Jacqueline Koni speaking during Women's Day event on Saturday, March 8, 2025. /HANDOUTWomen have been challenged to break barriers and claim their rightful place in political and business leadership.
Speaking on Saturday at a women’s conference in Nairobi during the International Women’s Day celebrations, Jacqueline Koni, CEO of Peacock Trends Empowerlink, emphasised the persistent underrepresentation of women in key decision-making spaces.
“Our challenges are both systemic and cultural. Many of the behaviours we inherit shape how we navigate leadership and business. But unless we speak up and take action, our efforts may go unrecognised. It’s time to step out of our comfort zones, analyse our culture, and embrace what truly empowers us,” she said.
Koni encouraged women to actively compete for leadership positions, emphasising the power of networking in career advancement.
“Networking is key. It helps your business thrive, opens doors for promotions, and strengthens authentic relationships within organizations,” she added.
She also highlighted the unique strengths women bring to leadership, such as emotional intelligence, empathy, and collaboration.
“As women, we possess a natural strength that we must tap into. Our ability to connect, collaborate, and lead with emotional intelligence gives us an edge. Let’s use these qualities to drive change,” she urged.
Koni’s call to action comes as Kenya continues to grapple with gender imbalance in leadership.
However, the 2022 general election marked a notable shift in women’s political participation.
For the first time, women accounted for 11 per cent of all candidates gazetted by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC)—a significant rise from previous elections.
The number of women vying for elective positions also increased, leading to a higher success rate. Notably, the number of female gubernatorial candidates grew from nine in 2017 to 22 in 2022.
Out of these, seven women were elected as County Governors, representing a 32 per cent success rate.
Despite these gains, women’s representation in leadership remains far from equal. Advocates like Koni continue to push for policies and cultural shifts that create a more inclusive political and business landscape.
“The journey to gender equality is ongoing. But with determination, collaboration, and the right support systems, women can rise to the top,” she concluded.
