Capacity Building and Women Leadership in Kenya Political Elective Positions

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the role of capacity building on women leadership in Kenya political elective positions. Methodology: A mixed method research design was adopted with a positivism philosophy approach. A simple random sampling method was applied to select a representative sample of the study. The target population comprised of 172 women elected in National Assembly and Senate. Primary data was collected through open ended questionnaires and secondary data was collected through published records. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 was used to facilitate data analysis process. The collected data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics to draw conclusions. Results: The inferential statistics results revealed a positive and significant relationship between capacity building and inclusion of women in the elective positions in Kenya at p<0.05. Capacity building and women leadership in Kenya political elective positions had a Pearson's correlation of r=0.323 (p=0.001) which was weak but positive. The correlation results implied that capacity building is had a weak, strong and positive association with women leadership in Kenya political elective positions. According to these findings increase in capacity building increased women leadership in Kenya political elective positions. The R2 for the model was 0.105 indicating that 10.5% variations in women leadership in elective in Kenya could be explained for by capacity building other factors held constant. This was a sign that the model was appropriate for establishing the link between relationship between capacity building and inclusion of women in the elective positions in Kenya and, as a result, for drawing the conclusions and suggestions from the study. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: While the existing Trait Theory of Leadership used in this study was validated, the study recommends that that political parties should organize for training on women who are willing to vie for political offices. These trainings should aim to equip women leaders with knowledge and skills which will increase their chances of being elected in elective in positions. According to the study, policymakers and political parties should take the lead in providing mentorship programs for women seeking elective positions to have same experience just like their men counterpart.