ORPP Conducts Election Monitoring for Re-scheduled Polls

Teams of Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) conducted the last round of its general election monitoring from 28th to 31st August 2022 for eight (8) elective positions; two(2) gubernatorial, four (4) for Member of National Assembly and two (2) for Member of County Assembly.

The election was held on the 29th August, 2022 following postponement and scheduling of the date of the election by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) announced vide Kenya Gazette notices.

Areas contained in an IEBC’s published in a Special Issue of Kenya Gazette notice no. 9948, Vol. CXXIV- No. 169 of 23rd August, 2022 were Mombasa and Kakamega for gubernatorial; Kitui Rural, Kacheliba, Pokot South and Rongai (Members of National Assembly); Nyaki West and Kwa Njenga Wards for Members of County Assemblies.

Teams comprising of a section of staff from the headquarters, joined their counterparts in the regions and complemented by the County/ Constituency Monitors in the monitoring of exercise segmented into pre- polling activities, polling, counting and tallying and eventual declaration of results. The outcomes of each were relayed real-time for consolidation using now in place ORPP’s election monitoring mobile application.

Preliminary reports from the different areas on location indicated smooth running across the areas through the planning, voting and declaration of winners save for low turn out that marred most of the areas. Teams also camped at respective tallying centres to witness the announcement of the winners.

Some of the voters being guided on procedure of voting Pokot West constituencies and Nyaki West ward of Imenti North, Meru County

In the contest, political parties candidates carried the day with only one independent candidate clinching an MCA seat in Kwa Njenga ward of Embakasi South Constituency.Declared winners by respective IEBC’s returning officers  included Abdulswamad Nassir (Governor, Mombasa); Fernandes Odinga Barasa (Kakamega), both of the Orange Democratic Movement Party; Titus Lotee Kacheliba Con stituency) of Kenya Union Party (KUP) was declared the winner of Kacheliba parliamentary seat in West Pokot County. David Mwalika (Kitui Rural) of Wiper Party, Kenya Union Party (KUP) David Pkosing (Pokot South), parliamentary election; United Democratic Party (UDA) Paul Kibet Chebor (Rongai Constituency) Kirima Kimondo (Nyaki West ward) and; Francis Kiragu Kimondo Independent candidate for Kwa Njenja ward also won the elections respectively.

Declaration of Abdulswamad Nassir has the governor elect for Mombasa county

“It was a tight race as I was competing against 16 candidates in the race. I attribute my win to the electorates un wavering trust in me and my political support and commit to work with all that leaders in the ward including those lost in this race”, noted the MCA-elect, Kirima Mubichi accompanied his counterparts UDA’s elected leaders and party officials at the Kaaga Constituency Tallying centre after being declared the winner.

The ORPP monitoring exercise follows a successful country-wide for the polls held in 9th August, 2022 that has generated insights critical for subsequent policy direction.

Nyaki West MCA elect, Kirima Mubichi after being declared the winner

During this period exercise, a number of independent local and international observers were witnessed that included the national and local-based media, Independent Policing Oversight Authority, National Gender and Equality Commission, European Union among others.

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Commitment to inclusivity in electoral and governance process a done deal

The Registrar of Political Parties Ann Nderitu joined other players for the launch of the Charter of Inclusion spearheaded by CRAWN Trust organization on 2nd August, 2020 in Nairobi. She outlined the affirmative action ORPP had taken to ensure inclusivity such as; ensuring compliance of the 2/3 gender representation in political parties membership and leadership; Amendments of the Political Parties Act especially section 25 which expands the eligibility of Political Parties to qualify for Political Parties Fund based on the number of Special Interests Groups among others.

Registrar of Political Parties signs the inclusion Charter document at  Desmond Tutu conference center, Westlands Nairobi.

The overall goal of the Charter was to contribute to the building of a just, inclusive and democratic society, founded on an informed and empowered citizenry. In her part,the Registrar termed the Charter as a progressive document which is the right move towards inclusion and equality.

All organizations representatives signed the inclusion Charter document as a commitment to promoting inclusivity in electoral, political and governance process in Kenya.

Officials of CRAWN Trust together with Registrar of Political Parties (Centre) in a group photo at Desmond Tutu conference centre on 2nd August, 2022

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It is adieu to ORPP’s long serving Reckoner

Assistant Accountant General, John Mwai Macharia has exited ORPP service after serving the Office since its establishment. He returns back to his “mother yard” having completed his secondment period in line with para- graph B.33 of the Public Service Human Resource Policies and Procedures Manual, 2016 and Guidelines for Secondment in the Public Service,2016.

In his farewell message to staff through Official WhatsApp group ,Macharia appreciated the times shared with ORPP fraternity. “ My time to exit ORPP has come, I wish to convey my gratitude to those who made my stay wonderful. Probably there might have been misunderstanding, it was not intentional but just looking for perfection. I wish ORPP fraternity well in everything you do”, stated his message to staff in part.

John Macharia shares a cake with Registrar of Political Parties. Looking in are; John Macharia receives ORPP information pack from Head of Human Resource, Jacqueline Kosgei (right) Registrar of Political Parties (second right) and Assistant Registrar, Ali A. Surraw (left) on 23rd August, 2022

Staff joined in sending best wishes to him, thanking him for the times and service offered to the Office that for the last half- decade has made strides and reputational mark in the country. Registrar, Ann Nderitu led in the commendations noting of the Macharia’s lead in laying solid foundation for Accounts department from its nascent times. “The Office really appreciates you for setting up the Account systems, spearheading writing of Finance and Accounting Manual and many more.

These efforts have enabled the Office bag two Financial Reporting (FiRe) awards in the last three years. Your good work and talent and faith in God will always create a way for you”, Registrar congratulated. Others echoed the Registrar’s sentiments acknowledging his contribution to the positioning ORPP as a leading public brand in the country. “Thanks for the time we served together … I wish you well and God’s abundant blessings in your future endeavours”, CPA Florence Birya said. His professional counterpart, Joshua Kimulu noting that he had learnt a lot from him. “You are a great person... your work and that of your team is wholeheartedly appreciated, seen and felt”, noted Joshua Ngala. Many more staff wished him well “I wish you well sir”, succinctly capped Victor Matheka.

Prior to his exit, the Registrar and Assistant Registrar, Ali Surraw held consultations and farewell meeting for the seasoned Accountant. Macharia’s service spans many years, during which he has served in different public service capacities.

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Study visit to ORPP on general election preparedness

Deliberations between Registrar, Ann Nderitu, CBS with Regional International Government Organization delegation on a study visit to ORPP took place on 3rd August, 2022.The Registrar talked about ORPP's regulatory model included guidance to political parties for their optimal participation in elections, an effort that had seen 78 political parties field candidates in different elective posts in the 9th August, General Elections shaped the deliberations. A raft of other initiatives such as recently developed parties' Agents training materials and concluded trainings; ORPP's planned general election monitoring exercise from 5th to 10th August 2022 and other insights were also cross-shared.

Separately the Registrar held discussions with Dr. Kabue Chairperson IEBC Inclusion Committee on participation of PWDs in the concluded general elections.

Regional International Government Organization pay a courtesy call to the Registrar of Political Parties in her office on 3rd August, 2022

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