AFFIRMATIVE ACTION IN KENYA: SETTING STANDARDS OR MISSING THE MARK? PERSPECTIVES ON GENDER EQUALTY IN KENYA.

This article examines the concept of affirmative action, drawing on the specific experiences and practice in Kenya. The paper begins with an overview of the Kenyan landscape as far as gender equality is concerned, in different contexts including political representation, human rights, employment and economic empowerment. The second part of the paper looks into the push for gender equality and affirmative action in Kenya. Specifically, this section will describe and discuss the historical and reformative moves that have steered Kenya to its current position as far as affirmative action and gender equality are concerned. The study will then examine the challenges that have hindered full realization of affirmative action measures as well as the downsides that have presented themselves within the context of affirmative action and gender equality. The article concludes by drawing lessons on best practices, and making proposals that would be useful towards promoting affirmative action and gender equality in Kenya.