CSOs, faith-based groups trained to promote peace ahead of 2027 elections

EKUWAM SYLVESTER AND BECKLYNE CHERONO

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) in Uasin Gishu County have been trained on their critical role in promoting peace, unity, and democratic governance ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The sensitization forum, held at the Rift Valley Technical Training Institute (RVTTI) in Eldoret, was organized by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) as part of a broader electoral preparedness programme targeting key stakeholders in the electoral process.

Speaking during the training, ORPP North Rift Regional Coordinator Hassan Maloba emphasized the important role that CSOs and FBOs play in promoting electoral integrity and civic education.

He said the week-long programme adopted an inclusive approach by engaging political party officials, women leaders, youth representatives, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and representatives of civil society and faith-based organizations on different days.

“This training has given civil society organizations an opportunity to understand the preparedness of the IEBC, the ORPP, and other institutions for the 2027 General Election,” said Maloba.

“Today we focused on how civil society organisations can partner with ORPP to ensure we have a peaceful election in 2027. They have been trained on their role and how they can advocate for the rights of youths, PWDs and women,” he added.

Maloba noted that participants are expected to cascade the knowledge gained to their community members to ensure wider civic awareness.

“The CBOs have members in the community, so we expect them to share this information and sensitize others on their role in the coming election. They should also understand the partnership between ORPP and civil society and how political parties operate,” he said.

The ORPP sessions covered the legal and regulatory framework governing political parties in Kenya, including registration, monitoring, regulation and compliance enforcement to uphold democratic principles.

Participants were also taken through the constitutional role of civil society and faith-based organizations in promoting good governance, integrity, transparency, accountability and social justice.