The Registrar of Political Parties Ann Nderitu has proposed that the Political Parties Fund be entrenched in the Constitution.
Appearing before the National Dialogue Committee at the Bomas of Kenya on Thursday, Nderitu said the move would ensure Parliament allocates the required funds to political parties.
"It is to be noted that the current Political Parties Fund under Section 24 of the Political Parties Act 2011, has never been realised," she said.
Nderitu said entrenching the fund in the Constitution will expand democratic space for the participation of marginalised groups in electoral processes.
Leader of Minority in the National Assembly Opiyo Wandayi concurred that the fund should be entrenched in the Constitution.
"I however do not know how entrenching it would enhance compliance on the part of the Government. For 10 years, the government has consistently failed to comply with requirements," he said.
Former CS Eugene Wamalwa said failing to allocate money for the fund as required is a threat to multi-party democracy.
Nderitu said there have been attempts in the past to do away with the fund.
"There have been very many attempts by activists and political actors to do away with the fund. Some of them have been saying the 0.3 per cent is too much," she told the committee.
Section 24 of the Political Parties Act (PPA), 2011 establishes the Political Parties Fund to be administered by the Registrar.
The Fund is distributed to eligible political parties based on legal criteria and only to be used for the Fund as outlined under Section 26 of the PPA as well as accounted for in line with principles of prudential financial management.
The main source of the Political Parties Fund is the National Government (0.3 per cent of National Revenue) with other recognized sources that may include: membership subscription fees, contributions and donations.
The fund is geared towards promoting representation in Parliament, the County Assemblies of women, persons with disabilities, youth, ethnic and other minorities and marginalised communities.
It is also meant to promote active participation by individual citizens in political life; covering election expenses of political parties and broadcasting of the policies of the party.
The money can also be used to conduct civic education.
Monies from the fund are also used to cater for administrative expenses of the party which shall not be more than 30 per cent of the monies allocated to the party.
