll be earning over $1,500. It’s about creating and embracing opportunities. As I always say, a job in hand is better than two in the bush.