How to join a political party online in kenya

Students who are passionate about politics and want to actively engage in shaping the country's future can join a political party. Joining a political party provides a platform to contribute to policy-making, advocacy, and political campaigns. This article serves as a guide to help students understand the process and requirements for joining a political party in Kenya.

Before you get started

1. A political party in Kenya is a legal entity with its own rights and responsibilities. It has the liberty to decide the criteria individuals need to satisfy to become a member. The party must specify the eligibility for membership in its constitution as required by the law.

2. Recruitment Process Elements

   The party's recruitment process includes several key elements:

   1. Membership Recruitment Requirements: The party's constitution should clearly outline the requirements for membership recruitment.
   2. Membership Card: The party must introduce a standardized membership card.
   3. Member Verification Form: Both the party and the member must complete the member verification form.
   4. Membership List: The party should maintain and continuously update a membership list.
3. Roles of Party Members
   1. Mobilizing citizens for party support.
   2. Engaging with and educating citizens on policies.
   3. Recruiting and electing political party leaders.
   4. Nominating party candidates for general elections and by-elections.
4. Membership Fees

   Members are required to pay membership fees as determined by the party. These fees contribute to supporting party activities and administration.

Steps to join a political party

Political parties use Party Membership Verification Forms to recruit members. These forms are filled out for each member and must be duly signed. Once a person's name is entered into the membership register, they become a member of the party.

Registering a person as a member of a political party without their consent is an offense. The party must maintain an updated and accurate party membership list, which should be accessible to both the members and the public.

Website Verification

1. Visit the Office of Registrar of Political Parties website.

2. Click on "Check your membership status" in the right-hand corner.

3. If you are a registered voter, enter the national identification or passport number that you used for registration.

SMS Shortcode Verification

1. Dial *509# on your mobile phone.

2. Enter your identification number when prompted.

3. You will then be given two options:

   • Checking party membership
   • Deregistration from or Resignation to a party

4. Select "Checking party membership" to proceed.