Kikao na Comrades at Pioneer International University
The ORPP in a barely a month, October and November engaged 5 universities on its effort to nurture and promote good governance and participation in political parties amongst the youth and the larger citizenry. Discussions held were with a section of faculty, student leaders and students pursuing political science and related disciplines. The programme has been dubbed “Kikao na Comrades”
On 28th October, 2024 at Pioneer International University (PIU) main campus, ORPP spearheaded a political and governance discussion session with a section of faculty of Pioneer International University and 200 students from the Development and Strategies Studies.
The Registrar, Ann Nderitu, CBS led the discussions which were also graced by the PIU’s by Vice-Chancellor Gideon Maina, PhD.During the session, valuable insights on political leadership, registration, regulation, and various related processes were shared and examined with presentations and ensuing questions fielded by the Registrar, the Assistant Registrar and members of the ORPP team present.
The Registrar emphasized the importance of youth engagement, urging students to actively seek and verify information about political parties while enhancing their knowledge and skills during their formative years
“Youth, it is essential to be aware of your political rights as outlined in the Constitution and to express your opinions in an organized manner. Pursue accurate information and develop your understanding, as misinformation is prevalent.
“Establish your values and communicate your stance from an early age,” she advised, recognizing the leaders who have contributed to the nation’s democratic development.
Assistant Registrar of Political Parties, CPA Florence Birya, inspired and encouraged students to take an active role in shaping the nation’s future. “We have selected ORPP to educate young individuals on the principles of democracy, starting from institutions of higher learning,” she stated.
Vice Chancellor Gideon Maina, PhD, urged the students to adopt values that align with the motto “Powered by intellect, Driven by values,” reflecting on the discussions of the day and taking action, as the country’s progress relies on the informed choices made by its youth.
The discussions sparked political dialogue among the students, covering topics such as party funding, financial management including reporting and auditing, the publicity of political activities, party coalitions, the autonomy of ORPP, and online services, among others. This engagement is part of a broader initiative by ORPP to cultivate leadership skills among the youth and empower them to become advocates for positive change.
Kikao na Comrades; The Coastal sitting for Pwani University
Yet again, on November 14, 2024, ORPP engaged with the Pwani University community in a town hall discussion, Kilifi town, Kilifi County. Leading the discussions, Assistant Registrar, CPA Florence Birya observed “I commend the students for their impressive turnout, which demonstrates that the youth are eager to reshape the political dialogue in our nation,” stated Assistant Registrar, CPA Florence Birya, who led the engagement.
She urged the university community to maintain their pursuit of the positive changes they seek in politics. “I encourage the university leadership and faculty to transform the discussions of the day into concrete, actionable outcomes,” she added.
The forum was facilitated by the ORPP team from Mombasa and Kilifi, with offices located at Jubilee House in Mombasa and Malindi Complex in Malindi town.
The university leadership present expressed gratitude to ORPP for the opportunity to engage. They reaffirmed their commitment to participating in political party matters and ensuring their voices are heard in the country’s political decision-making processes. The initiative was supported by Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung.
Maseno University sitting
The ORPP with support of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, held on 14th November, 2024 an political education initiative at Maseno University, Maseno township, for faculty and political science student. The discussions aimed to foster good governance and encourage political engagement among students, who represent a significant segment of the nation’s youth demographic.
Ms. Ann Nderitu, CBS, the Registrar leading the ORPP team, encouraged students to actively participate in political processes by joining political parties while steering clear of unethical practices.
“The ORPP has been conducting mentorship programmes with universities nationwide throughout this fiscal year. This initiative is part of our efforts to promote youth leadership and prepare them for future national leadership roles. I urge you, as young individuals, to express your political views by aligning with any political party that resonates with you,” the Registrar stated in her keynote address.
Additionally, the Registrar emphasized the importance of structured engagement and adherence to established procedures when addressing grievances, ensuring that their concerns are recognized by the appropriate authorities.
“Always reflect on your responsibilities as youth to contribute to the prosperity of our beloved country,” the Registrar advised in conclusion.
The university community expressed gratitude to the ORPP for the opportunity to engage and committed to actively participating in political party activities as a progressive means of influencing the nation’s political landscape.
Karatina University visit to ORPP for a governance engagement
Commencing the varsity visits in period, was Karatina University faculty and political science students who were hosted by ORPP on 16th October, 2024. In the well-attended session, over 60 students and some faculty members engage through the Political Science Students’ Association (KUPSSA).
During the event, Ann Nderitu, CBS, the Registrar of Political Parties, emphasized the importance of preparing young individuals in a structured way to actively participate in governance both now and in the future. She commended Karatina University for selecting ORPP as a valuable learning platform.
The Registrar encouraged the youth to engage with political parties and leverage their digital skills for political advancement. Assistant Registrar, CPA Florence Birya, highlighted the necessity of maintaining a passion for leadership beyond academic life. She urged students to seek reliable information regarding political processes and governance, addressing the prevalent misconceptions that need to be corrected.
Prof. John Mwaruvie , one of the lecturers, expressed gratitude to ORPP for facilitating practical engagement for students, acknowledging their role in navigating the complexities of political party processes, which contributes to improved politics in the nation.
A student remarked on the enlightening nature of the sessions, expressing readiness to participate in the transformation of governance in the country.
This session is part of ORPP’s ongoing efforts to engage with students in higher education institutions, aiming to cultivate a generation committed to good governance. Various staff members presented on topics including the history and mandate of ORPP, regulations and compliance mechanisms for political parties, the management of the Political Parties Fund, the role of ICT in executing ORPP’s mandate, and the resources available through the Resource Centre. The session also identified potential areas for collaboration and reflections on the current electoral cycle.
Team Kitui leads, SEKU varsity engagement at Kwa Vonza-based campus
The ORPP , Kitui-based team further on 7th November, 2024, conducted an hybrid (virtual and physical) student talk to a section of students of Southern Eastern Kenya University (SEKU), main campus located at Kwa Vonza township, Kitui county.
The session aimed at providing the target students and faculty with understanding of the role political parties play in Kenya’s democratic system and how the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) ensures that these parties operate within the legal framework.
“Further to this forum, we shall endeavour to explore other collaborative opportunities with SEKU’s through research and other means to promote good governance, political accountability, and internal democracy, fostering a knowledge-sharing ecosystem,” said Hope Nandwa, Kitui Regional Coordinator.
She also outlined plans to establish a regular forum or series to facilitate continued discussions between SEKU and the ORPP, enabling students and faculty to stay engaged with initiatives and updates on political party regulations.
David Malonza, a SEKU official while appreciating ORPP gesture to engage his university, emphasized on the importance of students actively engaging with political parties, seeking and verifying information, and building their knowledge and skills at a productive age.