Political Parties office gets Sh213 million boost in pre-election budget

The government has proposed increased funding to support political parties, fight corruption, and strengthen justice institutions ahead of the 2027 General Election, with the office of the Registrar of Political Parties receiving an additional Sh213.2 million in the latest budget estimates.

The National Treasury has allocated a total of Sh1.93 billion in recurrent expenditure to the Registrar's office, up from Sh1.72 billion in the current financial year. According to the estimates presented to the National Assembly, the funding will cater to political party operations, oversight, and education initiatives.

Of the total allocation, Sh1.42 billion will go towards political party funding, while Sh494.6 million has been set aside for the registration and regulation of parties. An additional Sh14.04 million is earmarked for partnerships and civic education. The office, led by Anne Nderitu, is expected to play a central role in ensuring political party compliance and education as the country prepares for the next election cycle.

The budget further outlines projections that the allocation will grow to Sh2.08 billion in the 2026/2027 financial year and Sh2.15 billion in 2027/2028, reflecting the expected expansion of activities as the election draws closer.

Meanwhile, the fight against corruption has also received more attention in the new budget, with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission allocated Sh4.36 billion for the financial year beginning July 1. This is a Sh165.8 million increase from the current year’s allocation of Sh4.2 billion.

The commission is expected to investigate 1,310 cases of corruption and economic crimes, finalise 300 files involving ethical breaches in high-impact cases, and assess 255 declarations of income, assets, and liabilities.

In addition to investigations, the commission aims to trace and recover assets worth Sh19.2 billion believed to have been acquired through corrupt means. The agency will also work to raise awareness among 90 million people, conduct 27 system reviews, and issue 600 advisories on bribery prevention and control. A total of 210 institutions will also be assessed for compliance with anti-corruption measures.

“To achieve this, 440 integrity officers and a total of 1,200 learners will be sensitised, and 30 institutions supported on implementation of gifts, donations and conflict of interest,” reads the budget statement.

Recent high-profile cases have put a spotlight on the commission’s operations. These include investigations involving Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi and former governor Ferdinand Waititu.

Other security and justice institutions have also seen shifts in funding. The National Intelligence Service will receive Sh51.4 billion, down from Sh55 billion. However, funding is expected to rise to Sh55.67 billion in 2026/2027 and Sh63.3 billion in 2027/2028.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has been allocated Sh4.18 billion for the next financial year, a reduction of Sh38.7 million from the current recurrent budget. The allocation is projected to grow to Sh4.9 billion in 2026/2027 and Sh5.25 billion in 2027/2028.

“In the fiscal years 2025/26 to 2027/28, the ODPP will enhance its public prosecutions services programme. This enhancement will prioritise the prosecution of corruption cases, expedite the processing of investigative files, facilitate support for victims and witnesses, and fully operationalise the Prosecution Training Institute, nationwide rollout of the Uadilifu Case Management System, and build prosecutors' capacity to handle emerging crimes."

The Witness Protection Agency will also receive an increased allocation of Sh841.2 million, up from Sh723.1 million. The agency plans to manage about 150 protected witnesses, each with an average of five accompanying individuals.

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