Our Work

What We Do.

DTF works across five strategic thematic areas, with a strong track record in electoral and governance programming, evidence-based advocacy, and grassroots engagement across Kenya’s 47 counties.

01 PARTICIPATORY FUND

Establishment of a Participatory Fund

Kenya’s campaign financing costs rank among the highest in the world — and women, with less access to financial resources, bear the heaviest burden. The Participatory Fund helps women candidates build a financial kitty to offset campaign costs by creating a culture of saving.

The Fund draws on proven international models, including EMILY’s List and the WISH List in the USA, WINWIN in Japan, and Canada’s Judy LaMarsh Fund.

02 CAMPAIGN EDUCATION


Campaign Education & Capacity Building

DTF has invested in nationwide capacity building through two models: the Running to Win training programme and the provision of publicity and visibility for women leaders.

  • Running to Win Curriculum
    Our national training manual, “Running to Win: Women’s Pathway to a Successful Campaign,” and its Facilitator’s Guide have equipped over 3,000 women through monthly aspirant trainings, with a Training of Trainers model building grassroots capacity.
  • Gender Justice Awards
    Launched in 2024 with awards to five women trailblazers; the 2025 award honoured Hon. Lady Justice Martha Koome, Kenya’s first female Chief Justice.
  • Chagua Mama Podcasts
    With ENAF and KBC, the “Chagua Mama – Ni Tyme ya Mama” series has produced 14 podcasts featuring 12 women leaders, spotlighting the journeys of women MCAs across Kenya.
  • Women Changing the Way the World Works
    Volumes 1 (2018), 2 (2024) and 3 (2025) celebrate the contributions of women across every sphere.

03 ADVOCACY & RESEARCH

Advocacy, Lobbying, Research & Documentation

DTF works to create a favourable legislative environment for women’s leadership through research and policy advocacy.

  • Research & Publications
    The Status of Women in Political Leadership (2021)
    Checklist for Participation in Elective Positions (2022)
    Chagua Mama: Why Electing Women Matters (2022)
    Gender Audit & Analysis of Kenya’s 2022 General Elections
    Strategic Road Map for Increasing Elected Women MCAs from 115 to 750 (2024)
  • Legislative Advocacy
    Memoranda on the Political Parties (Amendment) Bills of 2022 and 2024, the Elections (Amendment) Bill 2024, and the Election Offences (Amendment) Bill 2024.
  • County-Level Impact
    Five gender-responsive policies adopted in Bungoma County (2024); SGBV and Child Protection policies in Vihiga County; and eight policy briefs across the ASAL counties — Garissa, Tana River, Isiolo, Marsabit, Samburu, Turkana and Wajir — through ENAF’s Kuza Jamii Project. Capacity-strengthening has reached women leaders in Nakuru, Kericho, Bomet, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay and Migori, with virtual trainings drawing leaders from all 47 counties.

04 RESOURCE MOBILIZATION

Resource MobilizationDTF mobilizes resources through collaborations and partnerships with institutions aligned to its vision and mission — building a stronger environment for sustained support to women’s leadership.

05 INSTITUTIONAL GROWTH

Institutional Capacity Building & GrowthGrowing DTF as an institution — in governance, reach, skilled staff, and partnerships — so the organization can serve women leaders sustainably for the long term.

Ready to run? Join over 3,000 women preparing to lead. → Join DTF