The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) officially launched its Kitale regional office in a significant milestone aimed at enhancing service delivery and deepening political engagement at the grassroots level. The event brought together national and county government officials, grassroots political party leaders, faith-based organizations, and civil society organizations, among other stakeholders. The Registrar of Political Parties, Dr. Ann Nderitu, CBS hosted the launch.
Ahead of the launch, ORPP’s top leadership held discussions with Trans Nzoia Governor, H.E. George Natembeya, and the County Commissioner. The deliberations centered on collaboration in capacity-building initiatives for county officials and citizens, particularly through political and civic engagement.
Registrar Ann Nderitu, CBS, acknowledged the support ORPP has received from various stakeholders, stressing the importance of joint efforts between government and non-state actors.
A Collaborative Effort for Enhanced Service Delivery
Speaking at the launch, Trans Nzoia County Commissioner, Gideon Oyagi, emphasized the national government’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for political engagement and service delivery.
“As the national government, we shall continue to facilitate a conducive environment to offer services and encourage engagement between state and non-state actors. Political leaders must mainstream and uphold political hygiene. We should collaborate to observe the rule of law to ensure that political parties become better vehicles for promoting democracy,” he stated.
Philip Kepten, Chief Officer of Trans Nzoia County, lauded ORPP’s efforts in promoting devolution through the decentralization of services.
“I congratulate ORPP Kenya for promoting the spirit of devolution by taking services closer to the people. This is a key occasion where the county and national government agencies collaborate to enhance service delivery through established structures at both levels of government. We shall work with ORPP Kenya in various stakeholder engagements down to the sub-county level through the Trans Nzoia Governor’s Office,” he remarked.
Stakeholder Engagement and the Path Forward
Dr. Ann Nderitu, CBS, acknowledged the support ORPP has received from various stakeholders, stressing the importance of joint efforts between government and non-state actors.
“I want to recognize all stakeholders for the support given to ORPP Kenya. Government and non-state actors must work together with one goal—to serve. I acknowledge and note the concerns raised by persons with disabilities (PWDs) in political parties and electoral processes. We shall do everything possible to support them as part of ORPP’s larger inclusivity agenda,” she stated.
She further urged political leaders to champion peaceful coexistence and unite for national progress.
Strengthening Political Processes through Digital Innovation
Registrar highlighted ORPP’s strides in digitizing services, which has enhanced efficiency in political party registration and membership management. She informed the audience of the various digital platforms available for service access, including *509#, the eCitizen platform, ORPP’s official website, and in-person services. As part of ORPP’s commitment to data protection, she emphasized the importance of obtaining citizens’ consent before processing their information.
She also provided an update on the status of political coalitions in Kenya, noting that three coalitions are currently registered. Details regarding coalition memberships and structures are available on ORPP’s website.
Legal Reforms and the Future of Political Parties
The Registrar outlined ongoing legal reform efforts aimed at strengthening political representation. One key proposal includes making it mandatory for political parties to meet a threshold for PWD representation in county assemblies. She urged political parties to sharpen their ideologies to remain relevant and competitive in Kenya’s multiparty democracy.
“Political parties must refine their ideologies to be persuasive and long-lasting as vehicles for leadership. This is one of the ways to celebrate and preserve multiparty democracy, recognizing the long journey we have made as a country in the struggle for political pluralism,” she asserted.
The launch of the Kitale regional office marks a new chapter in ORPP’s efforts to bring political services closer to the people, fostering inclusivity, and strengthening democratic governance at the grassroots level.
