Strengthening Democracy: The Role and Mandate of Kenya’s Office of the Registrar of Political Parties
It is also responsible for managing the Political Parties Fund, which supports eligible parties financially. As of July 2025, there are 91 fully registered political parties in the country.
Former Registrar of Political Parties, Anne Nderitu, takes the oath before the IEBC vetting panel. Photo/National Assembly.
By Robert Assad
The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) plays a vital role in strengthening democracy in Kenya by promoting the realisation of political rights through the registration, regulation, and oversight of political parties.
It is also responsible for managing the Political Parties Fund, which supports eligible parties financially. As of July 2025, there are 91 fully registered political parties in the country.
The latest to join the list is the Democracy for the Citizens Party, officially registered on February 3, 2025, and led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, according to records published by the ORPP.
The Political Parties Act, 2011, mandates the ORPP to maintain an up-to-date register of all political parties and their symbols. Beyond registration, the Office is tasked with regulating, monitoring, investigating, and supervising political parties to ensure they comply with the law.
It is also charged with administering the Political Parties Fund and ensuring that audited annual accounts of political parties are published for transparency. The ORPP is further responsible for verifying party membership lists and ensuring that no individual is registered with more than one political party.
Where necessary, it notifies the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of such findings.
Additionally, the ORPP certifies that independent candidates are not affiliated with any registered political party and that their proposed symbols do not resemble those of existing parties. It also verifies that names on party lists belong to actual members of the submitting party and oversees party nominations in accordance with the law.
Upon request and with proper funding, the Office provides training for political party election agents. It also investigates complaints filed under the Political Parties Act and performs other legally assigned functions. The Registrar of Political Parties leads the institution, supported by the Assistant Registrar, who acts as the deputy in executing the office’s functions.
Through these responsibilities, the ORPP ensures transparency, fairness, and inclusivity in Kenya’s political landscape, thereby reinforcing the foundations of multiparty democracy.
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