NAIROBI, Kenya – The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has officially opened registration for aspirants seeking to contest in its upcoming grassroots elections, kicking off a month-long internal electoral process across 20 counties.
In a statement released on Thursday, the party’s National Elections Board (NEB) confirmed that online registration portals were activated at noon. Aspirants now have until December 23, 2025, at 5 pm to submit their applications.
“Registration for aspirants wishing to take part in the election will start on December 4, 2025, at 12 noon when the portals will be opened, with this exercise coming to a close on December 23, 2025, at 5 pm,” the NEB statement read.
The announcement followed a joint meeting between the UDA National Executive Committee (NEC) and the NEB, chaired by Deputy Party Leader DP Kithure Kindiki.
During the meeting, party leaders resolved that the remaining counties where polls have not yet been conducted should finalise their grassroots elections early next year.
“It was resolved that the party conduct grassroots elections in the remaining 20 counties where the polls have not been held,” the statement added.
NEB Chairperson Anthony Mwaura said the notice marks the official start of the party’s election cycle.
After the registration period ends, aspirants will enter a campaign phase running until January 10, 2026, when polling centre elections are scheduled to be held simultaneously across all 20 counties.
The counties involved in the exercise include Baringo, Bomet, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kericho, Nakuru, Nandi, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Samburu, Embu, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Meru, Murang’a, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Tharaka Nithi, Kakamega, and Vihiga.
The party said the NEB will release further operational guidelines in the coming weeks, detailing protocols for polling centres and aspirant conduct during campaigns.
The grassroots elections are viewed as a critical step in shaping UDA’s internal leadership structure ahead of its wider organisational calendar for 2026.
Political analysts note that the party is consolidating its influence following recent by-election victories, including a notable win in Mbeere North, Embu County, strengthening its local foothold.
UDA first held grassroots elections in 27 areas in 2024, an exercise that drew numerous aspirants to elect ward, constituency, and county officials.
This initiative marked the party’s first major reorganisation since clinching the presidency under William Ruto in 2022.
