Smallholder dairy production provides self-employment for most of the rural population in the Kenyan highlands. Zero-grazing dairy livestock production has continued to grow over the years as the preferred dairy production system due to such factors as land size. Women participation in dairy production is significant given their role in agricultural production. The study sought to examine the challenges facing women participation in zero-grazing livestock production in Karuri sub-location. The study objectives were to identify factors affecting women participation in the zero - grazing dairy production system in Karuri location, and to establish the level of empowerment of women practicing zero - grazing dairy production system in Karuri location. The study conducted a literature review which included the challenges facing women in zero-grazing dairy livestock production, factors constraining their participation in zero-grazing dairy livestock production and initiatives promoting women participation in zero-grazing dairy livestock production. This also included the theoretical framework on which the study was premised which was the women empowerment framework.