Quick Answer
Alongside elected seats, Kenya’s assemblies include nominated members — chosen by political parties to bring in women, youth, persons with disabilities and other special interests, making leadership more representative.
Key facts
- Nominated members are chosen by parties, not directly by voters.
- They represent special interests: gender, youth and PWDs.
- The National Assembly, Senate and county assemblies all have them.
- Parties get nominees in proportion to their elected seats.
Why nominated seats exist
Direct elections alone tend to under-represent some groups. Nominated seats are a constitutional correction — a way to ensure women, youth, persons with disabilities and other interests have a guaranteed voice.
Where they are
Nominated members sit in each elected body:
- National Assembly — members nominated by parties to represent special interests, including youth and persons with disabilities.
- Senate — nominated women members, plus nominees representing youth and persons with disabilities.
- County assemblies — nominees to meet the gender balance and represent marginalised groups.
How nominees are chosen
Parties submit party lists, and nominated seats are allocated to parties in proportion to the elected seats they win. Nominees are therefore chosen by parties, not elected directly by voters — which is why party lists matter.
Why this matters to you
Nominated members make real decisions, yet you do not vote for them directly. Knowing how they get there tells you why party lists deserve scrutiny.
Frequently asked questions
Do voters elect nominated members?
No — they are chosen by parties from party lists, in proportion to elected seats.
What are nominated seats for?
To represent women, youth, persons with disabilities and other special interests.
Which bodies have them?
The National Assembly, the Senate and county assemblies.
Sources & references
- Constitution of Kenya 2010, Articles 97, 98 and 177 — klrc.go.ke