Bill proposes public cash for independent candidates crossing 5% vote mark
The changes, proposed by Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, are part of the Political Parties (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which is due for debate in Parliament next week.
A proposed amendment to the Political Parties Act could open up public funding to independent candidates, provided they secure at least five percent of votes cast in their electoral contests.
The changes, proposed by Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, are part of the Political Parties (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which is due for debate in Parliament next week.
Omondi wants to establish a new financing framework—the Political Parties and Independent Candidates Fund—managed by an independent advisory board, replacing the original plan to create a regulatory commission.
"There is established a fund known as the Political Parties and Independent Candidates Fund which shall be managed by the board," reads the amendment.
The board would consist of a registrar, an experienced advocate nominated by the Law Society of Kenya, a certified accountant, and an arbitrator—all independently recruited.
"These people will not be appointees of the political parties but will be independent and recruited competitively. This route is cheaper than having a commission," said Omondi.
He proposes that the board serve for three years, on a part-time, non-renewable basis, with the Registrar of Political Parties offering administrative support.
The changes also target Section 25 of the Principal Act, introducing a formula that would see 70% of the fund distributed based on the number of votes garnered by each political party and eligible independent candidate in the last general election.
"The independent candidate shall, however, be eligible for funding if one secured five percent or more of the total votes cast for the elective seat," the amendment reads.
An additional 15% of the fund is to be allocated based on the number of elected candidates from special interest groups, while 10% is earmarked specifically for independent candidates in proportion to the votes they received.
Omondi said the intention is to promote fairness by giving independent aspirants access to public resources that are currently reserved for political parties.
He defended the proposal against concerns that it might encourage an influx of independent hopefuls.
"There is no limit to political parties that can participate in any election, that’s the same way there should be no limit to independent candidates," he said.
The amendment also introduces spending guidelines: most of the money should go toward campaign-related costs, while only up to 30 percent may be used for administrative and staff expenses.
"The money allocated to a political party or an independent candidate shall not be used for any other purpose other than those specified in this section," states the Bill.
