UDA rolls out digital grassroots elections in Kisumu, promises smooth process
By Viola Kosome, April 20, 2026The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is set to conduct its grassroots elections in Kisumu County on Thursday, with officials promising a seamless, transparent and fully digital exercise across all 35 wards.
Speaking during a sensitization forum on Monday April 20,2026, Kisumu County Returning Officer Charles Mudia shared details on the preparations.
According to Mudia, all activities set for the grassroots elections in Kisumu are complete, with election materials already being dispatched ahead of the exercise scheduled to begin early morning of Thursday, April 23, 2026.
“We will be conducting the grassroots elections from Thursday, starting at 7 a.m. The materials are already on the way, and once they arrive, we’ll begin distributing them to all the 35 wards in the county,” said Mudia.
He emphasized that the entire process will be electronic, marking a shift from previous manual systems that had been prone to delays and logistical challenges.
“The electoral process is all digital. We have 580 tablets, and each of them will be manned by a returning officer,” he explained.
According to Mudia, election officials, including returning officers, ward coordinators, and constituency coordinators, will undergo training on Wednesday to ensure they are fully prepared to manage the exercise efficiently.
“The returning officers will be trained on Wednesday morning, and we also have ward and constituency coordinators, as well as party officials, who are supporting the process,” he added.
He noted that by Thursday morning, all polling stations would be fully equipped and ready to operate, with voting expected to commence promptly.
By 7 a.m., he noted that the gadgets will be at each of the 580 polling stations and they will open the elections at 8 a.m. and continue up to 5 p.m., but no voter will be left out and every member will have a chance to vote.
The exercise will involve the election of delegates across 20 positions in each polling station, representing various party categories. These delegates will then proceed to participate in ward-level elections.
Mudia said the ongoing sensitization campaign is aimed at educating party members on the voting process and ensuring a smooth and credible election.
“What we are doing today is to explain to members how the exercise will be conducted and to ensure it is efficient, free and fair,” he said.
Addressing concerns raised from past experiences, Mudia dismissed claims that the upcoming exercise is a repeat of earlier elections, clarifying that this is the first time the party is conducting grassroots polls in the county.
He acknowledged concerns from members about delays witnessed in previous elections but expressed confidence that the adoption of technology would eliminate such challenges.
“Some members are concerned that in the past, elections started late or did not take place in some areas. But this time, because it’s electronic, the gadgets will arrive on time, be distributed on time, and the exercise will run smoothly between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.,” he said.
To boost voter turnout, Mudia called on both party members and the media to play an active role in spreading awareness about the elections.
“All the members here have come from the 35 wards, and when they go back, they will spread the message. We also expect the media to help popularize the exercise,” he said.
He stressed that the success of the elections would play a critical role in strengthening the party’s grassroots structures.
“If we elect the correct delegates, then the party will be represented from the grassroots going upwards,” he noted.
Meanwhile, a UDA member from Kisumu County, Beatrice Amondi, raised concerns over polling venues, citing challenges experienced in previous elections.
She noted that they have had concerns about the venue stating that last time they had elections, there were issues.
Amondi revealed that party officials have since engaged relevant authorities to secure appropriate venues for the upcoming exercise.
“We have communicated to the County Commissioner and the Director of Education in Kisumu County to allow us to use schools for the elections on Thursday,” she said.
She added that the party headquarters is also actively engaging members to ensure widespread awareness and participation.
“The party headquarters will keep reminding members that we have elections on Thursday, and we are anticipating a huge turnout in our polling centres,” Amondi said.
With preparations in the final stages, UDA officials remain optimistic that the digital approach, combined with enhanced coordination and sensitization, will deliver a credible and inclusive grassroots election in Kisumu County.