Quick Answer
Qualifying political parties receive public money through the Political Parties Fund, drawn from the national budget and shared mainly according to the votes and seats a party wins.
Key facts
- The Political Parties Fund provides public money to parties.
- It receives at least 0.3% of national government revenue.
- Money is shared mainly by votes and seats won.
- Parties must account for the funds they receive.
What the Fund is
The Political Parties Fund is public money set aside to support political parties, so they are not wholly dependent on private donors. By law it receives at least 0.3% of the national government’s revenue.
The qualifying threshold and the exact distribution split have been changed by amendments over time — confirm the current rules before publishing.
Who qualifies
Money is reserved for parties that meet a minimum threshold of votes and elected representation, and is then shared largely in proportion to the support each party won. Small or new parties may not qualify.
The rules on party money
Parties must account for public funds, and there are limits and disclosure rules on other sources of money. The aim is to make party financing more transparent and less captured by wealthy interests.
Why this matters to you
Who funds a party shapes whose interests it serves. Public funding — and the rules around private money — is meant to keep parties answerable to voters rather than financiers.
Frequently asked questions
Do parties get public money?
Yes — qualifying parties receive money from the Political Parties Fund.
How is the money shared?
Mainly in proportion to the votes and seats each qualifying party wins.
Must parties account for it?
Yes — there are accounting and disclosure rules on party finances.
Sources & references
- Political Parties Act, 2011 — kenyalaw.org
- Office of the Registrar of Political Parties — orpp.or.ke