United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is reportedly set to spend over Ksh500 million in a one-day nomination exercise scheduled for Thursday, April 14.
According to Kericho Senator, Aaron Cheruyoit, the party will spend slightly above the half a billion figure to facilitate the nomination exercise. The party primaries will be conducted in 12 counties for the positions of governor, and 19 for the position of Senator.
Speaking to KTN News on Tuesday, April 5, Cheruyoit explained that the over Ksh500 million budget will cover logistics including renumerating nomination officers, printing ballot papers, and transporting ballot materials to various polling stations.
"For me, given the information, I know about the party and reading press releases from our National Elections Board (NEB), I know for a fact that UDA will spend more than this Ksh500 million," Cheruyoit stated while responding to Rarieda Member of Parliament, Otiende Amollo.
The UDA nominations will also see 128 MP hopefuls battle it out for the party’s ticket. So far, eight hundred and ninety-two people have expressed interest in clinching the party’s ticket for the MCA position.
“The National Elections Board (NEB) has contracted reputable election managers who are currently undergoing treatment, and also recruitment of polling clerks has commenced,” stated the party’s National Elections Board chairperson, Anthony Mwaura.
"The nominations will be held in all electoral areas where there is more than one paid up candidate, and other forms of nominations like consensus have not been applied."
Mathira MP, Rigathi Gachagua, also defended the figure noting that the party needs a lot of resources because of its popularity across the country.
"UDA is a very popular party and therefore the ticket is highly coveted and very competitive," Rigathi added.
In preparation for the exercise, UDA announced over 100,000 employment opportunities. The party intends to recruit 128 presiding officers, 100,000 polling clerks and returning officers in each county.
"A total of 47 returning officers, 128 presiding officers, and 100,000 polling clerks to conduct this exercise. Hustlers are encouraged to visit the party portal at UDA.ke to apply," Mwaura remarked.
To ensure fairness, Deputy President William Ruto announced that he will personally supervise the entire process.
