Why Manyora wants political parties denied funds

By Peter Ochieng

Political analyst Herman Manyora seemingly wants political parties denied funding.

The University of Nairobi lecturer says the money being given to political parties, should instead be directed to other ‘worthy undertakings’ such as research.

“0.3 per cent of government revenue is set aside, by law, to be given to political parties to finance elections. Now, consider how much the country would gain if this money was set aside for research. We all know that political parties belong to individuals and that this money is just squandered,” the popular analyst wrote on X.

“Can’t we therefore think of giving this money to universities and research institutions like Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI – CDC) Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) etc? This is what serious nations do. Just try finding out how much money Germany sets aside for research. It’s mind boggling,” he added.

His remarks come days after registrar of political parties Ann Nderitu suggested that the political parties fund be anchored in the constitution. She spoke while appearing before the Kenya Kwanza – Azimio bipartisan committee talks at the Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi.

Meanwhile, president William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Raila Odinga led Orange Democratic Party (ODM) parties are set to get the lion’s share, of the political party’s fund to be shared among 48 political parties in the 2023/2024 financial year.

Nderitu in a gazette notice said that UDA will be allocated Sh576,872,461 while ODM party will receive Sh308,150,345 from the exchequer.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by sections 23, 25 and 34 (b) of the Political Parties Act, 2011, and Regulation 6 (c) of the Political Parties (Funding) Regulations, 2019, the Registrar of Political Parties gives notice that the following forty-eight (48) political parties are eligible to receive funds from the Political Parties Fund (PPF) during the Financial Year 2023/2024,” reads the notice in part.

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jubilee will receive Sh135,159,014 followed by Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper party, which will land an allocation of Sh72,186,938.

United Democratic Movement (UDM) which will receive Sh26,871,436, ANC will get Sh26,606,510 while Ford Kenya has been allocated Sh25,848,652.