An unprecedented high number of women are in the race for what are described as competitive seats of governorship, senate and for MPs.

With this scenario, all indications are that Kenyans will elect a woman governor in next month’s general election.

Nine women will be on the ballot gunning for governorship in different counties in the country, according to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) list of candidates.

In the race for governorship, it is widely expected that Kirinyaga will produce a woman county boss, given that the race has shaped up to a battle between two formidable former cabinet ministers, Ms Anne Waiguru of Jubilee Party and Ms Martha Karua, the Narc Kenya leader and candidate.

STAKES HIGH

Stakes are so high in the Kirinyaga race that President Uhuru Kenyatta has sought to be neutral in his support of either of the candidates and has asked voters to choose between his Jubilee Party’s candidate Ms Waiguru and Ms Karua.

The President described both women as his friends and asked Kirinyaga residents to pick their choice.

The other two candidates in Kirinyaga include incumbent Joseph Ndathi and Muriithi Kaga, who are running as independents.

The race for Kitui governorship is a tight one.

WAVINYA NDETI

The Machakos County governorship race also promises to produce fireworks, as a former assistant minister, also former Kathiani MP Wavinya Ndeti seeks to unseat Dr Alfred Mutua.

Ms Ndeti has had to battle a number of court cases and other hurdles in her bid to unseat Dr Mutua.

JACINTA MWATELA

In Taita Taveta County, former Central Bank deputy governor Jacinta Mwatela is back in the race after narrowly losing to the incumbent Governor John Mruttu.

The assertive Mrs Mwatela is running within the Nasa coalition on an Amani National Congress (ANC) ticket and is in a field of seven men among them Mr Mruttu who is running as an independent candidate, the county’s Senator Dan Mwanzo of Jubilee Party and Wudanyi MP Thomas Mwadeghu of ODM.

The others are independents, former PS Emmanuel Kisombe, and Erastus Karani, journalist Granton Samboja of Wiper and Maendeleo Chap Chap’s Constantine Mwadime.

WINNIE KABURU

In Meru, Ms Winnie Kaburu of Wiper party is the only woman in a heated race pitting Jubilee Party’s Senator Kiraitu Murungi and incumbent Governor Peter Munya, of Party of National Unity (PNU).

During the 2013 general election, Ms Kaburu was the running mate of presidential candidate Prof James ole Kiyiapi of Restore and Build Kenya Party.

MABEL MURULI

In Kakamega County, Ms Mabel Muruli will be making a second go at the governorship.

She is pitted against two bitter rivals, incumbent Governor Moses Akaranga and Senator Boni Khalwale of Ford Kenya.

Ms Muruli is the Jubilee Party candidate for the seat.

ATIENO OTIENO

In Kisumu County, Ms Atieno Otieno, a women rights campaigner and the local Maendeleo ya Wanawake chairperson, will be contesting against incumbent Governor Jack Ranguma who is running as an independent, and ODM candidate Senator Anyang’ Nyong’o.