President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is set to receive a staggering Ksh558.5 million from the 2024/2025 political party funding allocation, nearly twice the amount given to its main rival, Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). This marks a significant rise from last year’s Ksh316 million.
The figures, released by the Registrar of Political Parties on Friday, September 27, indicate that out of the total Ksh1.36 billion allocated for political party funding, UDA is getting the lion’s share.
By comparison, ODM will receive Ksh298.3 million, significantly lower than UDA’s figure. The sharp difference is in the number of political seats won by the ruling party. UDA garnered 22 out of 47 seats in the Senate and 138 of the elected members of the National Assembly, the majority in both Houses.
Jubilee Party, which was once the ruling party under former President Uhuru Kenyatta, has seen its allocation reduced to Ksh130.8 million. Last year, Jubilee received Ksh39 million, showing a slight recovery but still far from its former financial clout.
The notice, issued by Registrar Ann Nderitu, explains that the funds will be disbursed quarterly by the National Treasury. These funds are essential for political parties to maintain their operations, including grassroots mobilisation and political campaigns.
Smaller political outfits have also been allocated their share of the pie. Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper Democratic Movement is set to receive Ksh69.9 million, while Kenya National African Union (KANU), under Gideon Moi, will take home Ksh23.3 million.
Meanwhile, Musalia Mudavadi’s Amani National Congress has been allocated Ksh25.8 million, and Moses Wetangula’s Ford Kenya will pocket Ksh25 million.
Alfred Mutua’s Maendeleo Chap Chap Party will receive Ksh12.3 million, marking its place as a minor but relevant player in the political arena. Other smaller parties, such as the Devolution Empowerment Party (Ksh13.3 million), United Democratic Movement (Ksh26 million), and Chama Cha Mashinani (Ksh7.9 million), are also receiving significant funds to keep their operations alive.
Interestingly, the Justice and Freedom Party of Kenya is at the bottom of the list with the smallest allocation of Ksh268,024. Grand Dream Development Party also finds itself near the bottom with Ksh451,569.
For Martha Karua’s Narc-Kenya, the allocation stands at Ksh7.3 million, a reflection of the party’s continued relevance despite its relatively small size on the national stage.
The political parties' funding is more than just about keeping the lights on. Nderitu’s notice outlines that the money is intended to promote democratic participation by citizens, focusing on the inclusion of women, youth, persons with disabilities, and other marginalised groups in politics.
Additionally, the funding is crucial in ensuring representation in both Parliament and County Assemblies, pushing for diverse voices in the political space.
The large sums handed to UDA and ODM are expected to fuel political campaigns and influence, while smaller parties will be watching closely to ensure they maintain relevance in an increasingly competitive field.
