The contest for the Nairobi County Woman Representative seat has gathered momentum following the early announcement by incumbent Esther Passaris that she will not seek re-election in the 2027 General Election.
Passaris, who has served two consecutive terms, explained that the position was introduced under the 2010 Constitution to enhance women’s representation in Parliament, adding that it was time to allow new leadership to take over.
Her decision has opened the floodgates for a highly competitive race, with several women leaders already positioning themselves for the coveted seat.
Some aspirants have launched community-based projects across Nairobi, while others have erected billboards to increase public visibility as campaigns quietly take shape.
Behind the scenes, political parties and coalitions are also recalibrating their strategies, reflecting Nairobi’s status as a key political battleground ahead of the 2027 polls.
A growing list of prominent figures has expressed interest in the seat, including nominated senators Karen Nyamu and Tabitha Mutinda, former nominated senator Millicent Omanga, former Nairobi Governor Ann Kananu, human rights activist Hanifa Adan, digital strategist Pauline Njoroge, and outspoken blogger and journalist Scophine Aoko Otieno, widely known as Maverick Aoko.
Political analyst Martins Oloo attributes the intense interest to Nairobi’s national political influence, though he notes that the role has gradually drifted from its original purpose of aggressively championing women’s rights.
Despite this criticism, aspirants insist their campaigns will focus on pressing urban issues such as affordable housing, job creation, security, and youth empowerment. Karen Nyamu, who previously contested for the seat, is widely viewed as a leading contender.
Pauline Njoroge has emphasised the need for fresh leadership ideas in the capital, while Tabitha Mutinda has already kicked off her campaign by highlighting her Wezesha Mama initiative, which she says has supported women’s groups across all 17 Nairobi sub-counties.
With nearly two years remaining before the elections, the aspirants now face the task of persuading Nairobi voters that they are best suited to represent women and broader county interests on the national stage.
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Politics