How to Join or Leave a Political Party in Kenya

Joining a Political Party in Kenya

The Constitution of Kenya grants every citizen the right to participate in political activities, including joining a political party. Here’s how you can become a member of a political party in Kenya:

Steps to Join a Political Party

1. Identify the Party: Choose a political party that aligns with your interests and values.
2. Membership Form:
   • Obtain the Party Membership Verification Form from the party’s offices or website.
   • Fill in required details, such as:
     • Name, age, gender, and occupation.
     • ID/Passport number and residence details.
     • Party membership card number and payment details.
3. Submit the Form:
   • Submit the signed form to the party.
   • Ensure that the party enters your details into their register.
4. Verification:
   • The party will forward your details to the Integrated Political Parties Management System (IPPMS) for verification by the Registrar of Political Parties.
5. Membership Confirmation:
   • Once verified, you will officially become a member of the party.
6. Online Registration:
   • Create an account on the e-Citizen portal.
   • Navigate to the “Office of the Registrar of Political Parties” section.
   • Select “Political Party Membership Registration” and follow the prompts.

Rights of Political Party Members

As a member, you can:

• Participate in party activities.
• Run for party leadership positions.
• Access party documents and records.
• Contest in party nominations for elections.

Leaving a Political Party in Kenya

If you decide to leave a political party, there are four primary ways to do so:

1. Resignation

• Process:
  • Write a resignation letter addressed to:
    • The political party.
    • Clerk of Parliament or County Assembly (if applicable).
  • Attach a copy of your ID or Passport.
  • Copy the Registrar of Political Parties on the letter.
• Outcome:
  • The resignation takes effect once the party or relevant clerk receives the letter.
  • The Registrar removes your name from the party membership list.

2. Expulsion

• Members can be expelled for violating the party constitution.
• The party must provide a fair hearing through its internal disciplinary mechanisms.

3. Deeming

• You will be deemed to have resigned if you:
  • Join another political party.
  • Advocate for the formation of another party.
  • Promote the ideology of another party.

4. Natural Attrition

• Membership ends upon the member’s death.

Online Deregistration Process

• Visit the e-Citizen portal.
• Go to “Office of the Registrar of Political Parties”.
• Select “Political Party Membership Resignation”.
• Follow the prompts to complete your resignation.

Checking Membership Status

• Log in to the e-Citizen portal.
• Select “Political Party Membership Status” to view your registration details.

By following these steps, Kenyans can actively exercise their political rights, whether joining or leaving a political party.