SHE MEANS BUSINESS| The realities of political campaigns - Linda Mwananchi members speak

Running for political office in Kenya is demanding. For women, the challenge often goes beyond convincing voters. It also means navigating visibility, raising campaign funds, overcoming gender stereotypes and proving they belong in spaces that have historically been dominated by men.

That is the conversation at the heart of the latest She Means Business episode, which launches a new series spotlighting women seeking elective office ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The episode features Budalang'i MP aspirant Mediatrice Wangira, Makadara MP aspirant Faith Lukosi and first-time Vihiga Woman Representative aspirant Dr. Amakove Wala, who candidly discuss the realities of campaigning as women.

For Wangira, the political journey has been one of resilience. Seeking the Budalang'i parliamentary seat for the third time, she reflects on the disappointment of securing a party nomination only to have it taken away. Her experience mirrors a long-running dispute dating back to the 2017 elections, when Jubilee Party nominations for the constituency ended up in court after conflicting nomination certificates were issued, prompting the High Court to order fresh nominations.

She says such experiences have only strengthened her resolve to remain in the race.

Faith Lukosi is approaching her second attempt at elective politics with a different mindset. Having first entered the race to understand the political landscape, she says she is now better prepared for the demands of campaigning.

Lukosi also speaks about having to step aside during her first bid because of political zoning arrangements, a move that later saw her appointed to the board of a state corporation. Rather than viewing the experience as a setback, she describes it as an opportunity to learn how government works while preparing for another run.

For Dr. Amakove Wala, politics is the next chapter in her career. Before declaring her bid for the Vihiga Woman Representative seat, she appeared on She Means Business to share her journey from practising medicine to building businesses in childcare, hospitality and travel after leaving formal employment.

Now, she says, she wants to move beyond talking about the challenges facing her home county and become part of the solution through public service.

One theme that cuts across the discussion is the unique burden women carry on the campaign trail. Beyond fundraising and building political networks, they speak of the pressure to remain visible, constantly engage voters and overcome perceptions that politics is a man's arena.

The guests also discuss the financial realities of campaigns, noting that many women enter politics without the established fundraising networks enjoyed by their male counterparts. As a result, they often rely on personal savings, family support and grassroots mobilisation to keep their campaigns running.

As Kenya edges closer to the 2027 elections, the series seeks to provide a platform for conversations about representation, leadership and the barriers women continue to face when seeking public office not only during elections, but throughout their political journeys.