•Calls for Legislative Reforms to Secure Equal Representation for Marginalized Groups
The Registrar of Political Parties, Ann Nderitu, has called for legal reforms to compel political parties to ensure inclusivity and equal representation when filling positions in both national and county assemblies.
Speaking during the official launch of the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) Trans Nzoia Regional Office, Nderitu highlighted the exclusion of People Living with Disabilities (PWDs) in governance, revealing that 21 county assemblies, including Trans Nzoia, currently lack PWD representatives.
Addressing the Gaps in Political Representation
Nderitu emphasized that this anomaly can only be corrected through legislative measures mandating political parties to reserve nominative positions specifically for PWDs.
She argued that such seats should never be filled by individuals who do not belong to the designated category, ensuring that marginalized groups receive rightful representation in political structures.
“Inclusivity should not be a mere aspiration but a legal requirement,” Nderitu stated, underscoring the necessity for political parties to adhere to policies that promote diversity and equal representation.
The State of Political Parties in Kenya
Kenya currently has 92 legally registered political parties, and according to Nderitu, the constitution guarantees every citizen the right to join any political party without coercion.
She pointed out that the law does not impose a limit on the number of political parties in the country, reinforcing the democratic principle of political pluralism.
As the country sets the stage for the 2027 General Election, the Registrar urged political parties to uphold transparency, accountability, and internal democracy to mitigate disputes and enhance political stability.
She called on politicians to exercise patience, understanding, and maturity to safeguard peace before, during, and after the elections.
Decentralizing ORPP Services for Greater Accessibility
To enhance service delivery, ORPP Assistant Registrar for Registration and Coordination of Field Services, Florence Birya, announced plans to expand ORPP offices beyond the existing 12 regional centers, with a goal of decentralizing services across all 47 counties.
If resources permit, this move will significantly reduce the burden on political stakeholders who currently have to travel long distances, including to Nairobi, for party-related services.
Birya reiterated the ORPP’s commitment to fostering inclusivity, revealing ongoing efforts to empower PWDs to ensure a level playing field in the political arena.
She urged political parties to embrace this principle in their operations and decision-making processes.
Government’s Commitment to Peaceful Elections
Trans Nzoia County Commissioner, Gideon Oyagi, underscored the importance of political discipline and adherence to the rule of law, emphasizing that all political actors must conduct themselves responsibly as the 2027 General Election approaches.
He assured that the government is fully committed to ensuring a peaceful electoral process.
Echoing this sentiment, Philip Kapten, the Chief Officer in charge of Public Service Management representing Governor George Natembeya, called for stronger collaboration between national and county governments to improve service delivery.
The newly launched ORPP office, which will serve residents of Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, and Turkana counties, was welcomed as a significant step in bringing political services closer to the people.
Local politicians and stakeholders praised the initiative, stating that it would ease access to essential services that were previously centralized in Nairobi.
A Call for Political Maturity and Stability
As the nation gears up for the 2027 elections, political leaders and government officials are rallying for a more structured and inclusive political environment.
The ORPP’s call for legal reforms to enforce inclusivity in political representation is seen as a crucial step toward a more equitable democracy, ensuring that marginalized communities, especially PWDs, are not left out of governance structures.
With a commitment to decentralizing services and strengthening political accountability, the ORPP aims to create a more transparent, inclusive, and peaceful political landscape ahead of the next electoral cycle.
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