Political engagement in Kenya has taken a leap into the digital age, making it easier than ever for citizens to manage their political party memberships. The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) has introduced a USSD service, accessible by dialing *509#, that allows you to check your membership status, join a political party, or resign from one. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to navigate this platform.

Step One: Setting Up an Account on the ORPP Platform

To begin, you need to set up your account by dialing *509# from your phone. The process is straightforward:

1. Agree to the terms when prompted.
2. Enter your first name as it appears on your official ID.
3. When asked for identification, select the option that corresponds with the document you have, typically your national ID.
4. Input your ID number.
5. Choose your gender from the options given.
6. Confirm all the details you’ve entered.
7. Upon confirmation, you’ll receive a personal identification number (PIN) from the ORPP platform. This PIN is crucial for further actions on the platform.

Step Two: Using Your PIN on the ORPP Platform

With your PIN at hand, you can now proceed to check your membership status or manage your affiliations with political parties. Here’s how:

1. Dial *509# again and enter your PIN.
2. Select the ‘Membership’ option and choose from:
   • Checking your membership status.
   • Joining a political party.
   • Resigning from a political party.

Joining a Party

If you opt to join a party, follow these additional steps:

1. Input the PIN you received from ORPP.
2. Choose the ‘Join a Party’ option.
3. Enter the county code, constituency code, and ward code as directed. These codes help in identifying your local party chapter.
4. Type in the unique code for the party you wish to join, formatted as ‘999[party code]’, and confirm.
5. Finally, confirm your membership.

After this, the party you wish to join will receive a notification to approve or reject your request, completing the process.

The NEDP Example

For illustration, let’s consider the National Economic Development Party (NEDP). If you wanted to join this party, you would follow the procedure just as described, using the specific party code for NEDP when prompted.

The Convenience of Digital Membership Management

This USSD service represents a significant advancement in political participation. It respects your privacy and time by allowing you to handle your political affairs discretely and efficiently. No more waiting in long lines or filling out cumbersome paperwork. Whether you’re at home, work, or on the move, your political party membership management is just a few button clicks away.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ORPP’s digital platform via USSD *509# is a testament to Kenya’s commitment to enhancing democratic participation through technology. It empowers you, the voter and party member, with the tools to make your voice heard within the political landscape of the nation.

Remember, being part of a political process is a right and a privilege. With services like these, exercising that right has never been simpler.