UDA grassroots elections draw over 310,000 candidates, 3 million members expected to vote

The United Democratic Alliance Party (UDA) is preparing to hold what could be one of the largest grassroots party elections in the country this Saturday, with significant participation expected across the country.

According to official party data, 310,651 candidates have registered to contest various grassroots positions in 20 counties, exceeding the 237,940 party offices available. The exercise will take place in 12,000 polling centres nationwide.

An estimated three million UDA members are expected to vote, averaging about 250 voters per polling centre.

The Mt Kenya region has emerged as a major focus for the elections, with several counties reporting high candidate numbers. Meru County leads with 35,343 candidates against an initial projection of 21,000. Kiambu registered 21,000 candidates, Murang’a 20,880, Nyandarua 18,665, Nyeri 16,448, Kirinyaga 14,000, and Embu 15,881.

In the Rift Valley, Nakuru County recorded 30,010 candidates, Laikipia 2,958, and Bomet 25,350. Other counties in the region include Nandi with 15,220, Uasin Gishu 13,570, Kericho 5,967, Baringo 11,842, Samburu 4,386, and Elgeyo/Marakwet 7,236.

Western Kenya also saw strong participation, with Kakamega registering 32,677 candidates, Vihiga 7,327, and Trans Nzoia 7,825.

Overall, 223,425 candidates will face contests, while 80,038 are unopposed.