Ford Kenya goes digital in bid to enlist members

Ford Kenya (FK) has rolled out an electronic registration system for its members.

Party Secretary General Eseli Simiyu at the weekend disclosed a Short Message Service platform will be used to recruit new members.

The Tongareny MP said those who wish to enlist as members can do so by sending a text message.

He revealed that supporters who wish to be full members will be required to send a text message with their names to the code 21072 and reply to the feedback with the details requested.

Addressing supporters in Kitale, Dr Simiyu added that the process eliminates paperwork and the need to visit FK offices. “You can now register via text message instead of having to visit our offices in person. This is anticipated to ease the process by making it simple but accurate,” he said. The legislator spoke ahead of the party grassroots elections in Trans Nzoia county scheduled to take place between February and March.

There is speculation that the grassroots elections announced by party leader Moses Wetang’ula will test the unity of the party due to stiff competition between perceived factions in the grassroots leadership as members wait in earnest to elect their officials.

Mr Wetang’ula, who is also the Bungoma senator, said he will provide two motorbikes to the grassroots office to be used in assessing the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission’s voter registration.

He asked Kenyans who have attained the age of 18 years to apply for identity cards and register as voters so that they can elect their leaders.

“I will provide two motorbikes to be used by the grassroots office to ensure that you register as voters and I want to ask the elections body to ensure enough gadgets are availed to enable Kenyans register as voters without discrimination,” he said.

Wetang’ula accused the Jubilee administration of failure to handle pertinent matters. The CORD principal was accompanied by a couple of western region leaders who backed his quest to be CORD’s presidential flag bearer in the 2017 general election.