Leah Sankaire Champions Inclusive Political Participation for Women and Youth

KEWOPA National Chair Hon. Leah Sankaire has reaffirmed her commitment to advancing inclusive electoral governance, calling for political and electoral systems that create a level playing field for women and young people seeking leadership positions.

Speaking during a forum that brought together women leaders, youth leaders, political aspirants, electoral institutions, civil society organisations and development partners, Hon. Sankaire emphasised the urgent need to strengthen women- and youth-led advocacy and policy engagement ahead of the 2027 General Election.

With the country counting down to the next General Election, Hon. Sankaire said the time for preparing women and young people for leadership is now, noting that they have already demonstrated their readiness to take up greater responsibilities in public service and political leadership.

She stressed that the question is no longer whether women and young people are ready to lead, but whether Kenya’s political and electoral systems are ready to give them a fair opportunity to compete, win and lead.

Hon. Sankaire’s intervention highlights the need to remove structural, financial and institutional barriers that continue to limit the participation of women and youth in elective leadership.

Her advocacy reinforces the importance of meaningful representation, where women and young people are not merely included in political conversations but are empowered to shape policies, contest elections and occupy decision-making spaces.

As KEWOPA National Chair, Hon. Sankaire continues to provide a strong platform for advancing women’s participation in governance and strengthening the voice of women leaders in Kenya’s democratic process.

Her message is clear and timely: women and youth are not leaders of tomorrow—they are leaders of today.

The present is female. The present is youth. Twende Kazi.