The gender dimensions of electoral conflicts encompass the socially constructed gender relations in the society, which connote the socially constructed designation of women and men, their roles in the culture-specific context and the relationship between the two sexes.
Female aspirants face the challenge of choosing where to vie for election, as they have to convince the members of the communities of their marriage and their communities of birth that they are fit enough to lead. Overcoming the hurdle of family and societal endorsement to present oneself for nomination leads directly to another hurdle with strong gender dimensions: The party nominations. Political parties are an integral part of the institutional and legislative framework in the electoral process in Kenya, as there are no provisions for participation without the backing of a political party.

Women leaders from Coast Province are crying foul over the recent civic nominations, saying they were unfairly treated by political parties. The Coast Women Movement Tuesday issued a statement accusing political parties of marginalising them in the nomination.

Women leaders in Bungoma have denied reports that they are backing the nomination to Parliament of Ms. Beatrice Wasike by the Party of National Unity. If nominated, Ms Wasike will become the first woman MP from the greater Bungoma District.