UDA, ODM lead in Ksh1.4B Political Parties Fund allocation

The Political Parties Fund has allocated Ksh1.4 billion to political parties in Kenya for the 2026/2027 financial year, with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) emerging as the top beneficiary. UDA received Ksh549.97 million, surpassing the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) which secured Ksh293.78 million. Together, UDA and ODM received Ksh843.75 million, accounting for more than half of the funds allocated to eligible parties.

Both parties saw a significant reduction in their allocations compared to the previous year, with UDA's funding dropping by Ksh239 million and ODM's by Ksh127 million. The Jubilee Party received Ksh128.86 million, making it the third-largest beneficiary, followed by the Wiper Patriotic Front with Ksh68.82 million and the United Democratic Movement (UDM) with Ksh25.62 million.

Other parties receiving more than Ksh20 million include Amani National Congress (ANC), FORD-Kenya, Kenya African National Union (KANU), and the Democratic Party of Kenya. The Gazette notice detailing the allocations was published by the Registrar of Political Parties under the Political Parties Act. The fund, established to support eligible parties in carrying out their functions, receives at least 0.3 percent of the national government's revenue, subject to parliamentary allocation.

The distribution formula considers votes secured in the preceding General Election and provisions for special interest groups. The reduction in funding for UDA and ODM comes as political parties prepare for the 2027 General Election, with parties expected to utilize public funding for permitted activities, including strengthening their operations and supporting political participation.