Kenya’s ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has announced changes to its internal nomination schedule for upcoming by-elections in three county assembly wards.

The party’s National Elections Board (NEB), led by Chairman Anthony Mwaura, issued the notice on January 6, 2026, confirming the new timeline.

The notice affects members, aspirants, officials, and stakeholders in Evurore Ward and Muminji Ward in Embu County, and West Kabras Ward in Kakamega County. UDA plans to hold party nominations in all three wards on Saturday, 10 January 2026. Successful aspirants will represent the party in the by-elections scheduled for 26 February 2026.

Following the nominations, the party will conduct grassroots elections, known as Party Polling Centre elections, on Saturday, January 17, 2026. These internal polls elect local party officials at polling station level and help strengthen UDA’s organisation in the wards.

“The notice targets party members, aspirants, officials, and stakeholders in Evurore Ward and Muminji Ward in Embu County, as well as West Kabras Ward in Kakamega County. UDA plans to hold party nominations on Saturday, 10 January 2026 in these wards,” the notice reads.

“Aspirants compete for the chance to represent the party in the by-elections set for 26 February 2026.Following the nominations, UDA schedules grassroots elections—known as Party Polling Centre elections—for the same three wards only on Saturday, 17 January 2026. These internal polls elect local party officials at the polling station level.”

The NEB said the schedule follows the UDA Constitution, Party Nomination Rules, the Political Parties Act 2011 (as amended), and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) guidelines. The board emphasised that all participants must strictly follow these rules.

Aspirants and party members face clear requirements. They must comply with the party constitution, nomination rules, and the Code of Conduct for Political Parties. They also have to follow directives from the NEB and other electoral authorities. Eligibility, criteria, timelines, and procedures remain subject to Kenyan law and party regulations.

The three wards became vacant after recent political shifts. In Embu County, former MCAs Newton Kariuki of Muminji Ward and Duncan Mbui of Evurore Ward resigned to contest the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election in November 2025. Both lost to UDA’s Leonard Wa Muthende.

In Kakamega County, David Ndakwa stepped down from West Kabras Ward after winning the Malava Constituency parliamentary seat.

Confident ahead elections

The IEBC has gazetted the by-elections for February 26, 2026, alongside another for Isiolo South Constituency. UDA leaders expressed confidence in retaining these seats, citing their recent wins in the region.

The nomination process also marks one of the first significant tests for UDA in 2026. The party is preparing for broader grassroots elections in other counties on January 10. Members in Evurore, Muminji, and West Kabras wards now focus on the tight timeline as the nomination day approaches.

UDA officials say the revised schedule ensures transparency and allows adequate time for candidates to complete all requirements. They also urged members to remain disciplined and respect the rules.