On July 28, the Registrar of Political Parties quashed the application of 10 names of Gen Z political parties over what she described as the names portraying a lack of inclusivity.
In a statement, Registrar Ann Nderitu cited that the application violated Article 91 (1) (a) (e) of the Constitution and hence could not be approved.
After the latest political furore, many young citizens, particularly those from Generation Z, are eager to make their mark on the country’s political landscape.
For those looking to create new political parties, understanding the registration process is essential to avoid dismissal from the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties.
This explainer provides a step-by-step guide on how Gen Z can register a political party in Kenya if they want to actively participate in shaping the politics of the country
The registration of political parties in Kenya is overseen by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) currently led by a Registrar of Political Parties Ann Nderitu.
This process is governed by the Political Parties Act, which outlines the requirements and procedures for forming and registering a political party within the boundaries of Kenya.
The registrar of political parties directs that before embarking on the registration process, it’s crucial to have a clear vision and objectives for the political party.
Step by Step Guide
Key preparatory steps include; drafting a party constitution, which should outline the party's guiding principles, structure, membership criteria, and internal processes.
It is also important to choose a unique name and symbol that must be distinct and not resemble those of any existing parties to avoid confusion.
“Submit an application to the ORPP to reserve the party name, abbreviation, and symbol. This step ensures that no other party can use the same identifiers. The application should include the proposed name and abbreviation, party symbol, party colours, and a non-refundable fee as specified by the ORPP,” the Registrar of Political Parties stated.
Once the name and symbol are reserved, the next step involves providing detailed information about the party.
This includes; submitting a comprehensive document detailing the party’s constitution, which should cover membership, leadership structures, decision-making processes, and dispute-resolution mechanisms.
The details of office bearers, names, addresses, and identification details of the party’s interim officials should also be provided.
A list of at least 1,000 members from each of Kenya’s 24 counties, along with their national identification numbers and signatures, and information on the party’s headquarters, which should be a physical office address, are also required.
With all the necessary documents prepared, submit the application for provisional registration to the ORPP.
This application should include the party constitution, names and details of office bearers, membership list, and proof of payment of the registration fee.
The ORPP will review the application to ensure compliance with the Political Parties Act.
If the application meets all requirements, the party will receive a certificate of provisional registration.
After receiving provisional registration, the party must comply with additional requirements within 180 days to achieve full registration.
“This involves holding a national governing body meeting to adopt the party constitution and elect officials, submitting evidence of compliance with the requirements for full registration, and demonstrating the party’s presence and activities in at least 24 counties,” the procedure read in part.
Upon satisfying these conditions, the ORPP will issue a certificate of full registration, officially recognizing the party as eligible to participate in elections.
For Gen Z aspiring to establish a political party, it’s essential to engage legal experts, as navigating the legal and regulatory framework can be complex.
Building a broad-based membership is crucial, given the requirement for a substantial membership base across multiple counties.
