Persons with disabilities have been urged to actively participate in politics and vie for elective positions in the run-up to the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a sensitization forum in Kajiado, Assistant Registrar of Political Parties Agatha Wahome said persons with disabilities form a critical part of the population and should be fully integrated into political party structures and democratic processes.
“Persons with disabilities form a critical part of our population. Through this forum, we have equipped them with knowledge on how they can actively participate in political party affairs, seek leadership positions, engage in party nominations and ultimately vie for elective seats.
Their participation is essential in promoting inclusive governance and strengthening democracy,” Wahome said.
Wahome said the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) is rolling out nationwide sensitization programmes targeting special interest groups, including persons with disabilities, women and youth, to enhance participation in political and electoral processes ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The Assistant Registrar noted that gaps in official registration of some persons with disabilities continue to hinder their inclusion in structured political systems, limiting access to party opportunities and other support mechanisms.
She challenged political parties to strengthen internal inclusion frameworks and ensure nomination processes are accessible and fair.
Halima Shariff, a person with disability and aspirant, said PWDs continue to face major challenges in their bid for elective seats, key among them financial constraints, stigma and limited access to political networks.
She noted that high campaign costs often lock out many qualified aspirants with disabilities, forcing some to rely on party nominations rather than competing directly for elective positions.
The aspirant said the forum had equipped them with knowledge on party structures, nomination procedures and ways of engaging more actively in political processes.
Wycliffe Ombuki called on persons with disabilities to ensure they are registered with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), saying registration remains key in accessing affirmative action benefits, including party nominations and empowerment programmes.
He said proper registration also enhances visibility of PWDs within political party and government systems, improving their chances of inclusion in leadership and decision-making spaces.
Kajiado IEBC County Elections Manager Festus Mucheke said preparations for the 2027 General Election were on course, noting that voter registration and voter transfer exercises were ongoing at constituency offices across the country.
Mucheke said the electoral body was working to ensure all eligible voters are captured in the register and facilitated to update or transfer their details ahead of the polls.
“The commission is on track with election preparations. Voter registration is ongoing at constituency offices countrywide, and we are also facilitating voter transfers to ensure that every eligible Kenyan is properly captured ahead of the General Election,” he said.
The ORPP sensitization exercise forms part of a broader national programme, aimed at strengthening political party governance and promoting inclusive democratic participation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The forums are being conducted simultaneously in 13 other counties, as part of a nationwide capacity-building initiative targeting political party officials and stakeholders to enhance governance, compliance and electoral preparedness ahead of the polls.
by Rop Janet
