The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) has released a set of seven requirements that political parties must fulfill before participating in the November 27 by-elections. The directive is aimed at ensuring transparency, proper structures, and compliance with electoral laws.
The ORPP said all political parties are required to present the names of signatories for nomination certificates together with their specimen signatures by September 17.
In addition, the parties must set up election management bodies and internal dispute resolution committees as part of their structures before the polls.
Parties have also been ordered to verify and submit their membership registers to the ORPP ahead of the by-elections.
They must also file full nomination details, including venues, dates, methods, and lists of members expected to be nominated.
The guidelines further require political outfits to upload the nomination details on their websites and ensure that the information is published on the ORPP website at least seven days before nominations take place.
The ORPP stressed that all parties must strictly observe timelines and follow the procedures set jointly with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Parties are also bound to comply with existing laws, the code of conduct, and relevant gazette notices.
The by-elections will see voters head to the polls in 24 electoral areas.
These include ward contests in Angata Nanyokie (Samburu), Chemundu (Nandi), Chewani (Tana River), Fafi (Garissa), Kariobangi North (Nairobi), Kisa East (Kakamega), Metkei (Elgeyo Marakwet), Mumbuni North (Machakos), Purko (Kajiado), and Tembelio (Uasin Gishu).
Other contests are the Baringo Senatorial race and parliamentary by-elections in Banissa, Kasipul, Magarini, Malava, Mbeere North, and Ugunja constituencies.
