By Vitalis Kimutai and Rawlings Otieno
The 180-day window for parties to comply with Political Parties Act ended on Monday, with more than eight political parties failing to beat the deadline.
Registrar of Political Parties Lucy Ndungâu said 24 parties had been issued with compliance certificates, while 22 others were awaiting to be issued with registration documents.
Sisi Kwa Sisi, Saba Saba Asili and Federal Party of Kenya on Munday rushed to beat the deadline.
Three other parties, Ford Kenya associated with Trade minister Moses Wetangula, Ford People led by former Cabinet minister Henry Obwocha and Peopleâs Party of Kenya received their certificates on Monday.
Ndungâu pointed out that parties that had not applied for registration could still seek provisional certificate to continue operating for a month pending application for full registration in 180 days.
Parties that failed to comply by the law as at 5pm on Monday include Ford Asili, Party of Hope, Kenya National Democratic Alliance and Farmers Party.
apply afresh
Others are Vipa Progressive Party and Kenya African Democratic and Development Union headed by Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo, who has since shifted allegiance to United Republican Party (URP) headed by Eldoret North MP William Ruto.
Ms Ndungâu said parties that have not presented their papers for full compliance with the Act could still follow the process and apply afresh for registration.
State officers according to the new Act are not allowed to hold any position in political parties, but the Registrar has issued compliance certificates to parties that have Cabinet ministers as officials.
Section 22 (2) of the Political Parties Act 2011 does not allow the president, his deputy president, prime minister, MPs, governor, deputy governor and members of County Assembly to hold positions in political parties. Internal Security minister George Saitoti remains chairman of Party of National Unity while Transport Minister Amos Kimunya is the secretary general. President Kibaki is listed as party leader.
