The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering free, fair and transparent grassroots elections as it intensifies preparations for the January 10, 2026 polls across 20 counties.
The party leadership said the exercise will be conducted under strict accountability measures, signaling a renewed effort to strengthen internal democracy ahead of the party’s broader national agenda.
Speaking to the press outside the ACK County Hall grounds in Kericho town during the launch of a two-week sensitization programme, an event that marked the start of nationwide voter education forums, UDA Secretary General Senator Hassan Omar said the initiative aims to mobilize supporters, take them through the full spectrum of election procedures and ensure they are well-versed with the new systems that will guide the upcoming grassroots polls.
He revealed that Kericho was selected as one of the first counties to host the sensitization owing to its strong party support base and strategic political significance.
“The purpose of this sensitization exercise is to thoroughly prepare our members for the ballot by acquainting them with the procedures they will encounter during the voting process. This programme is not just about civic education; it is also about building confidence in the party’s electoral frameworks,” Sen. Omar said
Omar further said that the digital voting and tallying system adopted by UDA represents a significant step in promoting transparency, reducing disputes and modernizing internal party operations.
He noted that the electronic system to be used for both voting and counting is intended to prevent the irregularities that have previously affected intra-party elections, adding that the party’s shift to digital administration demonstrates its commitment to accountability by ensuring members’ choices are accurately recorded and respected, while the accompanying training sessions will equip voters with the knowledge needed to operate the system effectively, minimize confusion and guarantee a smooth election day.
The party’s SG also urged residents, particularly the youth, to take an active role in shaping the party’s future by registering as UDA members and presenting themselves as candidates where possible.
He emphasized that young people form a critical segment of the party and encouraged them to seize leadership opportunities at the grassroots level and reminded all individuals aspiring for various positions to register through the party’s online portal to validate their candidacy ahead of the elections.
The sensitization programme, which will run concurrently in all 20 counties where the grassroots elections are scheduled, including Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Kirinyaga, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Kiambu, Uasin Gishu, Laikipia, Nyandarua, Vihiga, Nyeri, Baringo, Nakuru, Murang’a, Trans Nzoia, Embu, Samburu and Meru, will feature similar forums in each region to ensure a uniform understanding of the election procedures, with party officials emphasizing that the exercise underscores UDA’s preparedness to conduct the January polls in a structured, transparent and member-driven manner.
The Secretary General was accompanied by senior officials from the UDA National Elections Board, among them Vice Chair Veronica Kiberenge and board members Jimmy Kahindi, Mary Mutinga and Halake Dida, along with Executive Director Nicodemus Bore, Deputy Executive Director Higgins Mbugua, Legal Affairs Director Emmanuel Kibet and a team of Secretariat staff.
By Hillary Kemei
