UDA’s election bill is rising fast, with the ruling party spending Sh1.26 billion in a single financial year and directing the bulk of its resources towards political and electoral activities ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The United Democratic Alliance recorded total expenses of Sh1.26 billion in the year ended June 30, 2026, according to its latest financial accounts.
The figure marks a sharp increase from the Sh685 million spent in the previous financial year, representing an additional Sh574 million in expenses.
The surge in spending was largely driven by advocacy and electoral activities, which consumed Sh796.9 million during the year.
This was more than three times the Sh247.7 million that the party used for the same activities in the previous financial year.
The spending means that nearly two-thirds of UDA’s total expenditure went into advocacy and electoral work as the party prepares for the August 2027 polls.
Special interest groups were allocated Sh317.1 million, compared with about Sh219.8 million in the previous year.
Administrative costs accounted for another Sh144.4 million.
Overall, the party’s expenditure grew by about 84 per cent over the financial year, even as it recorded an increase in the money coming into its accounts.
UDA reported revenue of Sh1.10 billion for the year, up from about Sh658 million recorded in 2024/25.
The increased income, however, did not match the pace of expenditure, leaving the party with a deficit of Sh154.9 million.
The Political Parties Fund provided the largest portion of UDA’s reported income, with the party recording Sh788.6 million from the fund during the financial year.
Membership fees were the second-largest source, bringing in Sh160.3 million.
Miscellaneous revenue stood at Sh98.7 million, while public contributions and donations accounted for Sh56 million.
The party reported no investment income for the year.
The Political Parties Fund is financed through public money and shared among political parties that meet the requirements set under the Political Parties Act.
A large share of the fund is distributed according to the votes political parties secured in the previous General Election, while other portions are based on elected special-interest representatives and elected representatives.
In June 2025, UDA was allocated about Sh480 million from the fund, the highest amount among political parties at the time.
The Sh788.6 million recorded in the latest accounts represents transfers from the fund captured in UDA’s financial statements during the year.
The increase in expenditure also affected the party’s financial position.
UDA’s deficit rose sharply to Sh154.9 million from about Sh13 million in the previous financial year.
Its net assets dropped from approximately Sh296.2 million to Sh141.3 million during the same period.
The financial position comes as UDA expands its political activities ahead of the 2027 election.
The party has already begun preparations for the polls, including the refurbishment of its Hustler Centre in July.
The facility previously served as the nerve centre of President William Ruto’s 2022 campaign and is expected to play a role in coordinating political mobilisation and campaign planning.
UDA has also been stepping up its grassroots activities as it seeks to strengthen its position ahead of the next election.
The party is at the centre of an emerging political realignment involving President Ruto’s UDA and the Orange Democratic Movement.
The two parties have been engaged in discussions over political cooperation ahead of the 2027 election.
In August, a team of experts started work on a joint political blueprint for the two parties.
The latest accounts come as political parties and candidates face increased attention over the cost of running election campaigns.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has already set contribution and spending limits for the 2027 election.
The limits cover areas including advertising, transport, communication, campaign staff, security and other campaign-related expenses.
UDA’s financial statements offer an indication of the money being committed by one of the country’s major political parties as preparations for the 2027 contest gather pace.
The accounts were signed by Secretary General Hassan Omar and National Chairperson Cecily Mbarire.