Martha Karua

By SOPHIAH MUTHONI and MAUREEN ABWAO

NAIROBI, KENYA: Political parties in Kenya have for the first time in the history of their existence launched strategic plans for their respective parties.

During the launch held at Panafric Hotel in Nairobi on Tuesday, leaders of eight political parties unanimously agreed the move was long overdue.

This, they said, was a chance to create a level playing ground for politics in Kenya.

Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua said the making of their strategic plan was a moment of reflection for the party.

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“It was a time to get intimate with ourselves. Find out what our strengths and weaknesses were and chart a way to where we want to go from where we are now. Any political party is targeting the seat of power and now we can boldly say here we come, armed with a road map,” she said.

UNFAIR ALLOCATION

However, Karua pointed out that funds allocation to political parties based on votes garnered was unfair as this limited the growth of the small parties.

“The allocation of funds to parties based on votes garnered in previous general elections is a misguided concept as this stagnates the growth of smaller parties thus barring them from enjoying a level playing field, which should be rectified,” said Narc-K leader.

She added that the office of the Registrar of Political Parties should be adequately funded to carry out its mandate.

Julia Ojiambo, the Labour Party of Kenya party leader, also attended the launch.

She said that the launch of the strategic plans was a needed experience especially after the last General Election. “The Labour Party has tried putting a strategic plan in place in the past but what we have done now is a much better job,” she added.

It was pointed out that the launch of the strategic plans was the first time Section 17 of the Political Parties Act was being implemented. Wouters Dol, a consultant form the Netherlands Institute for Multi-Party Democracy, said it was essential for political parties to have a strategic plan.