In late June, a delegation of Nigerian lawmakers travelled to Kenya to deepen their understanding of how constitutional and legislative measures can boost women’s political representation.
From 23–26 June 2025, the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), with support from the European Union (EU), facilitated a study visit for some members of the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review to the Parliament of Kenya – a country widely noted for its gender inclusion provisions, including the two-thirds gender principle and mechanisms for reserved seats for women. The visit formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s approach to women’s political representation through constitutional and legislative reforms.
The delegation, led by House Majority Leader Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, was formally received by the Speaker of the Kenyan National Assembly, Moses Masika Wetang’ula. The lawmakers also held substantive discussions with senior members of the Kenyan Parliament, the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA), and FIDA Kenya, focusing on Kenya’s experience with special seats for women and the two-thirds gender rule.
The goal was clear: to understand how Kenya has used constitutional and legislative tools to close its gender gap in political representation. These lessons are particularly timely for Nigeria, where conversations around the Special Seats Bill are gaining momentum.
This visit signals growing political will to break barriers for women in leadership. It is also a reminder that learning from regional peers can offer both inspiration and practical pathways for reform. As Nigeria continues to deliberate on constitutional amendments, the Kenyan experience could prove to be a powerful reference point.