Maendeleo Ya Wanawake is Swahili for Women's Organization for Progress. The organization was established in 1952 and aims for the improvement of the socioeconomic and political status of women through their increased participation in development (The Christian Science Monitor 23 Dec. 1985). It is the most influential women's organization in Kenya and has a membership of 100,000 women from all over the country (Xinhua 7 Mar. 1983).

The Kenyan African National Union (KANU) Maendeleo Ya Wanawake is the women's league of KANU, Kenya's ruling political party. President Moi integrated Maendeleo Ya Wanawake into KANU
to bring to an end unnecessary squabbles. The President said that the officals of this organisation will in future be elected along party lines right from the grassroots up to the national levels. He said that all development projects by the organisation will have to pass through district development committees (BBC Summary 17 Dec. 1986).

According to an article from the BBC Summary of World Broadcasts dated 5 December 1991, President Moi advised KANU Maendeleo Ya Wanawake to desist from politics and devote their efforts on development matters. For further information on the Maendeleo Ya Wanawake, please refer to the attached documents.

The BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. 5 December 1991. "Kenya Moi Addresses Kanu Delegates on Repeal of One-Party Clause." (NEXIS)

. 17 December 1986. "Kenyan President Closes Party Seminar." (NEXIS)

The Christian Science Monitor. 23 December 1985. "The Neglected Resource; Women in the Developing World." (NEXIS)

The Xinhua General Overseas News Service. 7 November 1989. "Kenyan Politicians Warned Against Preserving Inheritance." (NEXIS)

The BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. 5 December 1991. "Kenya Moi Addresses Kanu Delegates on Repeal of One-Party Clause." (NEXIS)

. 17 December 1986. "Kenyan President Closes Party Seminar." (NEXIS)

The Christian Science Monitor. 23 December 1985. "The Neglected Resource; Women in the Developing World." (NEXIS)

The Xinhua General Overseas News Service. 7 November 1989. "Kenyan Politicians Warned Against Preserving Inheritance." (NEXIS)