The Political Parties Fund in Kenya, established under Section 24 of the Political Parties Act, provides financial support to eligible political parties. According to Agatha Wahome, Assistant Registrar of Political Parties, parties must have at least one elected member of the National Assembly, senator, governor, or member of county assembly to qualify for funding. This requirement ensures that only parties with a presence in the government receive financial support. The fund is primarily sourced from the National Government.
In addition to having an elected representative, political parties must also comply with the two-thirds gender rule in their governing bodies to be eligible for funding. This means that not more than two-thirds of the members of the governing body can be of the same gender. Wahome emphasized that this requirement applies to the governing bodies of political parties seeking funding, promoting gender equality in party leadership.
The Political Parties Fund is distributed using a formula based on the results of the previous General Election. According to Wahome, 70% of the fund is allocated based on the number of votes won by a party's elected candidates in the last election. This calculation considers candidates who secured seats, rather than the total votes received by all candidates fielded by a party. The remaining allocation includes 15% based on the number of elected special-interest representatives.
The allocation of the Political Parties Fund also considers the number of elected special-interest representatives, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities. A further 10% is distributed based on the number of candidates elected by each party. Wahome noted that the formula is tied to the results of the last General Election and is not changed by subsequent by-elections, ensuring a consistent and fair distribution of funds.
Parties receiving funds from the Political Parties Fund are subject to financial accountability requirements. They must submit work plans showing how the money will be used, with at least 30% directed towards promoting representation of women, persons with disabilities, youth, minorities, and marginalized groups. Additionally, no more than 30% should be used for administration, including rent, salaries, and electricity.
The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties administers the fund and monitors how the money is used, while parties are required to prepare and publish financial statements at the end of each financial year. For the 2026/27 financial year, 48 political parties are officially listed as eligible to receive money from the Political Parties Fund, according to Gazette Notice No. 13697 published by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties on 24 August 2026.
The Political Parties Fund plays a crucial role in supporting eligible political parties in Kenya, promoting representation and participation in the government. By setting clear eligibility requirements and funding allocation criteria, the fund ensures that parties are held accountable for their financial management and use of funds. As the 2027 polls approach, eligible parties must continue to meet these requirements to access funding and participate in the electoral process.
Key points
- Political parties in Kenya must have at least one elected representative and comply with the two-thirds gender rule to qualify for funding from the Political Parties Fund.
- The fund is distributed using a formula based on the results of the previous General Election, with 70% allocated based on votes won by elected candidates.
- Parties receiving funds must submit work plans and direct at least 30% of the funds towards promoting representation of marginalized groups.
