UDA begins nationwide polls to elect 585,000 grassroots officials

By Winnie Atieno

The United Democratic Alliance has begun a nationwide grassroots election exercise aimed at strengthening its internal democratic structures and expanding leadership at the local level.

Speaking to journalists in Nairobi on Saturday, March 14, 2026, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the ongoing process will see the election of more than 500,000 grassroots officials across the country, forming what he described as one of the most ambitious internal party exercises ever undertaken in Kenya.

“We believe, as UDA, that the party is stronger if it is strong at the grassroots. When those who speak on behalf of the party at the local level are elected by members, then you have a strong party,” Kindiki.

Nationwide rollout of grassroots polls

According to Kindiki, voting has already begun in 18 counties, with additional counties scheduled to conduct the exercise later this month and in early April. Kakamega County and Nakuru County will hold their elections on March 28, while the remaining 23 counties are expected to complete the process on April 9.

The grassroots elections target officials at the polling station level, where about 20 party representatives will be elected in each centre.

These officials will later serve as delegates in ward-level elections before the process moves to constituency and county levels.

Kindiki said the elections will eventually culminate in a national delegates conference in Nairobi, where national party officials will be elected.

Technology-driven voting process

The exercise is also heavily relying on technology to streamline the voting process and ensure fast transmission of results.

“One of the standout factors of this exercise is the use of technology. It takes only a few seconds to vote, and the results will be transmitted electronically, meaning we can receive results within minutes after voting closes,” Kindiki explained.

He, however, acknowledged minor logistical challenges reported in a few polling centres, including delays in opening stations, gadget distribution and poor road access caused by ongoing rains.

In some areas where digital systems experienced challenges, the party allowed the use of manual registers as a backup method.

Waiver of aspirant fees and smooth process

Kindiki also revealed that registration fees for grassroots aspirants had been waived after some members cited inability to pay the required Sh200.

“We decided to waive those fees to ensure as many party members as possible who aspire to leadership at the polling station level can participate,” he said.

Despite the scale of the exercise, Kindiki said the elections had largely proceeded smoothly, with a commendable voter turnout and no incidents of violence reported.

“We have zero tolerance for violence. Democracy is about persuasion and selling your agenda, not intimidation,” he said.

The party expects the elections to produce about 585,000 grassroots officials, who will form the foundation of its national leadership structure.