Members of the National Assembly have urged for stronger enforcement and transparency in the regulation and financing of political parties ahead of the 2027 General Elections, emphasizing the need to safeguard the country’s democratic integrity and ensure fair political competition.
During the ongoing 2026 Legislative Retreat in Naivasha, the legislators engaged the Registrar of Political Parties, Mr. John Cox Lorionokou, on emerging challenges in political parties’ regulation, financing, and compliance.
As of January 2026, Kenya has 90 fully registered political parties and 32 provisionally registered, according to data presented by Mr. John Lorionokou.
Two parties Ukweli Party and the Vibrant Democratic Party were deregistered earlier this month for non-compliance with statutory requirements.
The Registrar also noted the formation of three new political parties Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) The We Alliance Party (TWAP), and the National Economic Development Party (NEDP)—since the 2022 elections, while the Amani National Congress (ANC) voluntarily dissolved in 2025.
Lawmakers acknowledged that political parties remain at the heart of Kenya’s democratic system, serving as the principal vehicles for political competition, representation, and governance. However, persistent gaps in compliance, enforcement, and institutional discipline have continued to undermine public confidence in the system.
“As we prepare for the next General Elections, we must ensure that political parties operate within the confines of the law, with full transparency in financing and accountability in expenditure,” said Hon. Robert Mbui, noting that public trust in political processes depends largely on how well party structures are regulated.
He further disclosed that while the ORPP requires Kshs. 1.6 billion to execute its mandate in the 2025/26 financial year, it received only Kshs. 508.6 million, leaving significant shortfalls that have crippled verification, inspection, and compliance activities.
“We have exhausted our annual allocation and are currently unable to verify the offices of 32 provisionally registered political parties as required by law. Each verification costs approximately Kshs. 3.9 million,” Mr. Lorionokou told the session.
Hon. Millie Odhiambo-Mabona stressed that equitable financing remains essential for broad-based political participation.
“If we want women, youth, and persons with disabilities to lead political formations, we must fix the resource question. The current model entrenches inequality,” she observed.
Members also discussed the participation of independent candidates and the need to strengthen support frameworks for them.
“Our democracy must be inclusive. We must not overlook independent candidates who represent the voice of Kenyans outside mainstream political formations,” remarked Hon. Timothy Torotich, urging the ORPP to consider mechanisms to recognize and support independents.
