UDA receives 5,000 tablets ahead of grassroots polls

Source: Capital FM Kenya
Author: Laban Wanambisi

NAIROBI, Kenya Apr 22 - The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) on Sunday received the first batch of 5,000 tablets to be used in grassroots elections which are set to start on April 26.

The electronic gadgets were received at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by National Election Board Chairman Anthony Mwaura, Secretary General Cleophas Malala and other party officials.

Malala has previously disclosed that the ruling party is targeting to have in place more than 500,000 officials elected in the upcoming grassroots elections.

He noted that conducting the elections digitally, will give the party's 7.8 million members a chance to elect their preferred officials right from the polling centre to the national level.

"Members will elect 20 officials at each polling centre and that will translate to 540,000 officials across the 27,000 polling centres. Officials will comprise four youths, women, and representatives of PWDs, religious leaders, professionals and farmers," he added.

UDA plans to hold phased grassroots elections in select counties this month ahead of county and national-level elections later in the year.

The first phase of UDA elections will take place on Friday, in seven counties including Nairobi, Narok, West-Pokot, Busia, and Homa Bay.

The second phase of the grassroots polls will be on June 22, 2024, in 13 counties.

These are Mombasa, Uasin Gishu, Nyandarua, Tharaka Nithi, Machakos, Kisii, Bungoma, Siaya, Taita Taveta, Wajir, Tana River, Kwale and Marsabit.

The third phase will be held on August 10 across 15 counties of Kiambu, Embu, Kericho, Meru, Migori, Kakamega, Nyamira, Kitui, Elgeyo Marakwet, Samburu, Kajiado, Mandera, Kilifi, Murang'a and Lamu.

The last phase will take place on August 24, 2024 in 12 counties.

The counties to participate are Nakuru, Bomet, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Nandi, Baringo, Turkana, Laikipia, Trans-Nzoia, Kisumu, Vihiga and Makueni.