The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) has announced a comprehensive review of the Political Parties’ Act, drawing insights from the 2022 electoral cycle, as the country gears up for the 2027 general elections.
Registrar John Lorionokou revealed the planned reforms during a courtesy visit to the Radio Africa Group, home to The Star newspaper and radio stations Classic, Jambo, Kiss, Gukena, East, and Home Boyz. The initiative aims to strengthen the internal structures of Kenya’s 91 registered political parties, ensuring they are better prepared for the upcoming electoral period.
Lorionokou emphasized the importance of learning from past experiences. “We are looking at the Political Parties’ Act, borrowing lessons from the 2022 elections,” he said, highlighting the office’s commitment to improving transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency within political parties.
The visit also underscored the ORPP’s intent to maintain strong partnerships with media houses. Paul Ilado, Editorial Director at Radio Africa Group, welcomed the collaboration and commended the previous Registrar, Ann Nderitu, for fostering openness and responsiveness. “She has left you with a good team,” Ilado noted, assuring the Registrar of The Star’s continued support and providing an open platform for the ORPP to share its initiatives with the public.
In response, Lorionokou acknowledged the value of media partnerships in promoting public understanding of political processes. “We have a responsibility to communicate, and we are banking on your support,” he said, committing to a cooperative approach in the lead-up to 2027.
The ORPP’s reform agenda includes reviewing party structures, improving compliance mechanisms, and enhancing internal governance. These steps are expected to strengthen Kenya’s political landscape, promote stability, and ensure that parties are adequately prepared for the next election cycle.
As the nation looks ahead to 2027, these reforms signal a proactive effort by the ORPP to learn from past experiences and foster a more robust and transparent political environment.
