A Cause for Celebration: The New Kenyan Constitution Heralds a Bold New Era Affi rming Women’s Rights and Gender Equality

Abstract

After decades of struggle, Kenya enacted a new constitution in mid-2010 following a heavily contested, but successful referendum. The country’s supreme law is billed by many as being very progressive in affirming human rights, equality and dignity. A key plank of the new constitution is its affirmation of women’s rights and the recognition of gender equality principles. Against a back drop of extreme forms of marginalization, exclusion, discrimination and oppression of women in Kenya, the new constitution heralds a significant milestone for advancing the position, conditions and status of Kenyan women. However, the journey to move from promise to reality is a daunting one which requires very deliberate, decisive and transformative actions from all actors –the state, non-state actors and citizens. There is an imperative to act, as inaction

is not an option.