Registrar of Political Parties' meets stakeholders in Nakuru over 2027 elections

With less than two years until the 2027 General Election, political parties, electoral stakeholders and special interest groups in Nakuru County have begun undergoing training aimed at strengthening their preparedness and participation in the country's democratic processes.

The week-long electoral preparedness capacity-building forum organized by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) has brought together political party officials, women, youth, persons with disabilities (PWDs), faith-based organizations and civil society groups to enhance their understanding of electoral laws, political party management and inclusive political participation.

For Vincent Oyuga, a representative of the Ubuntu People's Forum Party (UFP), the training comes at a crucial time as political parties begin laying the groundwork for the 2027 election.  Oyuga said the forum will help his party and others better understand the legal and compliance requirements needed to effectively participate in future elections.

"Our party was registered a few months before the 2022 General Election and there are some important requirements we missed in terms of preparation for some of the candidates who were hoping to serve as leaders. This workshop will help us understand compliance issues, preparation of party lists, membership management and how to adequately prepare our aspirants for the next election," he said.

The training, which is taking place in Nakuru County from June 15 to 19, seeks to strengthen stakeholders' capacity to effectively participate in and contribute to a peaceful, inclusive and credible electoral process ahead of the 2027 polls.

According to ORPP Nakuru county coordinator John Mwaura, the forums are aimed at enhancing stakeholders' understanding of the legal and regulatory framework governing political parties and elections while promoting peaceful and issue-based political engagement.

"The objective is to ensure political actors and citizens are well informed about the electoral process and their roles in it. We want to promote meaningful participation and foster peaceful, inclusive and participatory political processes as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election," said Mwaura.

He noted that more than 10 political parties with a presence in Nakuru had attended the forum, adding that the ORPP treats all registered political parties equally regardless of their size. Mwaura adds that one of the key issues being addressed is how political parties can work together despite political competition by creating platforms for dialogue and collaboration.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is also participating in the training, with the Nakuru County Election Manager George Karani noting that the commission was using the forum to engage stakeholders on voter registration and election preparedness.

"In the last mass voter registration in April Nakuru County registered about 102,000 voters during the last enhanced voter registration exercise, although delays in the issuance of national identity cards remained a challenge for many prospective voters,"Karani noted

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