President William Ruto's UDA party has announced a two-week nationwide sensitisation programme ahead of the grassroots elections slated for January 10 across 20 counties.
The decision was agreed following a strategy meeting held on Saturday at the party headquarters, Hustler Plaza in Nairobi.
According to a statement from the party, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, who is the party chairperson, will lead the drive.
"United Democratic Alliance remains the party of choice," Mbarire said during the meeting, citing its strong performance in the recently concluded by-elections, where it secured a significant number of seats.
She emphasised that the upcoming grassroots polls present an opportunity to strengthen internal democracy and solidify the party’s national presence.
The meeting, attended by Secretary General Hassan Omar and National Elections Board Chairman Anthony Mwaura, resolved that UDA would run a simultaneous membership recruitment drive during the festive period.
The dual exercise is intended to expand the party’s support base while preparing members for structured participation in party leadership at local levels.
Mbarire noted that the sensitisation program will prioritise educating members on the election guidelines, dispute-resolution mechanisms, and the importance of orderly democratic participation.
"We want to ensure every member understands the process, their rights, and their role in shaping the future of the party,” she said.
Omar reiterated that the grassroots elections are a core pillar of the party’s commitment to transparency and accountability. H
He said the recruiting effort will ensure that new members, especially the youth and women, have a platform to participate meaningfully in politics.
Mwaura added that the National Elections Board has finalised preparations for the exercise and will deploy officials to all the participating counties to guarantee a smooth and credible process.
The January 10 grassroots polls will be conducted in Bomet, Kakamega, Kirinyaga, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Kiambu, Uasin Gishu, Laikipia, Nyandarua, Kericho, Vihiga, Nyeri, Baringo, Nakuru, Murang’a, Trans Nzoia, Embu, Samburu and Meru counties.
The party hopes that the sensitisation and recruitment drive will energise its base as it positions itself for upcoming political contests.
In a statement released Thursday, the National Elections Board (NEB) announced that the online portals for aspirant registration had been activated.
“Registration for aspirants wishing to take part in the election will start on December 4, 2025, at 12 noon when the portals will be opened, with this exercise coming to a close on December 23, 2025, at 5pm,” the statement read.
Once registration closes on December 23, aspirants will enter a campaign period running until January 10, the day polling centre elections are scheduled to be conducted.
