The Status Of Compliance With The International Gender Related Legal Instruments In Africa: A Case Study Of Kenya

Abstract

This thesis explores how legal and policy framework have succeeded and failed to address gender inequalities while taking note of the fact that Kenya is a signatory to multiple international gender related legal instruments . This study‘s main objective is to analyze key factors that contribute to the persistence of gender inequalities in Africa with particular focus on education and politics in Kenya. The study‘s objectives have been achieved; firstly it has examined the AU institutional and legal framework on gender in education and politics in Kenya with a view to giving an accurate description of how AU mechanism operates in terms of addressing gender inequality menace in Africa but specifically in Kenya. It is on this basis that the conclusions based on data findings were derived and from the objectives, the study‘s hypotheses were confirmed. The study has reached several conclusions relevant to the topic under investigation;firstly the nature of commitment on the part of the political leadership of the country is very key to achieve gender equality.there is need for women needs to be captured in the development of political policy,education must be made easily accessible to women to make them be empowered fully and women must be considered for key decision-making positions so that they can push the equality agenda with ease. In analyzing data findings,the study has used feminist theory because gender issues and more so gender equality fall squarely in feminist theory and specifically the liberal feminist strand where the belief is that men and women deserve equality in all opportunities,treatment,respect and social rights,therefore equality in education and politics is very core to feminism and specifically liberal feminist thinkers. At policy level,the relevant institutions should implement existing gender laws that seek to bring about gender equality in Kenyan society,this study‘s findings should enrich and complement existing policy documents for those who are directly involved in policy adoption,uptake or formulation,this will help inform what measures or strategies can be used to address gender inequalities both in education and politics.Academically,more research should be done in the area of gender and discimination and findings made public to the implementing organs or institutions to make it easy for people to have knowledge on gender issues.