The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has outlined the next phase of its grassroots elections, with ward-level polls scheduled across 10 counties on October 16, 17 and 31, 2026.
In a notice issued by its Electoral and Nomination Dispute Resolution Committee (ENDRC) on October 18, the party detailed the counties set to participate in the upcoming electoral rounds.
Samburu County was scheduled to hold its elections on October 16, followed by Tana River, Vihiga, Nakuru, Marsabit and Isiolo on October 17.
The final round is scheduled for October 31, covering Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi and Bomet counties.
UDA Sets Strict Deadline for Election Disputes
The party has directed aspirants dissatisfied with election outcomes to submit their complaints within 24 hours of the polls.
According to the ENDRC’s October 16 notice, the deadline forms part of the party’s internal dispute resolution procedures, aimed at addressing grievances arising from the grassroots electoral process.
The short window places pressure on candidates to raise any concerns promptly after the announcement of results.
Hundreds of Thousands Compete for Party Positions
UDA’s grassroots elections have attracted a large number of aspirants seeking leadership positions within the party’s structures.
During the initial phase, 310,651 candidates reportedly competed for approximately 237,940 positions across 12,000 polling centres in 20 counties.
Subsequent rounds and repeat elections have increased the number of participants, with reported figures surpassing 450,000. Some party officials have put the total above 500,000 as the exercise continues.
The growing number of aspirants highlights the scale of the party’s effort to establish its grassroots leadership ahead of the 2027 General Election.
How UDA’s Grassroots Leadership Structure Works
Under the party’s internal framework, each polling centre elects a 20-member committee representing different social and economic groups, including farmers, businesspeople, professionals, religious groups, young people and special-interest groups.
These committees form an electoral college responsible for selecting ward congress officials across Kenya’s 1,450 wards.
The structure is intended to provide representation for different sections of the community within the party’s grassroots leadership.
IEBC Sets Key Dates Ahead of 2027 Elections
Separately, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has outlined deadlines that political parties must meet ahead of the next General Election.
Political parties are required to submit their membership lists and details of candidates selected through primaries by March 16, 2027, while internal nomination disputes must be resolved by May 9, 2027.
These requirements form part of the preparations for the 2027 polls, as political parties organise their membership, leadership structures and candidate selection processes.
As UDA continues its grassroots elections, the outcomes are expected to shape its ward-level organisation ahead of the national electoral contest.
