An assessment of the influence of gender on property access and control among the people of kisii county in Kenya

This study assessed the influence of gender in property access and control among the Kisii people of Kenya. The study was guided by two objectives; identify key properties in Kisii County and establish the relationship between access and control over property and gender. Properties identified were residential houses, land, cattle, poultry, goats, commercial plots, houses, sheep and motor vehicles. However, this study focused on houses, land and livestock. Findings revealed men had unlimited access to family properties while women had limited access. Though both genders had access, there was an indication of gender disparity. Regarding control, there was evidence of a relationship between houses, land and livestock control and gender. Chi-square test outputs with p-values ranging between 0.001- 0.002 revealed that property control was skewed towards one gender. Discriminative property practices were culturally upheld by both men and women despite human rights campaigns and legal frameworks that promote gender equality in property access and control. To attain sustainable development, gender inclusiveness in decision-making, unlimited user rights and management of property is critical.