Political party officials have been urged to strengthen compliance with electoral laws and adhere to internal party regulations as preparations for the 2027 General Election intensify.
This comes as the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) rolled out simultaneous capacity-building sessions across 13 regions countrywide aimed at enhancing political party governance, compliance, and democratic practice ahead of the polls.
The training sessions held in Kajiado, Bungoma, Kisumu, Trans Nzoia, Laikipia, Garissa, Kilifi, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Nyeri, Isiolo, Machakos, and Mombasa counties brought together party officials and stakeholders in a coordinated national engagement on electoral preparedness.
Participants were taken through the legal and regulatory framework governing political parties in Kenya, political party processes and structures, compliance processes, party nominations, and the Political Parties Code of Conduct.
They were also sensitized on the laws governing elections in Kenya, the Electoral Code of Conduct, and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) preparedness towards the General Election.
Speaking during the training in Kajiado, ORPP Deputy Director for Capacity Building for Political Parties Anastacia Kaberere said political aspirants must fully understand electoral rules and strictly observe the Political Parties Code of Conduct to ensure credible and peaceful elections.
She emphasized that compliance with the legal framework remains central to strengthening democracy and preventing electoral disputes.
“Political aspirants and party officials must understand their obligations and conduct themselves in accordance with the law throughout the electoral process,” she said.
Kaberere further called on political parties to enhance inclusivity and fairness in their nomination processes, noting that adherence to established rules strengthens internal democracy and public confidence in political institutions.
Facilitators further emphasized that embracing technology for political engagement, strategy development, and decision-making is inevitable in the modern era.
The session demonstrated practical lessons on the use of digital platforms in political communication, voter outreach, and leadership, with a deeper focus on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modern political processes.
Participants were guided on appropriate tools for content creation, research, and stakeholder engagement and how to tap into real-time insights for informed decision-making.
The discussions also highlighted the positive use of emerging technologies such as AI in reshaping political participation and creating new opportunities for leaders to connect with citizens more effectively, while cautioning about the growing risks of misinformation and disinformation that could undermine electoral integrity and public trust.
ORPP Regional Coordinator for Nairobi Metropolitan, Lucy Kemunto, sensitized participants on the mandate and functions of the office, including registration and regulation of political parties, monitoring compliance with legal requirements, and promoting democratic principles within political organizations.
Kemunto said the nationwide training programme is part of ORPP’s broader strategy to strengthen political party preparedness ahead of the 2027 General Election through continuous capacity building and stakeholder engagement.
“The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties remains committed to ensuring political parties are well-structured, compliant and fully prepared to undertake credible nominations and participate in a peaceful electoral process,” she said.
She added that sustained engagement with political parties and stakeholders was key to entrenching accountability, inclusivity and good governance within political organizations.
Participants welcomed the training, saying it had enhanced their understanding of electoral requirements, internal party processes, and the role of emerging technologies in modern political engagement.
They noted that the sessions had provided practical insights on compliance, party nominations, and the use of digital tools in political communication, describing the engagement as timely as the general election draws close.
By Rop Janet
