[4] Before colonial rule, women had played important roles in the community, from raising and bringing up children to working on farms and in marketplaces.

Under colonial rule, women became increasingly unimportant to the economic system, and their powers and influence soon faded from the public sphere.

[5] Although Kenya still has a long way to go in hearing the plight of women, there continues to be an improvement in financial, social and economic inclusion within the country at different stages ranging from dialogue, policy implementation, representation and so forth.

The colony was primarily used for the purpose of establishing cash crop plantations owned by white settlers and staffed by Kenyan laborers.

Nyanjiru was shot and killed by the police after the protestors stormed the station, and is today remembered as one of the first female Kenyan activists.

[10] Lynn M. Thomas, an American historian, writes that during the female circumcision controversy, the issue of female genital mutilation became a focal point of the movement campaigning for independence from British rule, and a test of loyalty—either to the Christian churches of the missionaries, or to the Kikuyu Central Association, the largest association of the Kikuyu people.

When Kenya gained independence in 1963, a few young women were able to attain education because of parents who became involved in religious mission activities since the Colonial era.

According to the Republic of Kenya Embassy's website, they concluded, "...it has been established that by providing primary education to women, a society is able to hasten its development.

[7] Kenyan women's rights to own and inherit property are challenged, threatened and suppressed by customs, laws, and individuals, such as government officials.

This is juxtaposed by the fact that, in Africa, women constitute 70–90 percent of the agricultural labor force, meaning that they manage most of the lands already, but are made unable to own any.

Once evicted, some women end up begging for water and food, living in dangerous slums, and sleeping on cardboard with their children, who are also forced to leave school.

Often the in-laws feel entitled to do whatever they will with their late sons wives, as they consider the dowry paid for the marriage to be an act of purchasing the woman.

[12] Widows and separated women with HIV often have a hard time receiving medical care, as they have no health insurance and no means of income, especially when their lands and all their possessions are taken from them.

When women reach out to police and other officials for aid regarding abuse or infractions against their rights to property, they are commonly told to pay a bribe.

[12] Women and youth are vital for food security and economic growth in Africa, yet they face barriers like limited access to finance.

Ultimately, empowering these groups in livestock farming enhances nutrition and livelihoods, highlighting the need for inclusive agricultural policies.

[14] Maternal mortality remains heavily influenced by poor quality healthcare, with over 80% of deaths still linked to this issue, despite an increase in skilled midwives assisting births from 62% to 70% from 2017 to 2024.

[14] Over time, the role of Kenyan women in society has evolved from more traditional duties like homemakers, to vital participants in the country’s economy.

Women today contribute significantly to the Gross Domestic Product of Kenya, particularly through small and medium-sized businesses, where they often hold both job and ownership positions.

[15] These successful women business owners are able to provide for their families, assist their communities, elevate their living conditions, and help transcend poverty.

[18] Additionally, Kenyan women have access to credit through various Microfinance institutions which has enabled them to save and secure loans to start or expand businesses.

It aimed at providing accessible and affordable credit to support women in starting and/or expanding businesses for wealth and employment creation.

[19] Women who are subjected to domestic violence often have a difficult or impossible time negotiating condom use, and then have higher risks of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.

[23] The proposed 2014 polygamy bill had initially given a wife the right to veto the husband's marriage to a new bride, but male members of Parliament overcame political divisions to push through a text that dropped this clause.

[23] The passing of the bill caused angered female members of Parliament to storm out of the late night vote on the polygamy legislation in protest.

Other women who served in Parliament in the first three decades after independence include Dr. Phoebe Asiyo, Chelagat Mutai, and Dr. Julia Ojiambo.

Other notable female politicians include Prof. Wangari Maathai, Charity Ngilu, Naisula Lesuuda, Esther Passaris, Millie Odhiambo, Prof. Margaret Kamar, Sophia Abdi Noor, and many others.

other famous artists include Beatrice Wanjiku, Barbara Minishi, Wangechi Mutu, Syowia Kyambi and Ingrid Mwangi.

She had a significant acting role on MTV Shuga and then after completing her studies at the prestigious Yale, she successfully made it to the big screen in both Hollywood and internationally as well as on Broadway.

Others include Catherine Ndereba, Pamela Jelimo, Vivian Cheruiyot, Nancy Langat, Eunice Jepkorir, Linet Masai, Ruth Bosibori and many others.