Why independents deserve State funding for their campaigns

(Photo: Courtesy)

As the country heads to the final stretch of the 2017 General Election, the issue of campaign funding for independent candidates should be put on the political agenda, discussed and conclusively addressed. With close to 5,000 contestants on the independent ticket right from the presidency to members of County Assembly, this country cannot wish away the reality of funding for this huge body of candidates who have constitutionally secured nominations.

While mainstream parties and their respective candidates are engaged in massive spending on campaigns, independent candidates have been left to fend for themselves. And given the hard economic times, the political playing field cannot be said to be even for independents vis-à-vis those fronted by political parties.