Kajiado: Persons with disabilities have been encouraged to actively engage in politics and pursue elective positions as the 2027 General Election approaches.
According to Kenya News Agency, Assistant Registrar of Political Parties Agatha Wahome highlighted at a sensitization forum in Kajiado that persons with disabilities are a significant segment of the population who should be integrated into political party structures and democratic processes. Wahome emphasized the importance of their participation in fostering inclusive governance and strengthening democracy.
The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) is implementing nationwide sensitization programs targeting special interest groups, including persons with disabilities, women, and youth, to boost their involvement in political and electoral processes leading up to the 2027 General Election. Wahome pointed out that challenges in the official registration of some persons with disabilities hinder their inclusion in structured political systems and limit their access to party opportunities and other support mechanisms. She urged political parties to enhance internal inclusion frameworks and ensure accessible and fair nomination processes.
Halima Shariff, a person with disability and aspirant, noted the significant challenges faced by PWDs in vying for elective seats, including financial constraints, stigma, and limited access to political networks. She remarked that high campaign costs often deter many qualified aspirants with disabilities, leading some to rely on party nominations rather than directly competing for elective positions. Shariff acknowledged that the forum provided valuable insights into party structures, nomination procedures, and ways to engage more actively in political processes.
Wycliffe Ombuki encouraged persons with disabilities to register with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), stating that registration is vital for accessing affirmative action benefits, such as party nominations and empowerment programs. Proper registration also enhances the visibility of PWDs within political party and government systems, improving their chances of inclusion in leadership and decision-making spaces.
Kajiado IEBC County Elections Manager Festus Mucheke stated that preparations for the 2027 General Election are on track, with ongoing voter registration and voter transfer exercises at constituency offices nationwide. He assured that the electoral body is working to ensure all eligible voters are captured in the register and facilitated to update or transfer their details ahead of the polls.
The ORPP sensitization exercise is part of a larger national program aimed at strengthening political party governance and promoting inclusive democratic participation ahead of the 2027 General Election. These forums are being conducted simultaneously in 13 other counties, as part of a nationwide capacity-building initiative targeting political party officials and stakeholders to enhance governance, compliance, and electoral preparedness ahead of the polls.
