CIPA GOVERNANCE

Structure and Management

Financial Administration

Political parties require financial resources to sustain and operate a basic party structure. Section 23 of the Act establishes the Political Parties Fund (PPF). The PPF is administered by the Registrar with the reason to ensure that funds are used prudently. In alignment with Chapter 9 of the CIPA Constitution, the party maintains a transparent Uwazi Ledger to track all fiscal activities. The sources of funds for CIPA are:

  1. The Political Parties Fund (PPF) once full registration and electoral thresholds are met.
  2. Membership fees collected through the tiered subscription model (Ordinary, Silver, Gold, Platinum).
  3. Voluntary contributions from any lawful source.
  4. Donations, bequests, and grants from any other lawful source, not being from a non-citizen, foreign government, inter-governmental or non-governmental organization.
  5. The proceeds of any investment, project, or undertaking in which the political party has an interest.

Party Management

A party must have an organizational structure at national and county level with all relevant and elected party bodies and organs. The CIPA governing body reflects regional and ethnic diversity and representation of minorities and marginalized groups. Not more than two-thirds of the members of the governing body are of the same gender. The party demonstrates that members of the governing body meet the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution and the laws relating to ethics. Every CIPA official and organ must:

  1. Maintain a National character with a presence in at least 24 counties.
  2. Have a democratically elected governing body through the National Delegates Convention.
  3. Promote and uphold national unity.
  4. Abide by the democratic principles of good governance, promote and practice democracy through regular, fair, and free elections within the party.
  5. Respect the rights of all persons to participate in the political process, including minorities and marginalized groups.
  6. Respect and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms.
  7. Respect and promote gender equality and equity. CIPA maintains a clear management structure including roles and responsibilities and the procedures to be followed. To address potential conflicts, the party utilizes a permanent Internal Dispute Resolution Mechanism (IDRM).

Core documents maintained include:

  1. Party Constitution.
  2. Nomination rules and procedures.
  3. Internal party election rules and procedures.
  4. Party policy documents including the 10 Pillar Manifesto.
  5. Party policy reporting documents.

Political Party Records

The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties may request copies of documents to be furnished upon request. Any person who interferes, damages, or destroys any record or fails to furnish any document required commits an offence. A member of CIPA may, during working hours and on payment of the prescribed fee, inspect and obtain copies of the records maintained at the Nyamira Plaza head office or any county office. CIPA maintains accurate and authentic records including:

  1. Party nomination rules and internal election rules.
  2. Party manifesto and other policy documents.
  3. Party strategic plan 2024 to 2027.
  4. Names and contact details of party officials and party elected representatives.
  5. A digital and physical register of its members.
  6. A copy of the constitution of the political party.
  7. A copy of the policies and plans of the political party.
  8. Particulars of any contribution, donation, or pledge made by founding members.
  9. Estimates of expenditure in accordance with laws relating to public finance management.
  10. Asset register.
  11. The latest audited books of accounts.
  12. Such other relevant particulars as the Registrar may prescribe.

County Offices

CIPA county offices provide services to members and the public. Under the Hub and Spoke model, CIPA maintains offices in 27 counties.

Services provided at the county level include:

  1. Party outreach activities and party popularization of the 10 Pillars.
  2. Membership recruitment and membership list updating via the CIPA Web Portal.
  3. Maintenance of records of all party officials and elected representatives within the county.
  4. Offering a caucus platform for elected members and officials.
  5. Acting as a link for party members at the grassroots level with the head office.
  6. Preparing regular reports to the party head office.

Internal Dispute Resolution Mechanism (IDRM)

Regulation 27 of the Elections (Party Primaries and Party lists) and the Second Schedule of the PPA 2011 requires that political parties should have internal dispute resolution mechanisms. The CIPA IDRM is designed to ensure:

  1. The IDRM is independent of the party leadership and other party institutions.
  2. The procedure for dispute resolution is in writing as per the Party Constitution.
  3. Decisions of the dispute resolution are recorded in writing.
  4. Rules of natural justice apply to all hearings.
  5. The panel composition is of an odd number and decisions are made by simple majority.
  6. The IDRM hears and determines all nomination disputes expeditiously and in any case no later than 90 days to the date of the General Elections.

Political Parties Dispute Tribunal (PPDT)

The Political Parties Act, 2011 establishes the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal (PPDT). The Tribunal has the jurisdiction to determine:

  1. Disputes between the members of a political party.
  2. Disputes between political parties.
  3. Disputes between independent candidates and a political party.
  4. Disputes between Coalition partners. The Tribunal also has the jurisdiction to determine appeals from decisions of the Registrar of Political Parties. To ensure internal structures are strengthened, CIPA expects all members to utilize the robust internal party dispute resolution mechanism first. The tribunal shall not entertain matters that have not first been resolved or heard by the party’s internal IDRM.