Abstract:
Many countries have implemented gender-inclusive mechanisms to develop
responsive national trade policies that address gender issues. However, Kenya’s
external trade policy is yet to effectively incorporate gender considerations,
particularly regarding women, who remain a vulnerable group at both national
and regional levels. Women are predominantly concentrated in the informal
sector, where they account for 70 to 80 percent of those engaged in petty and
informal trading, compared to their male counterparts. This study aimed to
assess the effectiveness of gender inclusion mechanisms in Kenya’s external
trade policy development, specifically along the Kenya-Uganda Busia border.
The research was grounded in feminist foreign policy, international trade the
ories, and a descriptive survey research design. The target population consisted
of 558 individuals, from which a sample of 211 respondents was selected using
simple random, purposive, census, and stratified sampling techniques. Data
was collected through questionnaires, interview schedules, focus group discus
sions, and content analysis of both primary and secondary sources. Descriptive
statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were used to present data in
tables and pie charts. Findings revealed that 59% of respondents identified the
executive as the primary actor in trade policy formulation, while women’s un
derrepresentation in international trade negotiations and the informal sector
highlighted gaps in gender-responsive trade policies. The study recommended
expanding gender structures, providing capacity support to the informal sec
tor, and increasing women’s representation in political leadership and the for
mal trade sector to ensure a more inclusive external trade policy. The conclu
sion underscored that the lack of robust gender-inclusive structures had led to
an unresponsive trade policy in Kenya.
