By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, April 22, 2026 - The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) goes into a critical internal vote tomorrow, conducting grassroots elections in 22 counties as it moves with speed to organize its base ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The exercise, which is being rolled out in phases, shows a party keen to put its house in order early. Party Secretary General Hassan Omar says the intention is clear—build strong structures now and avoid the confusion that often comes just before elections.
“We want to build our grassroots networks early enough,” Hassan said. “This process is about strengthening the party from the ground and ensuring every member has a voice in shaping our future.”
He explained that the early preparations will give UDA an advantage over its rivals.
“We are not waiting for the election year. We are preparing now so that by the time we get to 2027, our structures are firm, united and ready,” UDA SG said.
In Kisumu County, preparations are complete for what officials describe as a smooth and largely digital exercise across all 35 wards.
County Returning Officer Charles Mundia said everything is in place ahead of the vote.
“All the election materials are already being transported to the region,” Mundia said. “We have over 500 polling stations ready, and our teams are on the ground to ensure the exercise runs smoothly.”
He noted that the use of digital systems will improve efficiency and transparency.
“This will help us minimize disputes and deliver credible results within a short time,” he told the UDA delegates.
The decision to conduct the elections in phases allows the party to manage the process carefully while learning from each round.
Political observers say this approach gives UDA time to fix any weaknesses and strengthen its structures as it moves across the country.
For UDA, grassroots networks are key to winning elections.
Strong ward and village structures help in mobilizing voters, spreading the party message and maintaining loyalty at the local level.
In starting early preparations, the party hopes to build a solid foundation that will carry it into the next general election.
However, internal elections in Kenya are often marked by competition and disputes.
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Positions at the grassroots can attract intense rivalry, sometimes leading to divisions within parties.
Hassan Omar acknowledged this risk but insisted the party is ready.
“Elections come with competition, but we have put in place mechanisms to handle any disputes,” he said.
“What is important is that the process is fair and that it strengthens, not weakens, the party.”
The inclusion of counties like Kisumu also points to a wider strategy.
UDA appears keen to expand its influence beyond its traditional strongholds and establish itself as a truly national party.
The party will use 588 tablets during the elections, marking a shift from manual systems previously blamed for delays and inconsistencies.
Officials and clerks have been trained ahead of the exercise to ensure they are well-equipped to handle the technology.
Mundia said each polling centre will be staffed with trained personnel, including ward coordinators and party officials, to oversee the process and assist voters where necessary.
As voting begins, attention will be on how the process unfolds and whether the party can maintain unity.
For UDA, this is not just an internal affair, it is an early test of its strength and readiness.
In moving fast and organizing early, the party is sending a clear message to its competitors: it intends to be fully prepared long before the race to 2027 starts.
According to Kisumu Vice Chair Beatrice Amondi, eyeing Women Rep post, the party has intensified efforts to mobilize members and ensure a high turnout.
Amondi said they are ready and fully prepared for the grassroots polls, she hoped would be free and fair as preparations and logistical readiness portend.