In Kenya, politics is a game that has for decades been dominated by men who for long have made decisions that have been exclusive of the women agenda.
However, women in Kenya are progressively rewriting history by continuously claiming their role and position in the Kenyan political scene.
The Kenya Times spoke to one such woman who has withered the storms, mastered the art of navigating Kenyan politics and won two consecutive terms as Member of Parliament.
Njoro Member of Parliament Charity Kathambi is serving her second term after securing re-election in the 2022 general elections.
Hon. Charity Kathambi Chepkwony is the first female member of parliament for Njoro Constituency. She made her debut in politics running for parliament in Njoro in 2013, where she finished second.
She first won the seat in 2017 under the Jubilee party.
But how has she managed to do what many female politicians find draining and almost impossible.
TKT: Why did you become politically active?
Kathambi: I wanted to become a member of parliament to elevate the living standards of the people in Njoro. When I first visited Njoro, there were no women or youth groups, water was a big problem because of destruction of the environment and farmers were not using modern farming techniques. I wanted to fix all these things. I immediately started working with the local community on several development projects, mobilizing women and young people to register self-help groups, organizing skills trainings for farmers and championing girls’ rights – especially in education. To address the environmental degradation and water problem, I started the Beyond One Billion community-based organization. Members of this organization established tree nurseries and sold seedlings, thus earning an income while improving the environment.
TKT: How did you win your first term?
Kathambi: It was not easy, and it took several attempts. Njoro constituency had initially been dominated by men and coming in as a woman was a challenge. It took me years of mobilization, grassroot work, building connections, trying, and failing, being with the people, understanding their problems and being part of the solution and finally being with the right political formation.
Campaigning as a woman is expensive and without money and sufficient resources, the journey can be frustrating
TKT: Tell us about the campaign season that led to your first win in relation to gender violence that is common in Kenyan politics
Kathambi: Like many other women engaged in political campaigns, I can tell you that gender violence is something you encounter and must battle. Just because you are a woman competing against men, you will be branded names and it happened to me, but the most important thing is to remain focused on winning as many votes as you can to your side. It is surprising that in our politics, a man running for a seat will not be asked about his wife but a woman running for the same seat will be questioned on the whereabouts of her husband. There is this narrative of women being told that they cannot be elected in a constituency where they have been married, but I overcame that.
TKT: You talked about sufficient resources, could you quantify the amount of money you spent on each campaign
Kathambi: Resources is not all about money, it goes well beyond to include human resource, mobility resources and many other things that when put together can sum up to tens or hundreds of millions.
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TKT: How has family support contributed to your success in politics?
Kathambi: Family support is critical for any female politician out there. After all is said and done, you will go back home to your husband and children, these are your biggest support systems. My husband has been a strong social,moral,spiritual and financial pillar in my political journey.
TKT: So, after serving your first term, the people of Njoro gave you a second term, how did it happen?
Kathambi: I can tell you this for free, I kept and fulfilled the promises I made to my people when they elected me for the first term and that is how I won their trust.
Many women who have secured reelection do so because of their performance. Compared to men, women leaders are people who are naturally on the ground, either with their families or with the people and this makes them more reachable and approachable, this is another secret of keeping it going as a woman MP.
TKT: So how do you strike a balance between family and politics
Kathambi: Family time is family time; politics time is politics time. With a supportive and understanding family, striking the balance is easy
TKT: Talk to aspiring and young female leaders
Kathambi: let them not give up, let them keep pushing on. Go for what you believe in because you are equal to the task. Don’t portray yourself as a victim but go in as an equal competitor.
TKT: Asante sana Mheshimiwa and thank you for your time.
Kathambi: You are welcome
