Political parties were historically established to represent citizens’ interests and ensure the realization of civil liberties within democratic governance. Their evolution from ancient Greek city-states to modern democratic systems highlights their fundamental role in nation-building, political organisation, and societal cohesion.
However, in Kenya, political parties have strayed from their civic mission. Despite receiving substantial funding from the exchequer, most parties focus on administrative upkeep and electoral cycles, neglecting their duty to educate and empower members. The 2023/24 distribution from the Political Parties Fund saw parties like UDA receive KSh237 million and ODM KSh127 million, yet little to none of these funds were channelled toward civic education or ideological training.
Effective democracies depend on an enlightened electorate. Party members should understand governance principles, national values, and the ideological underpinnings of their affiliations. Instead, Kenya’s parties remain largely ethnic-based, undermining national cohesion by advancing regional interests and deepening tribal divisions.
Without robust civic education, political parties become mere vehicles for power acquisition rather than platforms for progressive national dialogue. This void enables reactionary elements to manipulate uninformed populations, leading to divisive and toxic politics that destabilize the country’s democratic foundations.
To correct this, political parties must prioritise structured civic education and ideological indoctrination. Training should focus on governance best practices, while indoctrination must clarify each party’s philosophy and national development agenda. Moreover, legal reforms should require a defined percentage of public funding to be allocated specifically to member education.
Kenya’s democratic maturity hinges on active, informed citizens participating in political discourse beyond election cycles. Political parties, therefore, must rise to the occasion and invest in building conscious, patriotic, and value-driven memberships that transcend tribal loyalties.
Only through deliberate civic enlightenment can political parties reclaim their noble purpose and steer the country toward a more stable, inclusive, and democratic future.
