ABSTRACT

The need for this study stems from the traditional view that women have a primary responsibility for family care while that for men is to provide for the family. This result in women being steered from an early age into sex stereotyped occupations and roles. Historically these occupations have been structured in either the middle and the lower cadres of the organizations, while those for men are structured at the top echelons of the organizations. It is in this light that this study sought: "To investigate the factors that influence the progression of women to top leadership positions in Kenya." To this end the study reviewed literature from past studies done on this area. The study also reviewed journals and articles written on this area too. The study interviewed women chief executive officers and departmental heads with a view of obtaining their opinion as to why there is. gender imbalance in top leadership positions in organizations. The target population was drawn from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Kenyatta University (KU), Barclays Bank of Kenya (BBK) and National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). A sample population of 100 respondents was selected. The sample was selected through random sampling method. This method allowed the researcher to collect the required data with respect to objectives of the study. The data was collected using questionnaires, which was administered through personal interviews. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and advanced statistics. Tables, bar graphs, pie charts and percentages were used in report presentation. This report consists of three chapters. Chapter one introduces the study with the background of the study, the statement of the research problem, the objectives and the research questions, significance of the study, scope and limitation of the study. Chapter two provides the literature review from various sources. The variables of the study have been thoroughly covered in this chapter. Chapter three outlines the methodology of the study with the target population for the study, the sample design, data collection instruments and data analysis techniques to be used. The study established that social cultural factors, organization policies, organization culture, limited access to advanced education and discrimination in appointments inhibit the upward mobility of women to top leadership positions.