MPs call for tougher oversight of political parties ahead of 2027 polls
Members of the National Assembly have called for stronger enforcement and greater transparency in the regulation and financing of political parties as the country prepares for the 2027 General Elections.
The lawmakers raised the concerns during the ongoing 2026 Legislative Retreat in Naivasha, where they held discussions with the Registrar of Political Parties, John Cox Lorionokou, on challenges facing the regulation, funding and compliance of political parties.
Lorionokou told the retreat that as of January 2026, Kenya has 90 fully registered political parties and 32 provisionally registered ones. He said two parties — Ukweli Party and Vibrant Democratic Party — were deregistered earlier this month for failing to meet legal requirements.
He also noted that three new political parties have been formed since the 2022 General Election: Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), The We Alliance Party (TWAP) and the National Economic Development Party (NEDP). Meanwhile, the Amani National Congress (ANC) voluntarily dissolved in 2025.
Lawmakers agreed that political parties are central to Kenya’s democracy, as they provide platforms for competition, representation and governance. However, they warned that weak compliance and poor enforcement continue to undermine public confidence in the political system.
“As we prepare for the next General Elections, we must ensure that political parties operate within the law, with transparency in their finances and accountability in how they spend public funds,” said Deputy Minority Whip Robert Mbui.
Mbui further revealed that while the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) requires Sh1.6 billion to carry out its mandate in the 2025/26 financial year, it received only Sh508.6 million. The shortfall, he said, has affected critical activities such as inspections and compliance checks.
Lorionokou said the office has already exhausted its annual budget and is currently unable to verify the offices of 32 provisionally registered political parties as required by law.
“Each verification exercise costs about Sh3.9 million, and without adequate funding, we cannot fully carry out our mandate,” he said.
Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo-Mabona stressed the need for fair political financing to promote inclusion, especially for women, youth and persons with disabilities.
“If we want women, young people and persons with disabilities to lead political parties, we must address the issue of resources. The current system favours a few and locks out many,” she said.
Lawmakers also raised concerns about independent candidates, urging the Registrar’s office to strengthen support mechanisms for those who choose to run outside political parties.
“Our democracy must be inclusive. Independent candidates also represent the voices of Kenyans who do not identify with mainstream political parties,” said Narok North MP Timothy Torotich.