Gender and Substantive Representation: Legislative Effectiveness of Kenya’s Nominated County Assembly Members

(Purpose): Gender-quota policies have not only resulted in a greater numerical presence of female legislators but have also produced better legislative outcomes for women in society. By sampling 15 of the 47 counties in Kenya, the study examined how nominated female members of the county assemblies act on behalf and in the best interests of women in their respective counties. (Design/methodology/approach): Drawing upon the content analysis of the election data provided by the Independent Elections and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), county assembly debates and Hansard Reports; this study determined the impact of gender on legislative attitudes, and investigated how the nominated status of the gender-quota policy beneficiaries has translated into substantive representation of women issues. (Findings): Within the context of Feminist Institutionalism and application of a descriptive cross sectional study design, this study established that while critical mass of female legislators has been achieved, the increased number is still lacking in the increased number of gender-responsive and gender affirmative laws adopted in the assemblies. Additionally elected MCAs, irrespective of gender, are more legislatively competent than nominated MCAs. (Research implications or Originality): The study opines that revamping capacity-building programs; promoting constituency engagement and extending support mechanisms to nominated female MCAs will enhance their performance and legislative effectiveness.